Annual Events
St. Viator Elementary School hosts a variety of events for both our school families and the surrounding Northwest community. We are always adding new and creative activities to this list. Be sure you check back to stay informed about upcoming events on the St. Viator campus!
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FALL EVENTS
PARENT’S NIGHT
Held at the beginning of the school year, this evening event brings together the faculty, staff, and parents.
It starts in the gym where new parents have the opportunity to meet current parents. There are parent groups present, sharing how parents get involved in the school community. After a presentation from the principal, parents proceed to the school. They will go to your child’s room where the teachers will outline their plans for the year and address any questions parents may have. Afterwards, parents usually gather at a local establishment to continue socializing.
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JOG-A-WALKY
This is one of our classic fundraising events, as well as one of our most successful. Students solicit pledges for a 30-35 lap “fun run” and earn prizes along the way. On the day of the run, our parent volunteer set the course and create the fun for a great run! Think music, balloons, bubbles, and fun themes. Parents and families are encouraged to attend the run to cheer on their students.
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MOVIES IN THE LOT
The St. Viator parking lot becomes a drive-in theater on select Fridays evenings in the Fall. Movie nights are open to the public, with a suggested donation for all attendees. Concessions are available as well. Bring your chairs or blankets and join us for a movie!
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HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES:
St. Viator Elementary School hosts an annual Halloween Party for the middle school students. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students dress in their spookiest costumes and dance the evening away!
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On the Saturday before Halloween, we host our annual Trunk-or-Treat. We use the cars to set a perimeter in the parking lot, making a safe space for kids to visit the decorated trunks and collect goodies! Admission tickets are available on-site, and food and beverages are available for purchase. This event is open to all of our neighborhood friends.
INTRAMURAL TOURNAMENTS
St. Viator Elementary School has a reputation for an active Athletic Association and a great gymnasium. These two assets are highlighted during our various intramural tournaments. In the Fall, the boys take to the basketball courts while the girls cheer on the teams. In the Winter, we change it around; the girls hoop it up and the boys show their spirit. The Springtime brings the co-ed volleyball tournament to the gym. With concessions served all weekend long, this is a social event for all of our school families. Intramural tournaments are open to the public as well.
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PRIMARY GYM
This free-play, open-gym program runs from the Fall through the Spring. Children 3 years old and up to the Third Grade can come and enjoy the gym from November through April. Organizers set up a variety of play apparatus, mats, and sports equipment to keep the children entertained. Of course, there is plenty of room to run around and get out some energy. This activity is open to all St. Viator families as well as families of the community and is available for a one-time fee.
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WIGGLES & GIGGLES
Similar to our Primary Gym program, Wiggles & Giggles is an open-gym playtime. This event is geared toward younger children ages newborn through 4 years in age. Age-appropriate play activities and toys are arranged on our gym mats so little ones can play with similar-aged friends. This activity is open to all St. Viator families as well as families of the community. All parents and caregivers are welcome!
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WINTER EVENTS
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WINTERFEST
The St. Viator Winterfest is the first weekend of December. This event is open to the public and brings together the entire St. Viator community. Featuring both indoor and outdoor activities, attractions include crafts sponsored by our ArtZone Committee, cookie decorating, hot cocoa tent, an evening movie, and a variety of food and drinks throughout the weekend. Santa always remembers to stop by Winterfest for photos!
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SANTA'S WORKSHOP
The Parent’s Club hosts a Santa’s Workshop for the students. The week after Winterfest, St. Viator Elementary School students have a chance to Christmas shop on their own for their families. Older students help the younger ones as they decide on that perfect gift for their family members. Parent volunteers help with the shopping, wrapping, and check-out to give our little shoppers the complete experience.
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CHRISTMAS SHOW
St. Viator Elementary School holds an annual Christmas show. Starting with the PreK-4 classes, each grade presents songs from the season, pulling from both popular and religious traditions. Parents clamor for good seats for the whole family. This event is geared towards St. Viator Elementary School families.​
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TRIVIA NIGHT
This 8th-grade fundraiser brings together adult friends of St. Viator for a night of trivia fun. The popularity of Trivia Night has moved the event from the Church Hall to the Gymnasium, and it keeps growing! This friendly competition features a cash prize, a 50/50 “Split the Pot” raffle and a trophy specifically for the winning St. Viator team. Whether from the school or the larger community, everyone is up for this trivial pursuit. It’s hard to say which is more creative, the team names or the table decorations!
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SPRING EVENTS
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S.T.E.A.M. NIGHT
Students from St. Patrick’s High School come to St. Viator Elementary School for an evening of STEAM-related activities. Students move through a variety of stations exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math themes through hands-on projects. The night is open to St. Viator Elementary School students and their families.
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SPRING BLUE & GOLD GALA
Heralded as one of our primary fundraising events, the Spring Soiree is a chance for the adults of St. Viator to enjoy an evening of food, drinks, and festivities. This event brings together families, parishioners, alumni and new friends of St. Viator for dinner, dancing, silent auctions and more. The event has been held in our gym, banquet halls, and even a private car museum around the Old Irving Park neighborhood. While many items are up for auction, the “Classroom Treasures” highlighting our students' artwork are often the most popular and win the highest bids.
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READING NIGHT
Reading Night happens each Spring and highlights the adventure in reading. Parent Volunteers and teachers organize this event where students move between various stations to learn about authors, create fun book-related items, read excerpts from books, and celebrate all things book-related. This event is geared towards St. Viator Elementary families and is free for all students.​
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SUMMER EVENTS
SUMMER CAMP
Summertime means camp! St. Viator Elementary School a summer camp following the completion of the school year. Available to St. Viator students who will enter Kindergarten through 8th grade in the Fall, this camp is run by current and former teachers from the school, and we bring in outside vendors for additional activities.
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Mornings begin with classroom instruction to prevent the "summer slide". Current teachers will instruct students on math and reading lessons so they don't slump. In the afternoon, the campers get active! There might be bucket-drum circles, arts & crafts, recorder lessons, sports, or playground fun!​