Class of 2025
WE LOOK FORWARD to an extraordinary year for our 8th-grade students. We want our students to embrace this pivotal year as they prepare for the shift to high school academics and activities while building memories with their fellow Buckeyes. This page will serve as “command central” for all 8th-grade Events and Activities. Partnering with our parents/guardians ensures strong communication and support for the busy year ahead.
To start the year, we invite you all to complete a few steps:
- REGISTER for a parent volunteer role that interests you (every family must sign up for at least one role). please register by August 30.
- CONSIDER the High School Placement Test (HSPT) offered by Dr. Matt O’Keefe. We highly recommend this course (Thursday afternoons in November) or something similar for those students who plan to take an admissions test at an area Catholic school on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Spots are limited; prompt registration is encouraged.
Update - the Thursday class is now sold out, but there is a Saturday option to consider - PAY the required 8th Grade Activity Fee. Cash or check returned to school by September 30, 2024
EVENTS OUTLINE
The 8th-grade events would not be possible without the parents' support, creativity, and dedication. We have done our best to outline the year ahead, and we encourage you to mark these dates on your calendar now; dates may be subject to change. After the committees are finalized and as the event dates draw closer, we will share more details specific to exact event times and procedures.
CLASS SHIRTS, Every Wednesday
Students may wear their Class of 2025 shirt paired with uniform bottoms every Wednesday. Shirts will be distributed at school in late September.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Students may wear their Class of 2025 shirt paired with uniform bottoms every Wednesday. Shirts will be distributed at school in late September.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
MASS OF REMEMBRANCE, Tuesday, September 10 at 8:45am in Church
Parish-wide event. The 8th-grade students will lead our weekly school mass and share the story of Welles Crowther, The Man in the Red Bandana. We invite all parents/guardians and grandparents to attend this beautiful mass of remembrance. learn more
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Parish-wide event. The 8th-grade students will lead our weekly school mass and share the story of Welles Crowther, The Man in the Red Bandana. We invite all parents/guardians and grandparents to attend this beautiful mass of remembrance. learn more
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
HIGH SCHOOL FAIR, Tuesday, September 24
Student-only event. Area Catholic High Schools will present an admissions overview.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and the Archdiocese of Chicago
Student-only event. Area Catholic High Schools will present an admissions overview.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and the Archdiocese of Chicago
SPECIAL OLYMPICS VOLUNTEER DAY, Thursday, September 26
Student-only event, off-campus event during the school day.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
ACTIVITY FEE PAYMENT 1 DUE, Monday, September 30
The activity fee for the year is $325. Families may pay in full or two equal payments (Sept-30 and Nov-25) of $162.50
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
CONFIRMATION CANDIDATE AND SPONSOR NIGHT, Tuesday, October 1 at 7pm in Church
Night of Reflection for students and their sponsors (or parent/guardian); only students making their Sacrament of Confirmation are required to attend.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
Night of Reflection for students and their sponsors (or parent/guardian); only students making their Sacrament of Confirmation are required to attend.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
CONFIRMATION PROMISES SACRAMENT MASS, Sunday, October 6 at 10am in Church
Confirmation Candidates and parents will come to a special Mass to make their Confirmation promises and be enrolled as Confirmation Candidates.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
Confirmation Candidates and parents will come to a special Mass to make their Confirmation promises and be enrolled as Confirmation Candidates.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
HOMECOMING PEP RALLY, Thursday, October 10 at 10:30am
Event honoring Fall Sports student-athletes. 8th grade parents are welcome to attend.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School Athletic Board
Event honoring Fall Sports student-athletes. 8th grade parents are welcome to attend.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School Athletic Board
HOMECOMING CAR PARADE AND FOOTBALL GAMES, Saturday, October 12, times TBD
All football game day celebration
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas Football Coordinator and The 8th Grade Parent Committee
All football game day celebration
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas Football Coordinator and The 8th Grade Parent Committee
8TH GRADE CLASS PICTURES, Wednesday, October 16 at School
Student-only event during the day. Dress clothes suggested. More details and ordering information to come
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Student-only event during the day. Dress clothes suggested. More details and ordering information to come
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
8TH GRADE HALLOWEEN DANCE, Friday, October 25 at School
Costume evening event for students + parent volunteers.
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee
Costume evening event for students + parent volunteers.
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee
PACK THE HOUSE: GIRLS BASKETBALL, date TBD: likely October, School Gym
Evening event honoring student-athletes at one of their final home games, parents are encouraged to attend,
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee & Athletic Board
Evening event honoring student-athletes at one of their final home games, parents are encouraged to attend,
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee & Athletic Board
CONFIRMATION FEE DUE, Friday, November 8
The $55 Sacrament fee is payable to St. Barnabas Parish. Submit cash or check to Mrs. McGowan
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
CHRISTMAS LUMINARY SERVICE PROJECT, November and December
Student service event + parent volunteers. Working with Mrs. McGowan and the parent volunteers, students assemble luminary kits to sell throughout the parish. Additional after-school & weekend volunteer hours for students + parent volunteers.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and The 8th Grade Parent Committee
Student service event + parent volunteers. Working with Mrs. McGowan and the parent volunteers, students assemble luminary kits to sell throughout the parish. Additional after-school & weekend volunteer hours for students + parent volunteers.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and The 8th Grade Parent Committee
ACTIVITY FEE PAYMENT 2 DUE Monday, November 25
If the activity fee balance was not paid in full in September, payment 2 of $162.50 is due.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
If the activity fee balance was not paid in full in September, payment 2 of $162.50 is due.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
HIGH SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAM PRAYER SERVICE, Friday, December 6 at 2pm
Student reflection at the Church, parents/guardians are welcome to join us.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Student reflection at the Church, parents/guardians are welcome to join us.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
HSPT, Saturday, December 7 at ~ 8am
High School entrance exam for Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic High Schools, coordinated directly by families.
High School entrance exam for Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic High Schools, coordinated directly by families.
- Coordinated independently by families and the high schools
HSPT BOWLING PARTY, Saturday, December 7, time and location TBD
Student event + parent volunteers celebrating the High School Entrance Exam at a local bowling alley. NOTE: Men's Club Progressive this evening.
- Coordinated by Parent Committee
Student event + parent volunteers celebrating the High School Entrance Exam at a local bowling alley. NOTE: Men's Club Progressive this evening.
- Coordinated by Parent Committee
CONFIRMATION RETREAT, Tuesday, December 10
Student-only event during the school day. An additional Confirmation Retreat will likely be held off-campus at St. Rita High School; more details to come!
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
Student-only event during the school day. An additional Confirmation Retreat will likely be held off-campus at St. Rita High School; more details to come!
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
SENIOR FRIENDS & GRANDPARENTS LUNCH, Wednesday, December 11, 12:30pm
Student event + parent volunteers. Families are asked to help contribute desserts, beverages, and decor.
- Coordinated by Parent Committee
Student event + parent volunteers. Families are asked to help contribute desserts, beverages, and decor.
- Coordinated by Parent Committee
BISHOP’S LETTER AND CONFIRMATION BANNER DUE, Friday, January 10
Confirmandi will hand in two assignments: a one-page, double-spaced letter to the Bishop requesting to be Confirmed and their completed Confirmation Banner. Mrs. McGowan will give the students the assignment details. Parent volunteers will be asked to coordinate the banner assembly
Confirmandi will hand in two assignments: a one-page, double-spaced letter to the Bishop requesting to be Confirmed and their completed Confirmation Banner. Mrs. McGowan will give the students the assignment details. Parent volunteers will be asked to coordinate the banner assembly
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parent Committee
CONFIRMATION INTERVIEWS WITH PASTOR, Monday, January 27 - Friday, February 7
Confirmandi interviews with the pastor for 30 minutes. St. Barnabas School students will interview during the school day some time during these two weeks. More details to follow after Christmas.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
CONFIRMATION INTERVIEWS WITH PASTOR, Monday, January 27 - Friday, February 7
Confirmandi interviews with the pastor for 30 minutes. St. Barnabas School students will interview during the school day some time during these two weeks. More details to follow after Christmas.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
PACK THE HOUSE: GIRLS VOLLEYBALL, date TBD: likely February, School Gym
Evening event honoring student-athletes at one of their final home games, parents are encouraged to attend,
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee & Athletic Board
Evening event honoring student-athletes at one of their final home games, parents are encouraged to attend,
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee & Athletic Board
PACK THE HOUSE: BOYS BASKETBALL, date TBD: likely February, School Gym
Evening event honoring student-athletes at one of their final home games, parents are encouraged to attend,
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee & Athletic Board
Evening event honoring student-athletes at one of their final home games, parents are encouraged to attend,
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee & Athletic Board
CONFIRMATION REHEARSAL, Tuesday, February 18 at 7pm in Church
Students and their sponsors (or parent/guardian); only students making their Sacrament of Confirmation are required to attend.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
Students and their sponsors (or parent/guardian); only students making their Sacrament of Confirmation are required to attend.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION, Friday, February 21. 7pm Mass, 6:30pm student arrival, in Church
Parents and families are welcome; all 8th-grade students are encouraged to attend mass.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
Parents and families are welcome; all 8th-grade students are encouraged to attend mass.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
STATIONS OF THE CROSS, Friday, April 11 at 1:45pm in Church
School event at the church; parents/guardians are welcome to join us.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
School event at the church; parents/guardians are welcome to join us.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
PACK THE HOUSE: BOYS VOLLEYBALL, date TBD: likely April, School Gym
Evening event honoring student-athletes at one of their final home games, parents are encouraged to attend,
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee & Athletic Board
Evening event honoring student-athletes at one of their final home games, parents are encouraged to attend,
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee & Athletic Board
RIBBON MASS, Sunday, May 4 at 10am in Church
Students will receive a blessing and a commemorative ribbon for classmates to sign.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas Parish
MAY CROWNING, Friday, May 9 at 1:45pm in Church
Prayer service honoring the Blessed Mother. The 2nd-grade and 8th-grade students participate in the all-school service, and the 8th-grade Student Council Commissioner of Religious Affairs will crown Mother Mary.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
PACK THE PARK: VARSITY SOCCER , likely in May
Daytime event honoring student-athletes at one of their final home games, parents are encouraged to attend,
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee & Athletic Board
CLASS TRIP, location, and date TBD
Annual class trip for students (one-day event); past events have included a trip to the White Sox Game and The Forge.
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee
DINNER DANCE, Saturday, May 17, 6:30pm - 10pm
An off-campus evening of dinner and dancing for students; held at The Vineyard- Barraco’s on 95th
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee
ARTS & ATHLETIC BANQUET, May date and time still need to be arranged
An optional Dinner and Awards banquet honors students for their achievements over the years in St. Barnabas arts (band and theater) and athletics. The host will collect an additional fee for attendees,
Coordinated by The St. Barnabas Athletic Board and The 8th Grade Parent Committee
CLAP OUT, Thursday, May 22
Last full day of school for 8th-grade students. Students walk the halls and are “clapped out” by the younger students. Parents/Guardians are welcome to join us at the Main Entrance as students exit the building.
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
SPIRIT DAY, Friday, May 23
Annual day of student games. All grade levels attend.
Students will receive a blessing and a commemorative ribbon for classmates to sign.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas Parish
MAY CROWNING, Friday, May 9 at 1:45pm in Church
Prayer service honoring the Blessed Mother. The 2nd-grade and 8th-grade students participate in the all-school service, and the 8th-grade Student Council Commissioner of Religious Affairs will crown Mother Mary.
- Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
PACK THE PARK: VARSITY SOCCER , likely in May
Daytime event honoring student-athletes at one of their final home games, parents are encouraged to attend,
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee & Athletic Board
CLASS TRIP, location, and date TBD
Annual class trip for students (one-day event); past events have included a trip to the White Sox Game and The Forge.
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee
DINNER DANCE, Saturday, May 17, 6:30pm - 10pm
An off-campus evening of dinner and dancing for students; held at The Vineyard- Barraco’s on 95th
- Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee
ARTS & ATHLETIC BANQUET, May date and time still need to be arranged
An optional Dinner and Awards banquet honors students for their achievements over the years in St. Barnabas arts (band and theater) and athletics. The host will collect an additional fee for attendees,
Coordinated by The St. Barnabas Athletic Board and The 8th Grade Parent Committee
CLAP OUT, Thursday, May 22
Last full day of school for 8th-grade students. Students walk the halls and are “clapped out” by the younger students. Parents/Guardians are welcome to join us at the Main Entrance as students exit the building.
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
SPIRIT DAY, Friday, May 23
Annual day of student games. All grade levels attend.
Coordinated by The St. Barnabas School FSA
GRAD WEEK, Tuesday, May May 27 - Friday, May 30
Students do not attend traditional classes this week and are on an alternate - 8th grade-only schedule.
GRAD WEEK, Tuesday, May May 27 - Friday, May 30
Students do not attend traditional classes this week and are on an alternate - 8th grade-only schedule.
CLASS OF 2025 RETREAT - Tuesday, May 28, 7:45am - 8pm
Students will spend a day in prayer, reflection, community building, and fun. The goal of the retreat is to strengthen their relationships with God, themselves, and one another as they prepare for this important transition in their lives.
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
GRADUATION PRACTICE & PICNIC - Wednesday, May 28, 10am - 1:30pm
Student graduation practice at the Church, followed by a student picnic and games on the convent lawn. Students should bring a picnic bag lunch.
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Students will spend a day in prayer, reflection, community building, and fun. The goal of the retreat is to strengthen their relationships with God, themselves, and one another as they prepare for this important transition in their lives.
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
GRADUATION PRACTICE & PICNIC - Wednesday, May 28, 10am - 1:30pm
Student graduation practice at the Church, followed by a student picnic and games on the convent lawn. Students should bring a picnic bag lunch.
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Student achievements at St. Barnabas are celebrated, and some area clubs and high schools will be present to award scholarship achievements.
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
YARD SIGN PICK-UP - Thursday, May 29
Celebrate the graduates with a custom St. Barnabas yard sign for your front lawn!
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
Celebrate the graduates with a custom St. Barnabas yard sign for your front lawn!
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School
GRADUATION CEREMONY & LITURGY, Friday, May 30 at 7pm in Church
The graduation is a liturgy and ceremony. Extended family members are welcome; there is no guest limit. Seating is open throughout the Church and is not assigned or reserved in advance. Church doors open for seating beginning at 6:30pm
Coordinated by St. Barnabas School and Parish
STUDENT & PARENT GRADUATION AFTER PARTY, Friday, May 30 at approximately 9pm, off-campus
Optional post-graduation party for students and parents. This event is not coordinated through the school and is an off-campus event. The host may collect an additional fee.
Optional post-graduation party for students and parents. This event is not coordinated through the school and is an off-campus event. The host may collect an additional fee.
Coordinated by The 8th Grade Parent Committee