St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School engages students in academic excellence while guiding them to live as a reflection of Jesus.  We believe that learning extends beyond the classroom and that being part of a school community enriches the lives of our students and families.  To provide additional activities for students, we rely on the generosity, time, and creativity of volunteers.  

We ask that each family prayerfully consider the gifts that can be shared within our school community.  Volunteers can range from students, parents, guardians, aunts, uncles and parishioners.  We recognize the unique gifts of talents of every individual and believe that there is a place for everyone within our school community to impact our students’ success!

Volunteers provide invaluable assistance and improve the quality of the educational experience for our students. Please keep in mind that all volunteers are required by the Diocese to complete a criminal background check, Standards of Ministerial Behavior form, and online Virtus training class. 

A recent budget breakdown indicates the cost of educating a student at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is $6,786 per student, far more than the actual tuition rate of $4,975. Donating your time and/or talent is what helps to offset the difference. The more people become involved in our school programs and activities, the more St. Anthony will become a more vibrant community. 

Thank you for offering your time and talents. We look forward to working with you! 

Home & School

The Home and School Association serves as a link between parents and the school. This group plans social activities both in and out of school, fundraises for the school, and supports teachers and administration in a variety of ways. Are you interested in learning more about Home & School, helping out in the classroom, or being involved with our family events? We would love to hear from you. Fill out a quick survey to let us know how you would like to volunteer. Click here to learn more! All parents are encouraged and welcome to attend the monthly meetings.

Recess / Lunch Supervisors

We need playground and lunch supervisors this school year. The school office will work with your schedule. Playground workers are needed from 11:15am to 12:30pm and lunch supervisors are needed from 11:30 am – 12:50 pm. Workers receive a $12 stipend towards tuition each time they work (applied bi-annually to tuition). If you are available to help, please contact the school office at 616-453-8229, ext. 200 or schooloffice@saparish.com.

Guardians

St. Anthony school believes that having positive male role models involved in the school day will improve student performance and is critical to the education process.   Our dads and the men of our school can strengthen the school environment, mentor and tutor students, share their faith and work experience, and demonstrate through their actions how much they value their child’s education.  The GUARDIANS program invites and brings our fathers, grandfathers, and father figures into the school in an organized and intentional manner to support our academic, social, and spiritual mission.  Our dads and dad figures are up to the task! GUARDIAN volunteer days will be scheduled every Friday throughout the school year. Learn more about the program here. Contact the school office to sign up to be a Guardian.

Athletic Coaching

St, Anthony offers an extensive sports program to students in grades 3 through 8. Soccer, basketball, football, cheerleading, volleyball, lacrosse, tennis, track, cross country, softball, and baseball are offered. St. Anthony participates in Diocesean Interscholastic Athletics through the Grand Rapids Area Catholic Elementary Athletic Council (GRACEAC) and the Catholic United League. Coaches are needed for all sports. If you are interested in coaching, contact Mr. Wieber or email athletics@saparish.com

Athletic Boosters

Athletic Boosters is responsible for supporting the Athletic programs of the school both through volunteerism and fundraising. They coordinate the volunteers to run the concession stand, score tables, entry gates, and various athletic fundraisers throughout the year.  It takes many hands and all parents are highly encouraged to volunteer. Email athletics@saparish.com or the school office at schooloffice@saparish.com to get involved.

Board of Education Committees

The Board of Education is a board of limited jurisdiction that serves the school, faith formation, and youth ministry in a variety of ways. Members of the board are appointed by the Pastor and are responsible for chairing a specific committee. Members of the school and parish community are encouraged to serve on one of the committees: Building and Grounds, Finance, Mission Effectiveness, Marketing, Development, Community Outreach, and Wellness. To learn more about a specific committee, email Principal Pudelko at jpudelko@saparish.com.

Theatre Volunteer

Each year, St. Anthony of Padua Theatre Club presents a musical and play. Students in 6th – 8th grade are encouraged to participate either onstage or backstage. Volunteers are needed to help build sets, create costumes and props, and help backstage the weekend of the show. If you are interested in getting involved, contact the school office.

Extracurricular Leadership

St. Anthony of Padua is always looking to add extracurricular after-school clubs to enhance student learning. If you have a specific skill or talent or just like being with kids, please reach out to Mrs. Pudelko or Mr. Wieber to share your ideas.