HEAD'S UPdate - Weekly Newsletter

Welcome to "HEAD'S UPdate," the school community's primary source for all news, notes, and daily announcements. Bookmark this page and visit often to stay updated on all school news, announcements, and important information.

Message from the Head of School

Hear from Fr. Murray

Hear from Fr. Murray

April 10, 2026

Dear Prep Community,

Of all the seasons in the Christian calendar, Easter is most deeply marked by hope. We live in a world where we are constantly aware of international conflict, gun violence, and human suffering—realities that can stir fear, anxiety, and sorrow. Yet, the empty tomb of Jesus speaks a different message. It offers hope and reassurance, lifting our hearts and reminding us of God’s enduring promise, even amid life’s challenges.

Easter is not simply a moment in history; it is a living invitation from our Risen Lord. He calls us to bring our whole selves—our joys and hopes, our fears and struggles—to the empty tomb, and to listen for His voice in our lives. This sacred season invites us to reflect more deeply on our faith and to find renewed comfort and connection in our relationship with God.

During this Easter Season, I invite you to hold close the hope born of Jesus’ resurrection. When difficulties arise, may the promise of eternal life be a source of strength and peace, easing our burdens and guiding us forward with confidence and trust.

Wishing you a blessed and hope-filled Easter Season. May this time draw us closer to God and to one another as a community.

In Christ through Augustine,

Fr. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A., Ph.D.
Head of School

Message from the 8th Grade Director

Hear from Mrs. Keats

Hear from Mrs. Keats

March 20, 2026

Dear Eighth Grade Parents,

It has certainly been an eventful month. From field trips to snowstorms and even water outages, each experience has added to a season full of learning, flexibility, and memorable moments.

Some of the highlights:

February 19

The field trip to Eastern State Penitentiary and the Simeone Car Museum was a memorable and engaging experience. At the penitentiary, highlights included seeing Al Capone’s cell and stepping inside a prison cell, which gave students a powerful glimpse into what life was like for inmates. At the car museum, students explored the history of automobile racing across America and Europe and even saw one of the vehicles featured in the movie Cars.

Photos by Barrett Ross '30

February 27

ACUA visited the science classes to introduce the New Jersey Water Environment Association’s annual essay contest. Joe Pantalone and Amy Cook-Menzel from the ACUA Wastewater Treatment team spoke with students about the importance of clean water and how the wastewater treatment process protects Atlantic County from harmful bacteria and pollutants.

Following the presentation, students wrote a 500–650 word essay focused on the wastewater treatment process and the importance of clean water for both nature and human life. The top ten essays will be submitted to the NJWEA competition, where regional and statewide winners have the opportunity to earn cash prizes.

March 17

The 8th grade took a trip to the Parkway Central Library in Philadelphia, where students learned how to use the SIFT method to identify credible sources for research. They also participated in a scavenger hunt throughout the impressive building, even collecting free seeds from the science section. This spring, Mr. Davis plans to plant those seeds in a garden on campus, extending the experience beyond the classroom.

After lunch, the class took a tour of the Comcast Technology Center, which included a viewing of “The Power of I” in the Universal Sphere.

Dress Code Competition

At the end of February, we held a fun and spirited dress code competition among the homerooms.

Mr. Davis’ homeroom came out on top, earning a dress-down day by having the most students consistently in dress code throughout the week. The friendly competition brought great energy and a little extra motivation to stay sharp.

Student Recognition

Hermit of the Month: Luke Palma

Christian Gentleman of the Month: Joseph Deery

Both students were selected by their teachers for consistently demonstrating leadership, strong character, and excellent conduct. The Hermit of the Month is also recognized for outstanding academic achievement. Congratulations to both boys on this well-deserved recognition.

Looking Ahead

March 26: Blood Drive
March 27: Sea Perch Competition
Sea Perch building is in full swing! Teams are collaborating, problem-solving, and working hard to have their remote underwater vehicles ready for competition next Friday. This week, students completed controller checks, attached motors, and conducted buoyancy tests, showing great teamwork and perseverance as they refined their designs.

The Sea Perch Competition will begin at 8:30 AM on Friday, March 27, and will be broadcast live via Hermits Broadcasting.

March 27
The Eighth grade will host an Easter Egg Hunt for the high school. We are in need of donations to make this event a success.

Please click here for more information via the email sent by Mr. Pete on Thursday, March 19th.

March 30 - April 6: Easter Break
May 1 - Full Day of School (All Students Report)

Keep an eye out soon for emails regarding placement tests and course selections for next year.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter filled with faith, hope, and joy.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Jen Keats
Director of the Eighth-Grade Program

Commencement 2026 - Information Hub

Hermits QuickLinks

BELL SCHEDULE (hermits.com/bellschedule)

ATHLETICs
WEEKLY OUTLOOK

dress codes
8th and 9th-12th

Upcoming Dates

Academic
Calendar

Prep News

This Week at St. Augustine

*Last updated - May 6, 2026

Announcements

RUN FOR THE ROSES 50/50 RAFFLE TICKETS ON SALE
Tickets may only be purchased in person, on-campus at the Vincent Center

Tickets may be purchased in person at the Prep through May 18. Three winners will be selected, and the winning tickets will be drawn at the Prep and shared electronically on May 20.

For more information, please contact Ms. Christina Faulk at (856) 697-2600 ext. 146 or ms.faulk@hermits.com.

5th ANNUAL CRAYON & COLORING BOOK DRIVE
Donations may be dropped off at the Forum Main Office through Friday, May 8

Our community is invited to support Ben Stanker’s 5th Annual Collection benefiting the Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital Child Life Activity Center.

Please consider donating a new box of crayons and/or a new coloring book to help bring comfort and creativity to young patients.

Donations can be dropped off in the Main Office in the Forum by Friday, May 8, 2026.

PREP SHOP - GOOD BUY, GOOD BYE INITIATIVE
Donations may be dropped off at the Prep Shop

As graduation approaches, the Prep Shop invites members of the Class of 2026 to participate in its popular “Good Bye, Good Buy” initiative. Seniors are encouraged to donate gently worn polos, quarter-zips, and other Hermits gear as they transition out of their Prep wardrobe.

These donations help support fellow students while continuing a meaningful tradition within our community. Items may be dropped off at the Prep Shop in the coming weeks.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Davis P'22 '23 '26 at (856) 697-2600 ext. 126 or mrs.davis@hermits.com

END-OF-YEAR MEDICATION PICK-UP
All medication must be picked up by the last day of school

If your son currently has medication stored in the Nurse’s Office, please arrange to pick it up by the last day of school. Any medication that is not collected by that time will be properly disposed of in accordance with school policy.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Kingett P'05 '09 at (856) 697-2600 ext. 138 or mrs.kingett@hermits.com.

RED CROSS LIFEGUARD AND CPR/AED/FIRST AID TRAINING

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE FOR MORE INFORMATION

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE - VOUCHERS & MORE

Click the button below for an important message from the Transportation Office

transportation message from mrs. battin

Hermits QuickLinks

BELL SCHEDULE (hermits.com/bellschedule)

ATHLETICs
WEEKLY OUTLOOK

dress codes
8th and 9th-12th

myprep - student information portal

dining hall weekly menu

payschoolcentral.com -
manage your son's lunch account

student handbook

prep shop - hours and more information -

Department Announcements

Academics

8th Grade

Student Life

Points of Contact: Mr. John Huscher '85 P'18 (Dean of Student Leadership & Development) & Mr. Tim Hale (Asst. Dean of Student Leadership)
Emails: Mr.Huscher@Hermits.com / Mr. Hale@Hermits.com

The Leadership Team is anticipating another exciting and positive start to the 2025-2026 academic year - please be sure to refer to the school calendar for important beginning-of-the-year events and dates/times. Additional information regarding event details will be forthcoming throughout the remainder of the summer.

Student Handbook 2025-26

Student Handbook

Policy and Procedure | Information

Attendance: Students must officially sign in before 9:45 a.m. to be eligible to participate in co-curricular activities for the academic day. In an effort to minimize the late arrival process, the student must report directly to the building where his current class is located and sign in with the following staff members:

Forum – Mrs. Sheftall
Scarpa – Mrs. Auger
Vincent – Mrs. Ward
Augustinian Hall – Mrs. Pippett

Technology Agreement: Each student and parent must sign the Technology Agreement in order to utilize on-campus technology services. Please hand the signed forms to your D and E period teachers.

Student Security Cards: Students have been issued door access cards and student ID cards. Both of these cards should be with the student at all times. Students must wear a lanyard with the swipe and ID card attached. The lanyard which will have a breakaway clasp will be provided by the Prep. If a student loses either card or the lanyard the student is responsible for reporting the loss and purchasing a replacement.

LOST LANYARDS/IDs – Students must wear their school-issued lanyard with their student ID and door entrance key card as part of their uniform. Students who lose their lanyards are required to replace them. Please go to the Business Office to order a new student ID ($5) and a new key card ($10) and the Prep Shop for a lanyard ($5).

Athletics

Point of Contact: Mr. Michael Rizzo '86 (Director of Athletics)
Email: Mr.Rizzo@Hermits.com

Sports Registration

The athletic department invites all students to register for their sports of interest for each season. Please note, registering for a sport does not commit you to your selection but places you on the communication list prior to the beginning of each sport’s season.

Please scan the information carefully and monitor your hermits.org emails as you may receive additional communication directly from the Athletic office or from the coach of your selected spring sport.

register for sports

All students must have a valid physical on file to participate in athletics –

Physical Form

Transportation

Dining Services

Points of Contact:
Director of Dining Services- Vinnie Berti ’95 ext. 135 or Mr.Berti@Hermits.com
Assistant Director of Dining Services – Paul Barr ext. 157 or Mr.Barr@Hermits.com

Managing your son's lunch account

Dining Services are not included in tuition. New incoming families are advised to set up a PaySchool lunch account for your son(s) by visiting PaySchoolsCentral.com. We ask all families to pre-fund their son’s account prior to the start of the school year and to maintain a positive balance at all times.

To manage your son’s Lunch Account, you may add money to his account by visiting PaySchoolsCentral.com, sending a check (made payable to St. Augustine Prep), or cash directly to the Dining Hall.

All Current students should have a POSITIVE balance prior to starting the new school year.
All incoming students will need to create an account on the PaySchoolsCentral site. New Student Accounts can be made after August 11th.
When creating a new account, you will need your STUDENT ID #(seven digits), which you will be able to find on MyPrep, and it will ask for “School District”. The school district is St Augustine Preparatory, NOT your local public school.

For more information on the policy regarding lunch account balances, please visit hermits.com/dining-services/

If you have any questions relating to the Pay Schools Central Program, student lunch accounts, or food allergens, please contact:

Director of Dining Services- Vinnie Berti ’95 ext. 135 or Mr.Berti@Hermits.com
Assistant Director of Dining Services – Paul Barr ext. 157 or Mr.Barr@Hermits.com

Business Office

Health and Wellness

Points of Contact:

Mrs. Darlene Kingett P'05 '09, School Nurse
Email: Mr.Kingett@Hermits.com

Br. Bob Thornton, O.S.A., School Psychologist
Email: Br.Bob@Hermits.com

END-OF-YEAR MEDICATION PICK-UP
All medication must be picked up by the last day of school.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Kingett P'05 '09 at (856) 697-2600 ext. 138 or mrs.kingett@hermits.com.

Prep Shop & RaiseRight Program

Point of Contact:
Mrs. Karrie Davis P'22 '23 '26 (Prep Shop Coordinator & Austin-Aire Yearbook Advisor)
Email: Mrs.Davis@Hermits.com

Prep Shop HOME PAGE & HOURS

Our official online shop is also available to our families, offering some of the latest Hermits merchandise—visit prepshop.hermits.com today!

RaiseRight Program

Earn some money for your son's lunch account through the RaiseRight program. Shop online and earn rewards!

For more information on the RaiseRight program, click here. The Prep's enrollment code is 5676BF2813124.

For questions or more information, please contact Mrs. Karrie Davis P'22 '23 '26 at (856) 697-2600 ext. 126 or mrs.davis@hermits.com

Class Announcements

8th Grade

Eighth Grade Monthly MessagE

LUNCH ACCOUNTS

To manage lunch accounts, please visit PaySchoolsCentral.com or bring cash or check (made payable to St. Augustine Prep) into the Dining Hall. Please direct all questions to Chef Berti at (856) 697-2600 ext. 135

Please contact Mrs. Keats, Director of the 8th Grade Program, with any questions at mrs.keats@hermits.com

Freshmen

Sophomores

Juniors

JUNIOR/SENIOR PROM 2026
THURSDAY, APRIL 16 AT THE CARRIAGE HOUSE (GALLOWAY, NJ)

Prom tickets are now on sale! This year's prom returns to the Carriage House on Thursday, April 16. Purchase tickets and check out the dates when Rudi's Formalwear will be on campus for fittings at hermits.com/prom.

prom ticket information & more

LUNCH ACCOUNTS

AP EXAMS

Information regarding AP Exams has been sent to all families

AP EXAM INFORMATION

Seniors

JUNIOR/SENIOR PROM 2026
THURSDAY, APRIL 16 AT THE CARRIAGE HOUSE (GALLOWAY, NJ)

prom ticket information & more

CLASS OF 2026 - GRADUATION INFORMATION FORM
COMPLETED FORM DUE BY FRIDAY, APRIL 10TH

Seniors and Senior Parents/Guardians, please refer to the email linked below from Mr. Nichols regarding the graduation information form.

graduation information form

SENIOR MOTHER-SON CELEBRATION
FRIDAY, APRIL 10TH

Seniors and Senior Moms/Motherly Figures, we looking forward to hosting you on Friday, April 10th for this special tradition.

LUNCH ACCOUNTS

Points of Contact

department & contact	email address
Academics: Mr. Sean Grealis ’95 P’22	mr.grealis@hermits.com
Admissions: Mr. J.C. Valore P'29	mr.valore@hermits.com
Athletics: Mr. Michael Rizzo '86 P'11	mr.rizzo@hermits.com
Business Office: Mr. Ed Hoy	mr.hoy@hermits.com
Campus Safety: Mr. Tim Hale	mr.hale@hermits.com
College counseling: Mr. Kyle Nichols	mr.nichols@hermits.com
EIGHTH GRADE: Mrs. Jennifer Keats	mrs.keats@hermits.com
Information Technology: Mr. Frank Garufi Jr.	mr.garufi@hermits.com
Mental Health & Wellness: Br. Bob Thornton, O.S.A.	br.bob@hermits.com
Student Leadership & Development: Mr. John Huscher ’85 P’18	mr.huscher@hermits.com
Transportation: Mrs. Christine Battin	mrs.battin@hermits.com

School Resources

myprep

manage your
son's lunch
account

dining hall
weekly menu

Prep Shop

NEW FAMILY RESOURCES

COLLEGE COUNSELING & STUDENT SERVICES

AUSTIN SOCIETY

FACULTY & STAFF DIRECTORY

COMMUNICATIONS & LINGO

HEAD'S UPdate - Weekly Newsletter

Welcome to "HEAD'S UPdate," the school community's primary source for all news, notes, and daily announcements. Bookmark this page and visit often to stay updated on all school news, announcements, and important information.

This Week at St. Augustine

*Last updated - May 6, 2026

Announcements

RUN FOR THE ROSES 50/50 RAFFLE TICKETS ON SALE Tickets may only be purchased in person, on-campus at the Vincent Center

5th ANNUAL CRAYON & COLORING BOOK DRIVE Donations may be dropped off at the Forum Main Office through Friday, May 8

PREP SHOP - GOOD BUY, GOOD BYE INITIATIVE Donations may be dropped off at the Prep Shop

END-OF-YEAR MEDICATION PICK-UP All medication must be picked up by the last day of school

RED CROSS LIFEGUARD AND CPR/AED/FIRST AID TRAINING

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE - VOUCHERS & MORE

School Resources

RUN FOR THE ROSES 50/50 RAFFLE TICKETS ON SALE
Tickets may only be purchased in person, on-campus at the Vincent Center

5th ANNUAL CRAYON & COLORING BOOK DRIVE
Donations may be dropped off at the Forum Main Office through Friday, May 8

PREP SHOP - GOOD BUY, GOOD BYE INITIATIVE
Donations may be dropped off at the Prep Shop

END-OF-YEAR MEDICATION PICK-UP
All medication must be picked up by the last day of school