Parent Letter 11/24/20

Dear Parents,                                                                                   

Happy Thanksgiving from St. Joseph’s School!

“St. Joseph’s Catholic School educates students through faith formation, academic excellence, and the development of virtue to be disciples of Christ.”

Our school community continues to identify faith formation, academic excellence, and the development of virtue as three pillars of our school as we continue to partner with you to provide your children with a quality Catholic education and help them become disciples of Christ.  Thank you for supporting our mission in so many ways throughout the school year. 

In the midst of challenges and uncertainty, the Thanksgiving holiday (and honestly, every day) is a good time for all of us to reflect on our many blessings.  Our school is so blessed to have you as important members of the St. Joseph’s School community.  We are so grateful to be able to partner with you to provide an excellent Catholic education for your children in person or remotely.  Thank you for your prayers and support for our school.  May your time with your family during this holiday be joyful.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Holiday Break - Enjoy!
School will not be in session on Wednesday, November 25 – Friday, November 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday.  The school office will be closed.  School will resume on Monday, November 30.  Please enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with your family. 

End of Trimester 1
Today marks the end of Trimester 1.  Together, we have safely reached this point in the school year continuing in person and remote learning.  Thank you!  Trimester 2 begins on Monday, November 30.  The First Trimester report cards will go home with Kindergarten-grade 5 students on Friday, December 4.  Report cards for Middle School students will be sent electronically on December 4.  Parents will be asked to acknowledge the receipt and review of their child’s report card.  Please contact your child’s teacher(s) if you have any questions about your child’s academic / behavioral progress during Trimester 1.  Thank you!

St. Joseph’s School Gala - December 5, 2020
The St. Joseph’s School Gala will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 beginning at 7:00 p.m.  This year’s Gala will be a virtual event and we hope you and everyone in our school community will join us.  We would love to have you present to celebrate Catholic education and St. Joseph’s School.  It will be a special evening of fellowship and entertainment while raising funds to support the mission of St. Joseph’s School.  Registration for the Gala opens on Friday, November 27. 

This event should be one to remember.  We look forward to school parents Matt and Adrianna Birk as our hosts, a performance by St. Joseph’s School students, a video featuring members of our school community, the opportunity to outbid your friends for tremendous items, and the drawing of the names of the winners of our wonderful raffle prizes.

Thank you for joining us at this opportunity to celebrate Catholic education, our school, and help us “make our mission happen”.  We are most grateful for your continued support of St. Joseph’s School.

Advent
On Sunday, November 30, we begin the season of Advent and a new liturgical year in the Church.  Advent wreaths will be seen throughout our school.  The wreath contains four candles, one for each Sunday of Advent.  Three of the candles are purple and one candle is rose.  The third candle is rose because on the third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate the joy of waiting of Christmas.  The candles are lit each week, special prayers are said, and songs are sung.

Advent is the season of preparing and waiting.  We prepare our hearts to remember Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago, and for his coming again in his glorified body.  Please consider placing an Advent wreath in your home in preparation for Christmas.  O Come, O Come Emmanuel!         

November Look Ahead:         

• Wednesday, November. 25 - Friday, Nov. 27 – No School, Happy Thanksgiving!
• Friday, November 27 – St. Joseph’s School Gala Registration Opens
• Monday, November 30 – Trimester 2 Begins

December/ January Look Ahead:

• Friday, Dec. 4 - 9:00am Mass (Live streamed on parish website)
• Saturday, Dec. 5 – 7:00 p.m. St. Joseph’s School Gala (Virtual Event–Registration Open)
• Tuesday, Dec. 8 - 9:00am Mass  Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day)
• Monday, Dec. 14-Friday, Dec. 18  Remote Learning – Kindergarten - grade 8 :  Preschool on pause – not in session
• Monday Dec. 21 – Friday, Jan. 1 No School - Christmas Break Merry Christmas!
• Monday, Jan. 4 - Thursday, Jan. 14 School Resumes Remotely.  Happy New Year!  

           Remote Learning – Kindergarten - grade 8

           Preschool on pause – not in session

• Friday, Jan. 15 & Monday, Jan. 18 - No School Martin Luther King Holiday
• Tuesday, Jan 19 - Students K - 8 Return to In-person Learning