Parent Letter 11/22/19

Dear Parents,                                                                                                           
 
This morning, the St. Joseph’s School community gathered to pray and give thanks to God at our Thanksgiving Mass.  The Thanksgiving Mass is a long-time tradition at our school.  In addition, to our students and faculty, parents and many family members and guests attended this special Mass on the Memorial Feast of St. Cecilia, patron saint of musicians.  Our middle school choir, under the direction of Mrs. Beth Bowe, sang a beautiful prelude prior to the Mass as well as led us in song during the Mass.  During the offertory procession, students presented a large basket of some of the food items collected this week during our Food Drive.
 
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17
 
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it is a good time for all of us to reflect on our many blessings.  Thank you for being important members of the St. Joseph’s School community.  Thank you for generously sharing your many gifts to benefit our school and parish communities.  May your time with your family and friends be joyful and blessed.  Happy Thanksgiving!
 
It is SLIME TIME!! 
Yes, that is correct.  Our students, with the help of their parents, exceeded the School Raffle Goal of $60,000 during our recent fundraiser.  Mr. Wesely during the Race for the Goal kickoff assembly stated that if the students met or surpassed the goal that he would be slimed during an All School Celebration.  
 
The All School Celebration will be held on Tuesday, November 26 at 2:30 p.m. in the gymnasium.  The celebration will include recognition of top student, classroom, and grade level sellers, the Faculty vs. 7th grade students volleyball matches, a special treat for the students, and Mr. Wesely being SLIMED!  Parents and family members are invited to attend this special event to celebrate the successful raffle.
 
St. Joseph’s School Gala - December 7, 2019
The St. Joseph’s School Gala will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Intercontinental Hotel in St. Paul.  Invites were sent out electronically through Paperless Post to all of our school families to come.  We would love to have you all come and celebrate with us and support the mission of St. Joseph’s School at this special evening of fellowship, food, fundraising, and entertainment.  Please click here to purchase tickets.  We have several volunteer opportunities as we prepare for the Gala.  If you would like to volunteer, please click here.  If you have questions about the event please email stjgala@stjosephwsp.org .  
 
This event should be one to remember.  We look forward to school parent Matt Birk as our Master of Ceremony, a performance by St. Joseph’s School students under the direction of Mrs. Bowe, the debut of a video with our students sharing information about our school’s mission, entertainment and games, and the recognition of Greg and Emmy Springer, former school parents, as this year’s recipients of the Spirit of St. Joseph Award.
 
Thank you for your consideration and acceptance of 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.
 
St. Joe’s Socials
We are excited that once again this year we have the St. Joe’s Socials!  What a wonderful way to help support our school and grow our community.  Please watch for the yellow flyer that went home with students today, or you can click on the link below.
 
2019 Thanksgiving Food Drive
We would like to thank everyone for your generosity in our school’s Thanksgiving food collection.  We received a very nice thank you card from Neighbors, Inc in South St. Paul..  They shared with us that our school donated 1,078 pounds of food from our collection.  Your donations will assist in feeding many families through their organization.  Thank you Mrs. Bruce and our eighth grade students for coordinating this special service project.
 
Picture Retake Day
Picture Retake Day is on Tuesday, November 26.  All students may be out of uniform on this day.  If you would like to have your child’s picture retaken, please send back the original pack of school pictures on November 26th with your child.  If your child is getting pictures taken for the first time, order forms are available in the school office.   You may also order online by clicking here: 
  http://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/pictureDayId/EVTF42BBW    
 
Thanksgiving Holiday Break
School will not be in session on Wednesday, November 27 – Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.  The school office will be closed.  School will resume on Monday, December 2.  Please travel safely and enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with your family. 
 
Mr. Cina Update
Mr. Rod Cina continues to heal from his surgery and is planning with his doctors to begin a new chemotherapy treatment plan that has been put in place for the next four months.  We have been very blessed to have had a few visits from Mr. Cina over the last couple of weeks which brings such joy to our students and staff.  Thank you for the continued outpouring of support and prayers for Mr. Cina and his family!  We are reminded each and everyday how blessed we are to be part of this amazing St. Joseph’s Community.
 
Mitten and Hat Collection is Underway!
The fifth grade students are sponsoring their fifth annual mittens, hats, gloves, and scarves collection for the Hats and Mittens of Minnesota.  The items may be brought to school between Monday, December 2 and Friday, December 13.  Students should bring their donations to their classrooms.  The items will then be placed on the trees on the display across from the office on the second floor.  Thank you so much for your participation in this special work of mercy.  Your donations will assist Hats and Mittens of Minnesota help people to stay warm during the winter months.
 
K-2 Senior Citizen Christmas Concert
K-2 Senior Citizen Christmas Concert is scheduled for Friday December 6th.  The concert is another wonderful tradition at our school allowing our students to share the gift of music with the guests attending.  Our committee is coordinating a cookie donation for this event.  Please watch for more information on this event.  Please consider helping us prepare for this special event for our senior citizens.
 
Volunteers Needed for Recess Duty - Please help
We need help for recess duty for the remaining months of school.  Whether our students are outside or inside because of the weather, volunteers offer tremendous assistance in providing supervision of students.  Please click here to volunteer in December.  Hot chocolate will be provided for all volunteers.
  
Panera - St. Joseph’s School Night - Thank You!
We would like to thank everyone for participating in our recent St. Joseph’s School Night fundraiser at Panera in West St. Paul.  Panera has notified us that our school has earned $349.55 from the event.  Great job!  We thank Panera for supporting our school through Panera Fundraising!
 
The Weather is Changing
The cooler and somewhat snowy weather has arrived in West St. Paul.  BRRRR!  We encourage you to start sending your children to school with their sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, and “snow gear” when needed.  It can be very cool at the bus stops and on the playground.  
 
During the school day, students should only wear sweatshirts and/or sweaters that are part of the St. Joseph’s School uniform.  Hoodies and sweatshirts that are from community teams, college or professional teams are not to be worn during the school day.  If there is snow on the ground, students are required to be in boots in order to play on the field during recess.
 
Please remember to label all of your child’s clothing so that it can be returned to him/her in the event that it is misplaced or lost while at school. 
 
Calendar Change: Middle School Band and Choir Concert
We have had a change in date for the Middle School Band and Choir Concert.  The new date is Thursday, December 12 ^th, 7:00pm in our School Gymnasium. 
 
School Masses
Our next school Mass will be on Tuesday, November 26 at 9:00 a.m. in the Church.  Parents, grandparents, family members, and members of the parish are always welcome to attend our school Masses and prayer devotions during the school year.
 
Mission Statement
“St. Joseph’s Catholic School educates students through faith formation, academic excellence,
and the development of virtue to be disciples of Christ.”
 
For Your Information
St. Joseph’s School is an important ministry of the Church of St. Joseph.  Some of our school families are not members of the parish.  In our efforts to serve all school families, our Friday Letter may at times include information about activities and events that are taking place at the Church of St. Joseph.
 
Church of St. Joseph Children’s Christmas Eve Choir - for All Students in Grades 4-8
This year, at the 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass at the Church of St. Joseph, we will have the Children’s Choir singing for the Mass.  Practices will be held in the church after school on Wednesdays; December 4, 11 and 18, from 3:45 to 5 p.m.  An additional practice will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. if necessary.  Welcome the newborn King into the world with your glorious voice!  Please register for the choir by contacting Denis Allaire at denis.allaire@churchofstjoseph.org. or (651)789-8355. 
 
Turkey Bingo - this Weekend!
The Knights of Columbus invite our school families to their annual Turkey Bingo on Sunday, November 24 from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Msgr. Foran Great Room.  This event provides a great opportunity for fellowship, fun, and maybe a turkey!  Have fun and good luck!
 
Middle School Youth Nights
Middle School Youth Nights will be held every other week throughout the year!  These nights will be held on the 1st and 3rd week of each month and will include fun, snacks, fellowship, and different types of prayer such as bible study, Adoration, and small groups.  Please see the attachment for a full list of dates and times.  If you have any questions, please contact Jake Debolt at jake.debolt@churchofstjoseph.org
 
Click here to link to the weekly St. Joseph’s Church Bulletin .
 
Important Links:
St. Joe’s Socials
Middle School Youth Nights
 
November Look Ahead:
             °  Tuesday, Nov. 26 – Picture Retake Day, Out of Uniform
             °  Tuesday, November 26 - School Raffle Celebration - Volleyball, treats and SLIME!
             °  Tuesday, Nov. 26 – End of Trimester 1
             °  Wednesday, Nov. 27-Friday, Nov. 29 – No School, Happy Thanksgiving!
             °  Monday, Dec. 2 – Trimester 2 Begins
              °  Friday, Dec. 6 - 9:00 am Mass, K-2 Senior Citizen Concert - Great Room
              °  Saturday, Dec. 7 - St. Joseph’s School Gala, Intercontinental Hotel St. Paul
              °  Monday, Dec. 9 - 9:00am Mass  Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day)
              °  Tuesday, Dec. 10 - K-2 Christmas Concert 6:30pm, Church; Reception Following
              °  Thursday, Dec. 12 - Band & Choir Concert 7:00pm, Gymnasium
              °  Monday Dec. 23 - Wed. Jan. 2 No School - Christmas Break  MERRY CHRISTMAS!
              °  Thursday, Jan. 2 - Welcome Back, School Resumes!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!