Parent Letter 11/26/19

Dear Parents,                                                                                                                   November 26, 2019
 
Mission Statement
“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 has identified 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.  Thank you for supporting our  mission in so many ways throughout the school year. 
 
I have to believe that you do not have to read this Friday Letter to learn about the All School Celebration that took place this afternoon in the gymnasium to celebrate the accomplishments of our students with the School Raffle.  I hope that your children came home sharing with you the enthusiasm and excitement of the middle school versus faculty volleyball game and the mess made while I was slimed by students and Miss Schafer.  You may want to take a few minutes to check out the pictures on our Facebook to see for yourselves.  How do I look in orange?
 
I again want to thank you so much for your support of our school through this new fundraising opportunity.  At this time, the amount of money raised through student sales and parish sales totals  $82,700.  Our students, families, and faculty did a terrific job selling $70,660 in tickets or 118% of our school-wide goal..  Ticket sales continue through the school office until Friday, December 6 and then at the Gala on December 7.  We look forward to awarding three terrific prizes to individuals when names are drawn during the Gala. 
 
Thanksgiving 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.  Thank you for generously sharing your many gifts to benefit our school.  May your time with your family and friends during this holiday be joyful.  Happy Thanksgiving!
 
Thanksgiving Holiday Break - Enjoy!
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. 
 
End of Trimester 1
Today marks the end of Trimester 1.  Wow, can you believe it!  Trimester 2 begins on Monday, December 2.  The First Trimester report cards will go home with students on Friday, December 6.  Please note that a parent signature form will be included with each report card.  We ask that after you review your child’s report card, you please sign the parent form, place it in the envelope, and return it back to school.  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 7, 2019
The St. Joseph’s School Gala will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Intercontinental Hotel in St. Paul.  We would love to have you come, celebrate Catholic education, and support the mission of St. Joseph’s School at this special evening of fellowship, food, fundraising, and entertainment. Click here to purchase tickets to attend the Gala.   Registration to attend the Gala ends on Monday, December 1.  If you have any questions 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.
 
Volunteer Opportunities at The Gala
We have several volunteer opportunities as we prepare for the Gala.  If you would like to volunteer, please click here.
 
St. Joe’s Socials
We are excited that once again we have the St. Joe’s Socials!  What a wonderful way to help support our school and grow our community. Flyers went home last week with more information about these great events! Flyer also available below.
 
Advent
On Sunday, December 1st, 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!
 
K-2 Senior Citizen Christmas Concert
A St. Joseph’s School tradition continues next week.  The K-2 Senior Citizen Christmas Concert is scheduled for Friday December 6th at 2:00 p.m. in the Monsignor Foran Great Room.  Our Concert Committee is coordinating and seeking the donation of cookies for the event. Please watch for more information about donating cookies and volunteer opportunities. Thank you!
 
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.
 
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!
  
The Weather is Changing
The cold and snowy weather have arrived in West St. Paul.  Please send your children to school with their sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, and “snow gear” including hats, scarves, and nylon gloves/mittens so your child’s hands remain dry.   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.  Our school;’s Lost and Found is located on the first floor outside of the cafeteria.
 
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 Friday, December 6 at 9:00 a.m. in the Church.  Parents and family members are always welcome to attend our school Masses and prayer devotions during the school year.
 
Preschool News 
On Monday and Tuesday, our preschoolers enjoyed a fantastic Thanksgiving Feast, with the help of our parent volunteers.  Special guests included Father Wratkowski, Father Creagan, Mrs. Wrobel and Mrs. Delmont, from the K-8 office, and Mrs. Young.  Everyone enjoyed fruit kabobs, as well as, corn muffins and applesauce, specially made by our preschoolers.  We have a lot to be thankful for in preschool!
 
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. 
 
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:         
             °  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 - Parish 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. 16 - Saturday, Dec. 21 - Nothing Bundt Cakes, St. Paul - H & S
                 Fundraiser
             °  Tuesday, Dec. 17 - Preschool Christmas Concert 6:15pm, Church; Reception following
              °  Monday Dec. 23 - Wednesday. Jan. 2 No School - Christmas Break
              °  Thursday, Jan. 2 - Welcome Back, School Resumes!  Happy New Year!