Saint Joseph School….a great place to grow                     April 18, 2008

The Quilt

The anniversary of Our Holy Father's election as Pope is the date embroidered on our Saint Joseph Family quilt displayed in the cafeteria, April 19, 2005.  This unique collection of embroidered, stitched, and painted squares created to commemorate a truly significant event in the life of our Church forms a striking portrayal of the unity of Saint Joseph's families, gathered around the central image of Pope Benedict XVI.  It is certainly a picture of what the church is called to be.  Thanks again to all who designed squares, to Edna Wortmann, who sewed it together, and Bernadette Rush, and Arlene Rothermich who assisted with the quilting, and of course to Herman Wortmann who crafted the frame in which it is displayed and now forms the focal point of the entire cafeteria.  Could we have imagined 3 years ago that Our Holy Father would be visiting our country at this time?

Pope Projects

To commemorate Our Holy Father's visit each class has discussed his life and work this week.  Fifth and Sixth grade students are reviewing his itinerary each day and offering the prayer on the card given to everyone this week.  They have been ingenious in attaching their medal to their shirts.  Displayed in the cafeteria are the 7th and 8th grade timelines.  They were asked to select a year of his life and tell 4 historical facts pertaining to it during that year, along with events which took place from other parts of the world in the same year.  This makes for most interesting reflections as you will see.  Also in the cafeteria are the acrostics created by students of grade 4, which have been written up as an attachment to this flyer for your enjoyment.  Students of Grade 3 made "Welcome" and "Happy Birthday" cards which are being delivered by Dave and Mary Romine during their trip to New York.  

Media Event

Be sure to watch the news on Tuesday, April 22nd.  The media will interview representatives of Catholic Schools from all over the Archdiocese at the St. Patrick Center in regard to our donations given this year to 'end homelessness in St. Louis'.  The total amount collected will be announced and serve as a standard for other schools and organizations who will fund-raise for donations in the future.  Our school contributed $951 to the Key Player initiative.

New Altar Servers

A group of 12 boys completed their training and will begin serving next week. The training was concluded with a written exam after which certificates were awarded to each student.  A special word of thanks to the High School students, Ryan Bampton and Sam Richardson, who volunteered during their Spring Break, and Andrew, Michael, Josh, and Kyle from our 7th and 8th grades, who gave up their recess time, to assist with the training.  Congratulations and thanks to the 4th grade boys and their families for this generous service to our community and our Church. 

Audit

The 2 day cafeteria audit last week was a huge success.  This State review which includes all aspects of cafeteria, food, and finances, is conducted every 5 years.  To hear that they were counting 'grams' gives you an idea of how detailed the review is.  We are grateful especially to Esther Aston, Kim Sanders, and the staff, Sarah Orf and Mari Heppermann.  Congratulations and thanks for a job well done!  Attached are some interesting handouts offered by the State auditor.

Lunch Cost

Plans for a minimal increase for our lunches need to be made for next year.  Instead of the $30 per month fee, it will be $35. Per month.  I'm sure it doesn't have to be explained…with the rising cost of fuel, everything costs more.  Thanks for your understanding.

Building Update

You are encouraged to be sure and read the "Pastor's Pen" column in our church bulletin each week for regular updates on the 'new building project'.  Those who attended the last Parent Club meeting heard a detailed review of the entire plan from Father Huber.  He will continue to keep everyone updated through the church bulletin.

Kindergarten and Pre-School Screening

Students entering Kindergarten for the next school year have been given appointments for their screening and information updates on Friday, May 2nd.  Personal letters were mailed to each family this week with details.  If you have not received this letter and consider your child a potential student here, please contact Miss Boschert or the school office.  Pre-School screening is planned for Thursday, May 22nd.  If you know of anyone interested in this program who has not registered please encourage them to do so before this screening.

DARE Graduation

Deputy Sandy has captivated our students in 10 weeks with such interesting lessons.  In conclusion, students of Grades 5 and 6 will be graduating from the DARE program this Monday at 1:45 p.m...  All are invited to come and share this exciting moment in their lives.

Book Sale

The "Usbourne Books" representative from St. Gianna's parish, Rachel Brown, will kick off a 2 week reading project on Thursday, April 24th.  With the "Reach for the Stars" reading program students will be challenged to read at least 300 minutes for the next 2 weeks and collect pledges from friends and family.  100% of the money earned will go to the school and students.  The money the school receives will be used to fund the school library.  Students will also have the opportunity to pick out their own books, just in time for summer reading.

Uniforms

The Fischer's / Just Me Apparel Uniform Company plan to have representatives here on Saturday, May 3rd to take orders for uniforms from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., for your convenience. Attached is a generic flyer of what they offer.  Although our Early Childhood shirt is not listed on their flyer it will be available for the same cost as this past year…$7.95.

Field Day

Plans for our exciting annual Field Day are growing each day.  As we look forward to this all-day event on Friday, May 9th, we want to remind those who volunteered at the beginning of the year that they are being counted on to help make this happen.  If you cannot make it (L) or if your name is not on this list and you can help out (J)..!!(More help is needed) please contact Kim Sanders (332-1655). Here's the list:  Lisa Bampton, Rob Bampton, Jennifer Cornett, Sheila Dove, Diane G'Sell, Renee Gorman, Paula Keeven, Cindy Knaust, Michelle Marut, Pam Riggleman, Mary Romine, Tammy Rothermich, JoAnn Schaefer, Brad Seaman, Trish Seaman, Missy Schwerdt, and Teri Woerther

Attachments:  Nutrition-Wellness info, Acrostics of Pope, Uniform flyer

Saint Joseph School….a great place to grow                   April 11, 2008

Messenger

The coming visit of Our Holy Father is and will prove to be most significant on many levels.   Internet sites, television, and written media are producing countless programs and reviews on him, his words, the Church in general, and its representation in our country. (not all positive, of course!)  One major primary source is the Catholic cable network EWTN, which will carry the visit live from April 15 - 20.  Let us anticipate his visit by joining in prayer not only for Our Holy Father's personal safety but also that the message He offers will be heard.

One More Day

After all the waiting and preparation, First Communion Day is finally here.  We look forward to this great blessing for our children and their families.  All are welcome to join us in extending our congratulations during the Monday morning reception right after Mass.  Doughnuts, drinks, and greetings will be offered.

Tragedy and Hope

Although tragedy struck our community with the automobile accident last week-end, we cannot help but acknowledge and thank God for the great blessing that the Richardson's daughter, Maggie, survived, is healing, and plans to return to school soon.  We continue to remember Shawn, who was buried today, and Jeremy, hospitalized in serious condition, and their families in our prayers.  The following is a note from the Richardson family:

            Dear Parents of St. Joseph School,

            Just a note of appreciation for all the kind words, actions, and prayers, during this difficult time for our family.  Maggie is recovering well

            physically, but it will be a long emotional recovery.  Please continue to pray for us and for a quick recovery for Maggie's friend, Jeremy. 

            Finally, pray for Shawn, who will be missed by so many.  Your thoughtfulness will be remembered always.

            Sincerely,

            The Richardson Family

Family Night

Ft. Zumwalt's recent adjustment of after school activities made a wonderful contribution to the 'family".  In its description of frenzied families trying to meet schedules of so many activities every day, they identified the need for families to have at least one day when nothing was scheduled.  Therefore, Monday is set aside as "activity free".  Although the pace of life is often recognized as frenzied, little or nothing is done to alleviate the problem.  Hats off to this attempt by the Ft. Zumwalt School District!

Safe-Touch Program

Our annual Archdiocesan Safe-Touch program will be presented to each class on Tuesday by Mary Romine.  Attached is a form to "opt out" of the class if you do not wish your child to participate in it.  Presentations provide age-appropriate concepts of purity.  Please do not hesitate to request a curriculum guide for the grade level of your child if you would like additional information.

Recycling Update

Results of the 6 month (Oct.-March) paper recycling contest showed that we collected 1.6 tons over last year, but fell short of the $500 goal by 4.0 tons.  Thanks to Patti Luetkenhaus for her efforts with this project and all those who so faithfully collected paper for the contest.

The Fox

This was the week when you could drive up to the Fox Theater and see the words "Catholic Schools Night" shining out from the marquee.  "St. Louis Catholic Schools Fine Arts Night at the Fox" was a unique and tremendous success.  After two years of planning, approximately 70 schools participated in a variety of musical presentations including symphonic, jazz, and concert bands, Irish Dance, recorder Ensemble, and singing by several kinds of choirs.  The talent, discipline, and renditions of the many students who performed were most inspiring and entertaining. You can still see a portion of the art exhibit on "kmov.com"  and the Archdiocesan web site (archstl.org).  Archbishop Burke was presented with a framed Dedication in honor of his support of the Mission of Catholic Education….To Teach as Jesus Did!   Also, a grateful and fond farewell was given to Sister Pat Giljum, CSJ who has been reassigned by her Religious Order after 33 years of service in her position as Archdiocesan Director of the Fine Arts Program.

Reminders:  Send in Health Forms, Fees for 2008-2009, Re-registration forms

Attachments:  Safe-Touch form, School Tools, Catholic Radio Schedule