Dear Parents-
This week we celebrate the
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
. I read that this feast is much more widely celebrated in the Eastern Rite churches, it is nevertheless an important feast that emphasizes the holiness of Mary’s life beginning at the Immaculate Conception and lasting throughout her life. What an honor to be chosen as the Mother of God! And while that is not our callings, we should strive to emulate the Blessed Mother in all we do. If you have a minute, reflect on the Joyful Mysteries and the role of Mary in the Life of Christ.
Open House this morning was a huge success, and I want to give a heartfelt thank you to each and every parent volunteer ambassador, who gave so generously of their time, and I also want to express my enormous pride in our 8th grade students who served as tour guides to our visiting families. One parent took notes, and then shared the adjectives she used to describe our school, including, welcoming, joy-filled, happiness, and the teachers were passionate.
Also, this week is Discover Catholic Schools Week, a week identified by the National Catholic Education Association as a time to invite potential students and their families to discover the benefits of a Catholic education! During this week, we will also introduce the
One Strong F.A.M.I.L.Y
initiative, established by Mike Manhardt. F.A.M.I.L.Y is the acronym for
F
orget
A
bout
M
e,
I
L
ove
Y
ou, and focuses on social campaigns that inspire everyday acts of love and kindness. Stay tuned for more information.
Our 8th grade students will take the
High School Placement Test
on Thursday, November 21. All students will take the test, regardless of their high school plans. The Catholic high schools use the HSPT as part of the admissions and placement process, and the public school high schools may use the scores to support honors class placement.
For students who miss the HSPT Thursday, make-up testing can be arranged through the Catholic high school. Please note that you will have to pay a registration fee at the high school if your child needs to take a make-up test.
There are many volunteer opportunities at SJS, but all require compliance with the requirements of the Office of Child Protection.
St. Joseph Catholic Church/School is hosting a
Virtus Seminar
on Monday, November 25, 2019 beginning at 5:00 pm. This is a required seminar in order to become compliant in the Child Protection Program. You must register for the class at virtus.org. If you have any questions regarding this seminar or the Child Protection Program, please contact Beth Covert at (703)880-4357 or
bcovert@sjcherndon.org
.
We are still looking to increase our list of
substitute nurses
. If you, or someone you know, is a registered nurse, and are available on an “as needed- substitute” basis, please let me know. Also, positions are available in the
cafeteria
, volunteer and some paid. For cafeteria information, please contact Laura Stump at
lstump@sjcherndon.org
.
Just a reminder that as we move into the colder months, students will continue to enjoy
outdoor recess
, unless the weather is extreme. Please make sure your children have the necessary garments to be comfortable in the cold...at the very least, a jacket is essential! Also, please make sure that all items have names marked inside.
With Thanksgiving the same week lunch orders are due, please don’t forget to place your
December lunch orders
!
You can order lunch for your children through our school lunch program, in conjunction with Fairfax Food Service.
Use this link to access directions
from Fairfax Food Service. Remember to place your order no later than the 28th!
Quiet week, this week, but please add to your reminder app on your phone:
Tuesday, November 19….Open House for prospective families
Thursday, November 21...High School Placement Test (8th grade only)
Thursday, November 21...7th grade science fair parent meeting
Monday, November 25…..Virtus seminar
Tuesday, November 26….11:30 dismissal- No PM Extended Day
As always, if you have any questions, or if I can be of any assistance, please let me know.
Welcome one another....as Christ welcomed you!
(Rom 15:7)
Denise Rutledge
Principal
Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God
