The Lion's ROAR
November 25
Everything you need to know about what's going on at JPII School. Important news, schedule of events, and volunteer opportunities.

Thanksgiving Holidays

November 27- December 1


Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 7th
10:00 am -12:00 pm

Hard to believe it is time to think about Christmas, but first, Santa wants to visit and hear from the children. The annual breakfast with Santa is fast approaching! Attached are the details!

Volunteers are needed to make this a success. Please sign up by clicking the link.




Hot Dog Fundraiser
December 13



Children's Christmas Shopping
December 16

Hard to believe the time is coming and we need to think about shopping for Christmas. HSA sponsors a special day for our students to shop for inexpensive gifts for family members. Each gift will be wrapped to keep the "secret" alive and the anticipation and excitement growing! See below for more information and volunteer opportunities!




Lands End Sale
Preferred School Number:  900157058

We have reopened our storefront with Lands End. This gives families an alternate choice for uniforms. This by no means is replacing Dennis Uniforms and Dennis will continue to keep our uniforms in stock.


Ski Club Registrations are due tomorrow, 11/26.


December Lunches
Orders due tomorrow, Tuesday 11/26

DO NOT Select Friday the 13th (it is the only Friday on the menu)

This is another hot-dog day.

Just a reminder to get your orders in tomorrow. Hard copies were sent home last week. Late orders can not be accepted.



Band and Choir Concert
December 11
6:30 PM

Mrs. Hernandez will be letting you know more soon, but mark your calendars now so you are prepared. Hint: I do know that she expects all of the performers to dress nicely. ( No jeans, tennis shoes, tshirts, sweatshirts...)

Students should arrive at 6:10. Band report to the 2nd grade classroom. Choir report to the gym.


Christmas Pageant
Pre - K through 5th grade

Thursday, December 19th 6:30 pm 
St. Mary Church

All students in Prek-5th grade are performing and expected to attend. This is a mandatory event.

Students should arrive at 6:10 in their Sunday best holiday clothes. Nice clothes, please no jeans or sneakers.
Students should report directly to St. Mary Church


Varsity Basketball for the month of November and December.
Girls play at 6 PM and Boys play after

Come out, cheer them on and share your Lions' Pride

11/26 at St. James in Manchester
12/10 at St. Gabriel in Windsor

The boys have a game on 12/8 at St. Mary in Simsbury (Ethel Walker School) start time is 6:15 PM

Toys for Tots
November 6 - December 15

Student Council will once again be participating in the Toys of Tots campaign. Please helps them have another successful year by donating new, unwrapped toys. There are boxes throughout the school

Thank you!

Art-Ventures
Fridays, January 24-March 13

We are excited to offer something new as an after-school activity. Art-Ventures offers a variety of interesting programs with a focus on art. Starting in January St. John Paul II students will explore art while learning about Penguins and Polar Bears.

All registration is online


Coming Soon!
Tuesdays, January 28-March 24
Brixology (Engineering with LEGO)

More Details to come in January

Brixology sets the foundation for our next generation of makers! Kids learn about different types of engineering and then team up to construct different engineering-themed projects using LEGO® bricks. They learn about aerospace engineering while assembling a space station. They explore mechanical engineering as they build boats and vehicles. That's not all: from carnival rides to drawing machines, mechanical animals to truss bridges, your future engineer will build upon their creativity to solve real-world design challenges, while developing their problem-solving and team-building skills. Let the tinkering begin!

Instrumental Program K-2
To begin in February

"Always thought that you would like to see your child start playing an instrument but couldn't decide which one? Bring your child (K-2nd grade) to explore the musical sound beginnings with us using a keyboard, a violin and other rhythm instruments and learn what interests him/her the most. The curriculum is designed to introduce kids to basic rhythm and tonal concepts while participating in a developmentally appropriate and fun group setting. We'll provide access to the instruments, you give us the chance to work with your young, budding musician."
Mirela Panaitisor specializes in early childhood general music programs.


Mark your Calendar


  • 11/27-11/29 Thanksgiving Holiday
  • 12/2 Report Cards
  • 12/4 HSA Meeting 6:30 PM
  • 12/6 MASS with Father deCosta 10:00 AM
  • 12/6 Early Dismissal 11:30; Hot lunch is NOT served; aftercare is provided
  • 12/9 Bake sale
  • 12/11 NUT Day
  • 12/11 Band and and Choir program 6:30 PM
  • 12/19 Christmas Pageant grades PK-5 6:30 PM
  • 12/20 11:30 Dismissal NO Aftercare
  • 12/23-1/5 Christmas Holidays
  • 1/6 Back to school