Dear Parents-
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. Such a fascinating feast, this feast, and the Chair itself, reminds us of the unity of the universal Church, and the feast celebrates the authority given by Jesus to Peter to lead and guide the Church in Jesus’ place. This authority is passed on to the popes, who take on the role of the supreme teacher and authority of the Church on Earth. The feast of the Chair of St. Peter celebrates the unity of the Church, united in one faith.
It is also Two’s Day (or Twosday), 2/22/22! Our second graders celebrated their special day (grade 2 on Two’s Day….get it?) with activities including working on all things paired, such as homophones, doubles themed centers, and a Twosday math challenge!
In addition to having lots of fun with their students, Mrs. Moskowitz and Mrs. Davis have been busy preparing our second graders for their First Penance, scheduled for tomorrow. The children prepared for this sacrament from the perspective of faith formation, and also came to understand the beauty of this sacrament. We also congratulate our older students who will also make their first penance tomorrow. Parents are reminded that regular reception of this sacrament helps to strengthen individual relationships with God. It is one thing to say that you are sorry, but it is the firm commitment to do better that matters, to live the life that God intended for each of us. Please keep all these amazing boys and girls, and their teachers, in your prayers.
Current COVID metrics from VDH show that over the last 7 days, Fairfax County has seen a change in total case rate, down now to "substantial" level, at 95 cases per 100,000, (week ending 02/19/2022), and NAAT (PCR) test positivity in notable decline, now 5.4%. Nearby Loudoun County has a current case rate, down significantly to 157 per 100,000, (week ending 02/19/2022), and the COVID-19 positivity rate in Loudoun is well down too, now 5.2%.
SJS COVID count this week has 1 student case of COVID-19 and 0 staff members. The case was confirmed between 02/14/2022 and 02/20/2022. Affected classes and students were notified as appropriate, one class moved to remote learning, and we happily welcome them back!! With the significantly relaxed quarantine and isolation protocols that SJS now follows as recommended by VDH, please be attentive to symptoms in your children and please keep them home when in doubt.
As always, if I can be of assistance, or you have any questions, please let me know.
Pray to St. Joseph for all your needs! (St. Teresa of Avila)
Denise Rutledge
Principal
Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God
