Dear Parents-
Tomorrow we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, recognizing the sinless conception of Our Blessed Mother! As a solemnity, this feast celebrates a mystery of our faith where we accept that Mary was born without sin and never sinned during her lifetime. It is so fitting that we honor Our Blessed Mother during Advent as we reflect on the role of the Blessed Mother in the salvation of the world.
Last year, schools in the Arlington Diocese, including SJS, switched to paperless report cards and all K-8 parents should have accessed Trimester 1 report cards on Friday, December 3, through the PowerSchool parent portal. If you were unable to access the report card, please contact our registrar, Mrs. Pearce at l.pearce@sjschoolva.org. Even though the report cards are electronic, parents must sign the report card using the digital signature box. Please remember to sign the report card!
Again, thank you to all parents and friends who were able to celebrate with us at our Night of Hope. It was a great evening and a wonderful time celebrating our teachers, the joy we feel when we are together, and the wonders of this amazing season. I am looking forward to the next time!
In this week’s COVID update VDH reports that over the last 7 days, Fairfax County has seen a significant increase in total case rate, now 105.7 cases per 100,000, and NAAT (PCR) test positivity ticking up slightly to 4.5%. The transmission rate is back up to high transmission. Nearby Loudoun County has a current case rate, down to 154 per 100,000 but the COVID-19 positivity rate in Loudoun is up to 5.8%. The Fairfax County adult vaccination rate for fully vaccinated individuals has reached 82%. Mask up, Vax up and Please stay vigilant!
Today is the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. There still are, all these years later, at least 30 military survivors of the attack who attended a ceremony today to remember the day of infamy. We thank the men and women who served our country with honor and integrity. Known as the Greatest Generation, these men and women are identified by the characteristics that defined them: Personal Responsibility, Humility, Work Ethic, Frugality, Commitment, Integrity and Self-Sacrifice.
With only 8 days to Christmas break, everyone is rushing about to get ready. Take time to pause from the hustle and bustle to feed your soul and reflect on the wonder of the Advent season.
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