Dear Parents-
Today we celebrate the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, recognizing Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth, at a time when both women were pregnant with their sons and in the final days of Elizabeth’s pregnancy with John the Baptist. Mary’s response to Elizabeth’s greeting became The Magnificat, professing in part..My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Last week saw the return of the 8th grade musical as an in person event. And while our virtual events in 2020 and 2021 were great, nothing beats a live theatrical performance! Special thanks to Ms. Bambino, Mrs. Valcicak, Mrs. Schwingle, Mrs. Mountcastle and all who volunteered to support the production. And to the students themselves, congratulations, again, on an amazing performance. The joy that radiated from the stage was palpable and infectious!
In spite of threatening weather and uncertain forecasts, Field Day was great fun and a joy-filled time! Many thanks to Mr. O’Brien, Mrs. Fallace, and all the volunteers who helped make it a fun day for the kids….and the Kona Ice truck was also a welcome addition…thank you PTO!
We remain under a request from the health department and the Office of Catholic Schools to notify parents of COVID in our school, and Mrs. Ezenwa and I comply with that request. The CDC indicates that the COVID transmission rate in Fairfax County remains at the “medium” level, meaning more than 200 cases per 100,000 residents. The current cases are at 355.81 per 100,000 and the positivity rate is 17.9%.
School Mass this week is on Thursday for students in grades K-5. Students in grades 6-8 will attend Mass on Friday and participate in the traditional “Candle-passing Ceremony” symbolizing the transfer of school leadership from the class of 2022 to the class of 2023. Parents in grades 7 and 8 are invited to attend the candle passing Mass.
Sadly, I am hearing from some parents about their children experiencing a bit of anxiety as a result of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. School security and faculty and student safety has been, and continues to be a top priority at SJS. The National Association of School Psychologists shared this resource which may be helpful when talking with your child about this safety issue. If you need additional assistance, please contact your pediatrician, or feel free to reach out to our counselor, Mrs. Henry.
Pray for peace in the Ukraine and for the conversion of hearts full of hate. #EnoughIsEnough
8 days to go……
Pray to St. Joseph for all your needs! (St. Teresa of Avila)
Denise Rutledge
Principal
Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God
