Dear Parents-
Last Friday, we celebrated the Memorial of St. Bernardine of Siena, known as a follower of St. Francis and for his devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. In his homily, Father David reminded us of the power of the name of Jesus, and that the name of Jesus in itself is a prayer. Father encouraged everyone to call on the name of Jesus! After Mass, students lined the path back to school as Father David led the Eucharistic Procession. It was a powerful and amazing experience.
The Eucharistic Procession is another example of the opportunities we have to embrace our Catholic identity. Within the Catholic school day, we can expose the students to the rich, timeless traditions of the Church, helping our students strengthen their individual relationships with Jesus Christ, as we support parents in their role as primary educators of their children in our common faith.
We are in Scantron week 3, the final testing week, ending on Thursday, May 26. Please make sure your children are in school and on time during this testing week, unless they are ill. If your child is showing symptoms of any illness, not just COVID, please keep your child home. Please be extra vigilant and sensitive to the fact that if you send your child to school sick, you may cause another student to become ill and miss an important event.
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 319 per 100,000 and the positivity rate is 16.4%.
Please join us on Wednesday for the 8th grade musical. Students will present The Lion King, with two shows, 2:00PM and 7:00PM. Admission is free. Please enter through the gym doors. Parents do not need to sign in at the front office.
It’s been three years since we had a full field day, and we are all very excited– Field Day is scheduled for Friday, May 27! Remember that we will dismiss at 11:30AM, and there is no extended day. Please see below for additional information regarding field day. Thank you to the many volunteers, including our 8th graders, who will help to make this day successful. Due to field day Friday, school Mass this week is on Thursday, May 26.
I am excited to make the following personnel announcement:
Mr. George Pierson joins our faculty, effective August 2022, as our new PE teacher. Mr. Pierson is a former Division 1 football player from Kansas State University (KS), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in leadership. He has spent his career in fitness education working most recently as strength and conditioning coach, Underground Athlete, George Mason University. Mr. Pierson is currently working towards a Virginia teaching license in physical education. Please keep Mr. Pierson in your prayers as he begins his tenure at SJS.
Pray for peace in the Ukraine, and for the conversion of hearts filled with hate.
Pray to St. Joseph for all your needs! (St. Teresa of Avila)
Denise Rutledge
Principal
Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God
