Our hearts are heavy as we continue to hear of global unrest and tragedies. We are all struggling to process these acts of violence and wish to offer a prayer for Israel and everyone affected by these atrocities. During these challenging times, it is essential for us to come together as a community, supporting one another with empathy, understanding, and solidarity as we embrace our difference and foster understanding. In our diverse school community, we cherish the values of compassion, respect, and unity. Now, more than ever, we must uphold these principles and stand by our friends and fellow community members who may be directly affected by the tragic events in Israel. 

This month at Chapel, we are learning the spiritual virtue and practice of Peacemaking. We had a great start with St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of peace and healing, and the blessing of the animals.

As we reflect on how we can be peacemakers in a divisive and troubled world, I would like to pass on an invitation from Fr. James Twyman, an Episcopal priest and Franciscan Friar, to join people all around the world to pray for peace on Saturday, October 14 at noon, New York time. In his experience, "he has seen miracles happen when millions of people are focused on prayer at one time."

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 816)

If your Lower School student is participating in Mrs. Moulding's Book Character Pumpkin Parade contest, their entries are due by Thursday, October 19th. Students and staff will be voting on their favorite pumpkin Book Character in the coming weeks after strolling through the pumpkin patch in the Media Center! The winner of the Pumpkin contest will be announced before Halloween! Please find instructions, rules, and the Book Report Sheet below. Good Luck, Bears!

Don't forget about Fun Friday's on the Lower School Playground! Please join classmates and friends from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM every Firday for outdoor fun and community socialization on the playground!

Our 5th Grade students have done an incredible job raising money with their Annual Bake Sale to support Kenya Connect! Next Wednesday, October 18th, is the last day that they will be selling treats during lunch periods. If your student would like to purchase treats for 50 cents each next week, please send them to school with cash for them to purchase during their lunch time. We are so appreciative of this community for supporting our efforts in raising money and awareness for Kenya Connect. Go Bears!

We are so grateful for everyone who was able to attend the Annual Blessing of the Animals last week! We had a record turn out for this event and could not have asked for more beautiful weather. Chaplain Gigie blessed 44 animals in the name of St. Francis, including birds, cats, dogs, fish, hermit crabs, lizards, and more! It was a wonderful event, one that we look forward to every year, and we thank you for sharing your furry, scaly, and feathered family members with us. Spirit Bear even showed up to receive his blessing and made a furry friend of his own!

The concert will be held in All Saints Hall (ASH) at 2:30 pm on October 20th! Lower School students are encouraged to dress down and wear colors that celebrate Hispanic Heritage and represent colors that are included in the Hispanic flags from around the world! If a student owns an article of clothing that is from Spain, Mexico, or any other Hispanic country, we invite them to wear it to celebrate the diversity of the culture!

The Parents Association kicked off their Fall Fundraiser via Facebook on October 10th with Charleston Wrap! The fundraiser will continue through November 3rd and all items will arrive prior to Winter Break! A catalog made its way via your child’s backpack, but our campaign is set-up to be digital as well. Help us meet and exceed our goal of raising $5000 by REGISTERING online today at www.registercw.com using Org ID 21042 and START SHARING! Orders ship directly to your friends and family who make purchases. Any questions or concerns related to Charlestown wrap, contact

SJPDSVPPrograms@gmail.com.

Don’t miss your chance to learn about and touch some furry (and scaly!) friends from Wildlife Adventures from 1:30 - 3:00pm. Feeling competitive? Sign up TODAY to compete in our Annual Trunk-or-Treat by decorating your vehicle and/or sign up by 10/16 to drop off a decorated pumpkin and participate in our Pumpkin Carving Contest! A small prize will be awarded to each contest winner!

We need pumpkins!  Help us fill our PA Pumpkin Patch by donating small pumpkins! Children will be able to select a pumpkin from our patch and decorate them with paints, stickers, gems, and more!

Thank you to all who have already signed up and donated to the (nearly complete!) Amazon Wish List. Please see the event sign-up to volunteer the day of, for more information, and to RSVP today!

Please consider volunteering for the PA! Positions are available and we need your help. Please contact the PA Volunteer team at sjpdsvolunteer@gmail.com. We'd love to have your talent support this wonderful community that benefits our school in so many ways!

You can see the available positions HERE. Thank you for volunteering!