Dear Parents-
The third week of Advent fills us with much joy! We celebrate Mass on Gaudete Sunday, knowing that the Lord is near and the focus is on the joy that realization brings! Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is ear. The readings from Sunday reflect the joy we feel as the anticipation created by Advent builds excitement!
Yesterday we celebrated as a school community the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This is a very special celebration for us, and I thank Sra. Denmark for her support in the logistics of the celebration. I congratulate our 5th grade on a job well-done! Unfortunately, we were not able to include the Mariachi band this year, however, we participated in prayer (The Our Father) in two languages, and our students experienced the cultural diversity embodied in this feast...a great reminder that God created everyone and loves everyone...a true message of inclusion!
We count down the remaining school days (3 days) until our Christmas break, and keep an eye on COVID. In this week’s COVID update VDH reports that over the last 7 days, Fairfax County has seen a significant increase in total cases, now 228 cases per day and NAAT (PCR) test positivity ticking up to 5.2%. The transmission rate is considered high transmission. Nearby Loudoun County has a current average case rate of 109 cases per day, with the COVID-19 positivity rate in Loudoun up to 6.3%. The Fairfax County adult vaccination rate for fully vaccinated individuals has reached 82%. Importantly, though, only 28.2% of the adult population in Fairfax County is “boostered.” Mask up, Vax up and Please stay vigilant!
There is no data to support any change to the school calendar regarding the Christmas holiday. All COVID metrics, while not trending favorably, are well below the numbers we saw last year at this time. Therefore, school will reopen, on time, and in-person after the holiday, on Monday, January 3. Should there be any change, of course that information will be communicated as soon as known.
With all individuals age 2 and older now eligible for vaccination, vaccinating your child against COVID-19 is strictly a parent decision. SJS offers no opinion or recommendation on this issue. However, if you decide to vaccinate your child, I invite you to share that information with Mrs. Ezenwa, by sending her a copy of the vaccination card after your child is fully vaccinated. All information will be kept confidential, and it will help us determine next steps in the event of COVID exposure in our school.
On behalf of the entire faculty and staff of St. Joseph Catholic School, I want to wish all of you a very merry and blessed Christmas! May this time with your families bring you much joy, as we rejoice in the arrival of Our Savior.
Reminder that we dismiss for the Christmas break Friday, December 17. Classes resume Monday, January 3, 2022.
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
