Dear Parents-
Such a special Mass on Friday, as students, led by Father Matt, joined Pope Francis and bishops throughout the world to consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, praying especially for peace, protection from nuclear weapons and an end to war. Pope Francis recognized the act of consecration of Russia and Ukraine to Mary's immaculate heart was “not a magic formula, but a spiritual act,” and as faithful members of the Church we are very aware that prayer is powerful and that we need to tap into that power!
Last Wednesday and Thursday, our 8th grade students participated in the Diocesan-wide vocations event. Students completed a faith-based escape room activity on Wednesday and then on Thursday, joined with all 8th graders from Diocesan schools to attend Mass for Vocations celebrated by Bishop Burbidge. This special Mass was celebrated at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas and for the first time since COVID, all Diocesan 8th graders were able to enjoy faith and camaraderie with fellow students.
These faith-filled activities set a great backdrop for celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation. On Saturday, April 2, students from our 8th grade as well as SJC Faith Formation students will be confirmed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Bishop Emeritus Paul Loverde will celebrate Mass. Please keep these confirmands in your prayers as they strengthen their commitment to live as a witness to Jesus Christ.
Last Friday, March 25, the Arlington Diocese lifted all remaining COVID protocols, including social distance, bringing to an end, officially, our seemingly endless battle with COVID. With that, as previously mentioned, all normal activity will resume as it is scheduled. We are very excited to welcome parents to our school Mass on Friday mornings, and look forward to expanded volunteer opportunities. Parents who intend to attend the school Mass are reminded that for the safety of all, it has been the practice for several years to lock the church doors promptly at 9:30. Seating is limited, with one pew available at the back of each section. Parents interested in volunteering for lunch and recess should access the sign up genius (see volunteers needed box below) or contact Ms. Stump at lstump@sjcherndon.org. Parents interested in classroom opportunities should contact teachers directly.
As we come together and share the joy of community, please be understanding of the fact that we can not now add two years worth of missed field trips and other activities to the calendar. Teachers are planning their “typical for this time of year” activities for their current students, and students will be able to enjoy the experiences of their current grade level.
Parents are reminded of the dangers of social media, particularly for young children. Facebook, Instagram, and nearly all social media sites require users to be at least 13 years old, in accordance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. This law was enacted to protect children, but only from unfair marketing practices. I can not emphasize enough the importance of monitoring children’s use of social media..no media company is going to protect our kids.
Elections for a new PTO Board will be held in May. Nominations are now being accepted. Please consider serving on the board. The PTO board is an integral part of the school community, and helps to create a welcoming atmosphere, involving families in volunteerism and service. Fund-raising is also a critical component. Every PTO has unique goals, but they all are grounded in creating the best environment for the students! Please consider giving your time. If you have any questions, please contact Ed Fitzpatrick at pto@sjschoolva.org or Mrs. Monique Tuttle at m.tuttle@sjschoolva.org
Remember, parents are welcome to join us in the church for Stations of the Cross each Wednesday. Can’t join us for Stations on Wednesdays? Maybe the Friday morning school Mass fits your schedule, but if not, consider joining Mrs. Pagano on Friday afternoons in the church to pray the rosary.
Pray for peace in the Ukraine.
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
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March Service Project Dress Out Day - Tomorrow! |
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SJS Yearbook - Last Week!! |
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Yearbook Orders - On Sale Now!
Sales will run from Feb 14 - April 1
Here is the direct link:
Yearbooks will be available for purchase online only.
No extra copies will be purchased
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Welcome Saints Volunteers Needed! |
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Starting at a new school can be overwhelming, not just for the students but for the entire family. To ease the transition, we have created the Welcome Saints program. This resource pairs each new family with a veteran SJS family - YOU.
We need YOU! Please consider volunteering as a Family Ambassador as part of the Welcome Saints program. You will act as a resource and a point of contact for a new family. New families often have many questions - about the uniform, carpool, the dining hall, the extended day program, recess, textbooks, supplies, etc. These are everyday questions! You will act as a resource in helping them find the answers to their questions. More importantly, you provide a huge warm welcome! Introduce your children to the new student so that they know someone prior to the first day of school!
Don't think you know enough to become a Family Ambassador? No worries! We will have a 'training' session to get everyone up to speed on what to cover and how to be the best ambassador for your family!
If interested, please contact JoEllen Mountcastle at welcomesaints@sjschoolva.org
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Are you interested in becoming more involved with St. Joseph Catholic School through the PTO? Consider submitting your name and a short bio for the 2022-2023 PTO Committee to pto@sjschoolva.org by April 25.
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Mark your calendar!!
The year's show is hybrid. It will go "Live" online on Thursday, April 14. and it will also be In Person on Thursday, April 28 in Hall A. All sales will be online through the Artome website. Only parents will be able to buy originals, but family members can order copies with frames! The price for originals and reproductions and siblings are all $30.00.
**Raffle** Tickets will be sold (in person only) for a basket full of awesome art supplies!
More details & the link to purchase artwork -- Coming Soon!
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Come and run a mile or two,
Develop friendships old and new,
Set some goals and see them through,
We'll work hard and have fun too!
The Arlington Diocese is planning to host a Spring 2022 NVJCYO Track & Field Championship meet on May 14th and Father Tom has provided his blessings for our St. Joseph's Parish team to participate in the spring season. We hope that your young athletes will join us in some healthy practices and competitions as your family's schedules allow.
Who can participate? St. Joseph’s 3rd-8th grade students or parishioners (SJS, CCD or home school).
How much does it cost?:
- $30 for an individual plus $20 for each additional sibling covers practice and meet fees, drinks, and an end of season party
- Team shirts will be purchased separately for approx. $15 if you do not already have one
- Families with athletes who choose to compete in the Arlington Diocese Meets will also be asked to volunteer some time to help manage events
Why should we join?
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Be part of our team! As a combination of individual and team events, the Track & Field program offers an opportunity for each person to be part of a group that encourages each other to improve in running, jumping, and throwing. Individual events are offered across several age groups and levels of skill and motivation. The more each athlete wants to train, the faster he or she will improve his/her abilities. Several members join to train to compete in the meet while others join for the great cross-training this offers for other sports. We can all improve individually and as a team!
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Flexible schedules: Teammates and families are encouraged to join as many practices and the meet as family schedules allow; but, there are no minimum time commitments.
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Low-cost family fun: $30 per individual plus $20 for additional siblings provides access to multiple practices/meets per week from mid-March to mid-May… Parents are also encouraged to join in the running, jumping and throwing with our student athletes (or to help manage event training, keep scores, etc.) .
How do we join?: email sj.xctrack@gmail.com for registration details and to be added to our team email list
Thank you from your SJS Track & Field Coaching team!
Mike Culligan
Lisa Anderson
Kelly Hartley
Matthew Eggers
Erik Larsen
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NOMINATIONS FOR TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Northern Virginia magazine has established an award to recognize the very best educators in our region. They reached out to us to ask our community to share nominations for their first annual Northern Virginia Teacher of the Year award.
Anyone can nominate a teacher, including parents and students. Nominees must have at least three years of experience and be full-time teachers. If you are interested in submitting a nomination, please complete their form.
All nominations must be submitted by Sunday, April 24, 2022.
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We are so excited to welcome our volunteers back for lunch and recess!
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As the possibility of adults being able to volunteer at St. Joseph Catholic School, this is a reminder that adults must be compliant in the Child Protection Program to do so. The program is two parts: an online background check which can be completed at arlingtondiocese.org. Choose Protecting our Children and then follow the instructions to complete your application. The second part is attendance at a Virtus seminar. These seminars can be found at virtus.org. If you have any questions about completing the program, please feel free to contact Beth Covert at bcovert@sjcherndon.org, or (703)880-4357.
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First Holy Communion Items |
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First Communion items for sale!
April 4th and 5th
Religious Goods Stand in the church
During carpool 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m
Items that are available include: statues, rosaries, First Communion items, Mass books, Rosary containers, First Communion photo frames, photo albums, medals, rosary bracelets, prayer cards, veils, limited assortment, and blue ties for the boys.
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There is no true allergy -free zone; many people think that moving to a certain part of the country will cure their pollen allergies.
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March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
We are focusing on concussion and have shared some resources both from Inova and the CDC as a refresher to you about what you need to know about a concussion.
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SJC Ladies Society 50/50 Raffle
Winning Ticket to be drawn SUNDAY MAY 15TH 2022
after the 5 PM Mass
You do not need to be present to win.
Buy 50/50 Raffle Tickets for a chance to win 50% of all ticket sales and the other 50% will support the Ladies’ Society Backpack Lunch program. *During the school year the Ladies Society of St Joseph Church provides over 5400 weekend breakfast, lunch and dinner meals to local students at a cost of $4500. Thank you for your support!
1 Ticket for $10 3 Tickets for $20
Mail in sales open March 6 and close May 13th. Tickets will also be sold in person after all Masses April 30th and May 1st.
1. Online: Click HERE for the SJC Faith Direct Website to purchase tickets. You will receive an email confirmation with your ticket numbers.
2. In Person: Tickets will be sold after all Masses the weekend of April 30 and May 1.
3. By Mail: Complete THIS FORM. Make check payable to St Joseph Church and mail with form to: St Joseph Church 750 Peachtree St Herndon VA 20170 or forget the stamp and drop in the green mailbox by the church office. You will receive an email confirmation with your ticket numbers.
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Stay Connected!
SJS Mobile App, Twitter and Facebook
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Don't forget to follow the official St. Joseph Catholic School Facebook page (sjschoolva), Twitter account (@sjschoolva), and download the mobile app from the App Store (St. Joseph Catholic School, VA)
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750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170
Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320
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