NewsViews from St. John School
Like us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

January 5, 2012  

 
January Courtesy:  Join in and include everybody!

Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. 

from Psalm 72 

 

Message From the Principal 

Ephiphany   

Happy New Year! 


Tomorrow, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany.  As we begin the new calendar year and remember the experience of the Magi, let us resolve, that we will open our minds and see afresh the beauty of Christ's birth in His creation.  We pray that we will look with new eyes and take the time to see Christ revealed in our families, our communities and in the world.  Let us seek out goodness and open our hearts to God's mercy.   Let us imagine that we are one of the Magi, one of those Three Wise Men.  Let us visit the Lord, bearing gifts of open minds and hearts, and we will all experience many epiphanies!
 
Catholic Schools Week is right around the corner.   During this time, schools around the nation celebrate the benefits of Catholic education.  The President frequently makes a statement about the contributions of Catholic education.  At this time also, we have our Open House and tours, with many new families inquiring about, and visiting our school.  It is also time to begin to think about reenrollment.  If you are a parish family, make sure that you are fulfilling all the requirements to participate in Fair Share Tuition.  All families who may need financial assistance should be applying at the Fulcrum Foundation website.  Parents of eighth grade students, make sure that you submit the high-school applications and financial assistance paperwork.   It is hard to believe the the school year is almost half-way over - it is flying by so quickly!  

Thank you for all your Christmas wishes,
Beannacht! 

Bernadette O'Leary

CSW 2012 
National Catholic Schools Week 
Sunday through Friday, January 29 - February 3, 2012
Watch for notice of special activities! 

Plan to attend:

All School Liturgy 

Sunday, January 29, 2012 

Plan on a joyous celebration of liturgy!

All school families are encouraged to be present!

 

All School Open House

Sunday, January 29, 2012 

Following 10:30 liturgy until 1:30pm

Classrooms will be open for you!

See displays of student work!

Visit with your child's teacher!

 

FINANCIAL AID 2011/2012 

  

Fulcrum FoundationFulcrum Foundation Tuition Assistance Grant Applications are now available for the 2012/2013 school year.  Please visit the Fulcrum Foundation to apply.  Grants for parish members eligible to participate in Fair Share help offset the difference between the actual cost to educate and the amount of the family's pledge.  Grants for out of parish students reduce the amount of tuition owed by the family.  Apply online and provide a copy of your application and supporting documents to St. John School, attention Diane Crockett not later than Friday, February 17, 2012.      

 

Smart Tuition AidOut of Parish Tuition Assistance, Smart Tuition Aid

Financial aid is available to out of parish students on a limited basis.  Application may be made online at www.smarttuitionaid.comOut of parish families must also submit an application to Fulcrum to be considered for tuition assistance through Smart Tuition Aid.  In addition families must complete a needs request to be returned to the school office, attention Diane Crockett. Click here to access.  Deadline for application is February 17, 2012. 

 

Texas Hold'Em

Annual Benefit Poker Tournament

Friday, January 27,
7-10:30pm
Blue Ridge Clubhouse
 
Mark your calendar and plan to get in the game!  Texas Hold'em/Progressive Minimum/Double Blind.  Instruction available for beginners - a great event for novice and expert alike!  All proceeds benefit the financial aid fund for the 2012 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C.  Complete and return the attached registration form.   

K of C LogoBSA Logo
K of C/Troop 121 Italian Dinner
 
Join the Knights of Columbus and St. John Boy Scout Troop 121 for the Eighth Annual Italian Dinner.  Proceeds benefit Troop 121.  Contact Bethany King with questions at 206-789-7119 or via email.  See the attached flyer for more details about this great tradition!
Intermediate and MS Band Notice
 
Beginning Tuesday, January 10, students will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  This change will be in effect for the remainder of the school year.  Questions?  Contact Sean Richarz, Band Director.
Alumni News
 
Janessa W., 2011 is playing Varsity Basketball for Holy Names Academy.  At the recent game with Bishop Blanchet High School Janessa scored 18 points, 7 of which were scored in one minute during the first quarter!

Drew B. and Cameron M., 2011 are on the Bishop Blanchet High School Freshman Basketball team. 
2011 Faculty/Staff Craziest Christmas Sweater Contest Winners Announced

 

Sweater Contest
Mrs. Cowden, Grade 1 Assistant and Miss Feeney, Grade 1 Teacher

New Year's Eve for Kenya Well Project Great Success

 

Thank you to everyone who attended the New Year's Eve party to help raise much needed funds for the Kenya Well project.  Thank you to all those who helped to make the event special:  Ticket sellers, set up crew, decorators, cooks, teen table staff, and clean up crew; to everyone who donated funds, food, drink, time, and talent; to Peter Canon for salmon, John Griffin for wine, and Doug Willson and Mike Osterfeld for beer; to Shane Pierard and Nan Houston for their many hours of smiling support; and, to Jack D. for helping with set up, and to Mia A. for her decorating skills, ticket sales, and entertainment.  Your generosity helped us raise $4,000!  The Kenya Well Project fundraising total is now just over $13,000.  For updates on our progress visit KenyaWell.com.
DOT #1DOT #2DOT  #3

CONSTRUCTION REMINDER

Eastbound detours on NW 85th St.

 

Construction activities and eastbound detours on NW 85th St between 15th Ave NW and 8th Ave NW (Phase 1) have begun. Neighbors and area commuters should plan ahead and expect traffic delays. Click here for more information. 


Important Dates

Jan. 7:    Cantionis at 5pm Mass 

 

Jan. 9:     1st Eucharist, 7pm    

 

Jan. 12    Open House, Preschool

7pm, Egan Mezzanine 

 

Jan. 16:   Dr. Martin Luther  

King, Jr.'s Birthday

School not in session 

 

Jan. 17:   Parent Association Mtg.,

6:30pm, Mezzanine   

  

Jan. 19:   Open House 

Kindergarten

7pm, Egan Mezzanine 

 

Jan. 24:   New Parent Q & A

9am, Library 

 

Jan. 27:   Benefit Poker Party,

7pm, Blue Ridge CH 

 

 VIEW THE 2011-2012 CALENDAR  

Hot Lunch

Friday, January 6 

Breakfast sandwich w/Canadian bacon, cheddar and eggs 

 

Monday, January 9 

Hamburger, cheeseburger, or veggie burger 

 

Tuesday, January 10 

Spaghetti w/meat or marinara sauce 

 

Wednesday, January 11 

Chicken Teriyaki, steamed rice & broccoli, chocolate cake 

 

Thursday, January 12 

Grilled chicken or cheese Quesadilla, salsa, sour cream, pineapple  

 

VIEW FULL MENU AND ORDER 


Fundraising  

Scrip for the New Year!!!
Thank you for your orders over the holiday season.  We appreciate your continued support of this vital fundraiser! 

 
SCRIP ORDER FORM  

 

Greenwood Market Closing!

A big loss to the community and to St. John fundraising.  Please turn in any and all Greenwood Market receipts to the school office by Wednesday, January 11 for submission for our 1%!  

FORMATION FOR LOVE AND CHASTITY
Thursday, Jan. 26, 7pm, Egan Hall
Susan Burdett whose qualifications include a Masters of Religious Education, lay minister with the
Archdiocese, principal for 22 years, involved in adult faith formation for forty years will be our featured speaker. The presentation will be on the Churchʼs teachings on human sexuality. This is in preparation for the Family Life program available to students grades five through eight. We encourage parents who have not attended one of these sessions, to be present on the 26th. Parents of students grades 5 through 8 will have the opportunity to view curriculum materials.

Music Man Jr.Rehearsal Piano Accompanist Wanted for The Music Man, Jr.

 

Are you a pianist with a love for musical theatre?  St. John's middle school cast of The Music Man, Jr. is looking for a rehearsal accompanist for our show.  We rehearse after school Monday - Thursday beginning January 9, but you could come when convenient for you.  An accompanist would be most helpful for soloists learning their songs and in teaching harmony.  (Primarily, we use the performance CD provided with our show license.)  If you are interested or would like to review the music to make a determination, please contact Katie Franklin, Director, at 206-781-4672 or catherinfranklin@comcast.net.  Students with sufficient piano training are welcome!


Volunteer Opportunity

Uniform Sales Coordinator  Coordinate the sales, ordering, and delivery of St. John uniform sweatshirts and t-shirts.  Great opportunity to fulfill your volunteer commitment from home. Looking for a person to train in January.  Please contact St. John Volunteer Coordinator Mary Kearney at marytkearney@comcast.net if you are interested or have questions.


St. Seaton
January Saint 
 
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton


Feast Day: January 4 
Virtue:  Fear of the Lord 
Action:  Own your actions! 

 

Born in New York City, August 28, 1774, Elizabeth lost her mother early, and her education became the concern of her father, Dr. Richard Bayley. She was very devout, fond of reading the Scriptures, and had a deep trust in Divine Providence.  

At nineteen, Elizabeth married William Magee Seton of New York. Five children were born of their happy union. After her husband's death, the Felicchi-lifelong friends-welcomed the grieving widow to their home in Italy, where Elizabeth found true Catholic life.

 

Elizabeth returned to New York in 1804 and entered the Catholic Church on March 14, 1805. She accepted an invitation from Archbishop Carroll to establish a girl's school in Baltimore. Several women joined her in the religious life, and she became known as "Mother Seton". They were known as Sisters of Charity and lived in Emmitsburg. This was the origin of six American communities of sisters.

A school opened for the children of the parish was the first parochial school in the United States.   

Elizabeth died on January 4th, 1821. In 1963 she became the first American born citizen to be beatified and on September 14, 1975 she was canonized by Pope Paul VI.*

 

O God, you raised up Saint Elizabeth in Your Church so that she might instruct others in the way of salvation. Grant us so to follow Christ after her example that we may reach You in the company of our brothers and sisters.

 

* Taken from the Picture Book of Saints


Box Tops LogoBox Tops for Education
Keep eating your Wheaties! 

St. John School just received a bonus check from General Mills for $313.10!!!  Funds go to the Playground Fund.  Drop your box tops off at the school or parish offices.  Thank you!