A Message from George Hofbauer

Where has the school year gone? It seems like it just began. Now suddenly the final trimester is about to start. I think it seems to be going faster for me this year than ever before. Christmas and New Years seem like distant memories. And now we have stepped solidly into Lent.

During Lent, for well over three decades, we have always embarked upon a sacred journey that has become one of my most favorite activities--the eighth grade Passion Play. It is a bit of a rite of passage. The eighth graders spend all of Lent preparing to re-enact the last hours of Jesus. The play is presented each year at the 5:00 evening Mass on Palm Sunday, and again at 11:00am on Good Friday.

Jupiter Breuner, '11 as Christ in the Passion Play. Photo courtesy of Fr. John Whitney, SJ

Many of our graduates come back to watch it, year after year, and to remember. Hopefully many of you who are reading this will make the time to come yourself. You will not regret it. Make it part of your Lenten journey. It will make Easter even more wondrous.

On other fronts, all is going well at the school. We now have hired both the new principal and vice principal. I am very excited about the excellent administrative team that will be serving St. Joseph School next year and well into the future. I am confident that Patrick Fennessy, Rick Boyle, and Kris Brown will bring the institution to new heights. 

George

School News/Events

St. Joseph School Open House

Catholic Schools Week 

During the week of January 29th - February 4th, St. Joseph School joined other Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle and across the country in celebrating Catholic Schools Week.

Fulcrum Foundation Celebration of Light

Rodney and Constance Proctor accept the Champions of Catholic Education Award at the 2012 Celebration of Light. Photo courtesy of Kim Doyel, Team Photogenic

In its tenth year, the Fulcrum Foundation Celebration of Light, which typically ends the week-long celebrations, this year was held prior to Catholic Schools Week on Friday, January 27th at the Sheraton Hotel. Among those honored as the 2012 Champions of Catholic Education, were St. Joseph School alumni parents Constance and Rodney Proctor (Nathan, '91, Tameko, '94, and Kevin Proctor, '95) and the grandfather of St. Joseph School alumna Kailee Johnson, '10 and Sterling Johnson, '14, Lou Tice.

Lou Tice, 2012 Champion of Catholic Education award recipient addresses attendees at the Celebration of Light dinner held at the Sheraton. Photo courtesy of Kim Doyel, Team Photogenic

Aidan Lopez, '10 tells why "George is My Hero" Photo courtesy of Kim Doyel, Team Photogenic

St. Joseph School alumna Andrea Buren, '82 shares her memories of George Hofbauer's early years as principal. Photo courtesy of Kim Doyel, Team Photogenic

Fulcrum Foundation Executive Director looks on as the Very Reverend Michael G. Ryan, Chair, presents George Hofbauer with a special recognition of achieverment. Photo courtesy of Kim Doyel, Team Photogenic

Presenting the award, Fr. Ryan also announced that a new endowment fund had been established at the Fulcrum Foundation in George's name (separate from the one at St. Joe's--The George Hofbauer Endowment for financial aid). Thanks to the generosity of the approximately 1,200 in attendance and other Patrons of Light, the Fulcrum Foundation proudly announced that as of January 28th over $1,090,000 had been raised through the Celebration of Light to benefit Catholic schools in western Washington.

George Hofbauer delivers the appeal for financial gifts in support of the Fulcrum Foundation at the 2012 Celebration of Light. Photo courtesy of Kim Doyel, Team Photogenic

Just two days prior to the event, Joe Womac (seen above) was honored by President Obama at the White House as a "Champion of Change" for the work he and the Fulcrum Foundation have done. To read more about the program you can click on the link or go to www.whitehouse.gov/champions.

Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House

The traditional kick-off to Catholic Schools Week, the January 28th and 29th liturgies at St. Joseph Church were devoted to celebrating one of its primary missions--its parish school and Catholic education as a whole. As has been the custom, George Hofbauer served as the homilist and, at the Sunday morning Mass, the Middle School Choir and staff members assisted with the liturgy.

Fr. John Whitney, SJ and the congregation recognize George Hofbauer during the 9am Mass to begin Catholic Schools Week. Photo courtesy of Maureen Cartano

Members of the St. Joseph School staff receive a blessing at the conclusion of the 9am Mass. Photo courtesy of Maureen Cartano

Following the Mass, an Open House was held in the school for current and prospective families as well as members of the parish community. The following day, prospective students and their parents were invited to attend one of two additional Open House programs and tour the school while classes were in session. Interest in the school remains high, and with applications for enrollment for new and returning students now in, the administration is encouraged that the school will again be at or near capacity. If you or someone you know would like to enroll a child at St. Joseph School, please visit the Admissions page of the school's website or contact the Admissions Director, Barbara Steinhauser at (206)329-3260 ext 243 

First grade teacher Beth Peterson visits with a school family during the Sunday, January 29th Open House. Photo courtesy of Maureen Cartano

Like other schools in the archdiocese, at St. Joe's Catholic Schools Week includes days devoted to "appreciating" our parents, students, and staff. To end the week, the students gathered for an all-school Outreach Day prayer service. Each classroom brought to the church the items they had collected for the St. Mary's Food Bank and other charitable organizations the school supports such as Jubilee Women's Center, Baby Corner, Chief Sealth, and Francis House, as well as cash donations for our sister parish school in Kinango. At the conclusion of the prayer service, students in grades 7 and 8 were sent out into the community to do volunteer work.

Diaper Drive to Support St. Joseph's Baby Corner 

Similar to last year's toilet paper drive which benefitted Jubilee Women's Center and a number of other organizations, this year, St. Joseph students are collecting packages of baby diapers for the St. Joseph's Baby Corner. Groups of classrooms are competing against one another to see which can bring in the most diapers. At the end of the collection period (March 9th), a giant diaper structure will be assembled in the auditorium. Donations of diapers or cash are gladly accepted and can be dropped off at the school's Main Office during school hours between now and May 9th.  

Just some of the many diapers being collected by St. Joseph students for the St. Joseph's Baby Corner. Photo courtesy of Anne Haskins

Festival of Catholic High School Choirs 

Presented by the Catholic Schools Department, the Festival of Catholic High School Choirs traditionally takes place the Monday following Catholic Schools Week. After months of preparation, including combined choir rehearsals the day prior at Kennedy Catholic High School and all day on the day of the performance, hundreds of students representing fifteen high school choirs (including a number of St. Joseph School alumni) took to the stage at Benaroya Hall the evening of February 6th.  

The 2012 Festival of Catholic High School Choirs at Benaroya Hall featuring the combined choir of 15 archdiocesan high schools. Photographed above is the combined choir under the direction of special guest conductor Stephen Hatfield. Photo courtesy of Anne Haskins

Salmon in the Classroom

On January 12th, students from the kindergarten and third grade classes gathered in the auditorium for a "welcome ceremony" for the salmon eggs which they will help to raise from the "eyed up" stage until they reach the "fry" stage and are ready for release into the Issaquah Creek.

According to third grade teacher Donna Larsen, who guided the welcome ceremony that gave the students an opportunity to see the salmon eggs up-close before the eggs were placed in the fish tank, the Salmon Program was begun about 15 years ago by Irene Smart, a former St. Joe's kindergarten teacher. Larsen says, "The salmon project is aimed toward teaching students about the importance of environmental awareness in the salmon's habitat. Salmon have an incredible journey during their life cycle and this journey ranges for thousands of miles...We hope that our efforts help to continue the salmons' life cycle for many years into the future."

Donna Larsen looks on as two kindergarten students take their turn getting an up-close look at the salmon eggs which they and the rest of the students in kindergarten and the third grade will help to raise. Photo courtesy of Maureen Cartano

 

 

The salmon are now swimming and can be seen in the fish tank (generously donated by the Henning family) in the main hallway of the new building. Please feel free to stop by to see them before they go on to the next phase of their journey!

  

 

Ceili...Make Your Reservations Now!

Irish dancers from the 2005 Ceili. Photo courtesy of St. Joseph School Archives

The 15th Annual Ceili is happening on Saturday, March 17th (St. Patrick's Day) in the Wyckoff Gym from 6:00-10:00pm. The event features an Irish band, dancers, and food. 

 

If you would like to attend, get your reservation in now as the Ceili always sells out. Tickets are $40 per family or $15 per adult/$5 per child. To purchase a ticket, print and mail in the order form or go to the St. Joseph Parish website for more information and to make your reservation online.

 

Questions? Contact Steve Wodzanowski at (206)965-1646

Kelsey, '05 and Connor Heffernan, '10 at the 2006 Ceili. Alumni parents Joe Zech, Mike Maher, and George Mead, Jr. can be seen enjoying the traditional Irish food and beverage. Photo courtesy of St. Joseph School Archives

Administrative Transition

Next Vice Principal for Student Life Announced

We are pleased to announce that Kris Brown will become the Vice Principal for Student Life effective July 1, 2012. Kris brings with her an impressive record of leadership in Seattle's Catholic schools. From 1996 until 2009, Kris was principal of Holy Rosary School. During her tenure the school grew from one class per grade to two and was awarded two national Blue Ribbon School awards. For the past three years, Kris has been principal at St. Catherine School.

Those who have worked for and with Kris describe her as one who provides outstanding leadership, guidance and support to teachers. They say she is a teacher at heart.

Kris is an alumna of Carroll College, and has two master's degrees--one in education and the other in educational administration--from the University of San Francisco.

Kris's skills and considerable experience will complement the administrative team, and will ensure that our mission to educate students to reach their God-given potential continues well into the future.

by Patrick Fennessy

Current Vice Principal for Student Life

Principal, Effective July 1, 2012  

Gala for George's Retirement

The invitations for the gala celebration for George which takes place on May 26th were mailed in mid-February. RSVPs are due March 2nd. Any and all questions related to the gala should be directed to Rick Boyle at (206)329-3260 ext 215.

Development

Annual Alumni Christmas Appeal

"Santa" George. Photo courtesy of St. Joseph School Archives

Thanks to the generosity of so many of our alumni families, as of February 27th over $76,629 has been received in contributions to the St. Joseph School Alumni Christmas Appeal.

 

Unless otherwise stipulated, all donations the school received from the Christmas Appeal were placed in the George Hofbauer Endowment Fund for financial aid. We are proud to report that thanks to the support of so many individuals, the fund has grown to over $589,340!! 

 

If you would like to make a donation and did not receive a letter in the mail or prefer to pay with a credit card, please click here to be taken to the secure online payment site.

The Alumni Connection

St. Joseph School Alumni Serving Abroad

In the December issue of Reconnections we brought you stories of the work that two St. Joseph School Alumni, Hugo Lucitante, '02 and Dylan Patterson, '05, have been doing in Ecuador and Uganda, respectively. This month, we are pleased to give you an update on Dylan, and also share with you the amazing work being done abroad by yet another St. Joe's alumnus, Jim Roos, '78.

Last month, Dylan Patterson, '05 was notified that he had been nominated as "Giraffe Hero" (someone who has stuck his/her neck out to serve the people of Uganda). Dylan follows in his father Daniel Patterson's footsteps, who, like Dylan, received a commendation from the Giraffe Heroes Project based in Langley, Washington for his own work.

Dylan Patterson, '05 with children of Uganda. Photo courtesy of Deborah Walters

Dr. Jim Roos, St. Joseph School Class of 1978, likewise has been generously giving of his time and talents as part of Doctors Without Borders. The son of St. Joseph parishioners Mary and Don Roos, Ed has four brothers who also graduated from St. Joseph School:  Joe, '77, Ed, '80, Paul, '83, and Patrick, '87.

The St. Joseph School Class of 1978 30-year reunion. Jim is kneeling in the front row, second from the right. Photo courtesy of Class of 1978 Facebook page

After graduating from O'Dea High School in 1982 and the University of Puget Sound, Jim spent three years in the late 80s with the Peace Corps teaching high school science in Botswana. It was during this time that Jim, according to brother Ed, decided he wanted to spend the rest of his life doing work abroad. Since graduating from the Mayo Medical School, specializing in General Practice, Jim has alternated between his work at home and abroad. Having worked on a malnutrition project in South Sudan and a measles surveillance project in Nigeria, Jim is currently working in the Gambella Region of Ethiopia with Doctors Without Borders (French section) as the Field Doctor at a primary Health Center. According to Jim, the Health Center is basically a small hospital with 25 beds where the doctors care for obstetric, adult and pediatric patients, including TB and malnutrition programs.

Jim Roos, '78 and members of the MSF Malnutrition Project in South Sudan, 2010. Photo courtesy of Jim Roos

Jim reviewing the registers as part of the MSF Measles project in Nigeria. Photo courtesy of Jim Roos

In between assignments, Jim works at community health centers in Washington State, filling in for doctors on leave or where the clinic is short-staffed. Jim enjoys mountain climbing, trekking, and traveling the world. 

Jim Roos, '78

Special thanks to Dylan's mother, Deborah Walters and Jim's brother, Ed Roos, '80 for bringing us these two stories, and to Jim for allowing us to share his work with you, and providing photos and background information.

  

Do you have a family member who is a St. Joseph School alum serving others at home or abroad in a significant way whose story you'd like to share? If so, please let us know so that we can include him/her in a future issue of Reconnections.

Class Reunions

Class of 1964

Sheila (Sifferman) Marie, Christie Sheehan, and Coleen Carney gathered with members of the class of 1964 at FX McRory's in July 2006. Photo courtesy of Sheila Sifferman Marie, '64

Calling all members of St. Joseph School's first co-ed class...Before you know it, it will be 50 years since you graduated from St. Joe's. 

Sheila Sifferman Marie has stepped forward to be part of the reunion planning committee and recently visited the school to discuss the planning and how the school can assist with locating classmates, advertising, and the event itself. If you would like to be involved, please contact Sheila by phone (206)251-7035 or email at smarie49@comcast.net. Information about the reunion (tentatively set for July 2014) will be posted on both the school's website and in Reconnections.

Caron Zech, Tom Cannon, and Collene Sinclair. Photo courtesy of Sheila Sifferman Marie, '64

In the meantime, help us fill in the blanks...Maureen (Carey) Schwenk was kind enough to take a stab at identifying members of the graduating class of 1964--she cautions that her memory isn't what it used to be, so if you spot a mistake, feel free to let us know. If you are able to assist with a name or two (or more), please contact Sheila or Anne Haskins.

The graduating class of 1964. Photo courtesy of St. Joseph School archives

 Class of 1966

Class of 1966 classmates (l to r) Tom Boehmer, Charlie Heffernan, Jim Peterson, Brian Sweeney, and Rich Cannon at House of Hong, September 2007

A group of classmates from the St. Joseph School Class of 1966 has been gathering several times each year for dim sum lunch together at the House of Hong Restaurant in Seattle and are looking to expand the guest list...So, here's a "shout out" to all members of the Class of 1966 to come together and do some dim sum!

To find out when the next gathering will be, please contact Ross Case '66 at rossc@white-star.net or Jim Peterson '66 at jpeterson@tamaracinc.com

Members of the Seattle Preparatory School Class of 1970 at their 40th reunion on October 15, 2010

St. Joseph School Class of 1966 members at their 40th high school reunion. Front Row (l to r): Rich Cannon, Ross Case, Jim Wood; 2nd Row (l to r): Tim Stapleton, Brian Sweeney, Steve Hogan; 3rd Row (l to r): Mike Burke, Jerome Zech, Bob Santi; Back Row (l to r): Kevin Cox, Tom Boehmer, Bob Sifferman, Lee Shephard

45th Reunion

On October 7th, 62 members of the Class of 1966 along with 25 spouses gathered for their 45th reunion in the school's auditorium for an evening of sharing stories, memories, and lots of laughter. To see more photos from the reunion, click here to be connected to the photo gallery of Catherine Anstett.

The Class of 1966 45th Reunion. Classmates posed as they had for their First Communion Photo. Photo courtesy of Catherine Anstett

Class of 1978

Class of 1978 graduation photo. Photo courtesy of St. Joseph School archives

While they have organized more formal reunion events over the years, in between the larger gatherings members of the Class of 1978 (shown above in their graduation photo) have tried to stay in touch by holding annual informal picnics at a local park or classmate's home.

If you would like to reconnect with classmates, contact Tina (Blanding) Laughlin '78 at (206) 361-8403.

Class of 1980

The Class of 1980 in 1976-77 with 5A teacher, Sr. Janyce Bouta. Photo courtesy of St. Joseph School archives

The Class of 1980 held their 30th reunion on Saturday, October 16^th at the Garage. To see photos and reconnect with classmates, you may visit the Class of 1980 page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Joseph-Seattle-Class-of-1980/109959725695101?created#!/pages/St-Joseph-Seattle-Class-of-1980/109959725695101?v=wall. Ed Roos organized the reunion and is the class contact person. You may get it touch with Ed by email at rooster6601@yahoo.com or on his cell phone at (206)786-7667

Class of 1985

Class of 1985 25th Reunion. Photo courtesy of Lori Buono Anderson '85

If you'd like to see more photos and/or get back in touch with your classmates from the Class of 1985, please visit their page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Joseph-Class-of-85/210251752533#!/group.php?gid=120895883605&ref=search . You can also contact Lori (Buono) Anderson '85 at (lori352@hotmail.com) or Tom Newman '85 at (tommynewman@comcast.net

See the full write-up about their 25^th reunion held this summer in the September issue of Reconnections 

Class of 1987

Members of the St. Joseph School Class of 1987 (left to right): Jay Lacktrup, Dave McCullough, Pat Roos, Zach Cronin, Alan Artist, Tos Fackenthall, Kevin Palmore, and Casey Losh

The mini Reunion of the St. Joseph School Class of 1987 took place in mid-June at the Canterbury on 15th.

Class of 1990

Class of 1990 graduation photo. Photo courtesy of St. Joseph School archives

Stefani Bechard Enriquez '90 is looking for classmates interested in planning a potluck BBQ for the summer of 2011 and has set up a site on Facebook for the Class of 1990 http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=106927879336721&ref=ts

In the early part of November a small group of classmates gathered informally. Hopefully many more members of the Class of 1990 will be able to attend the reunion this coming summer.

Class Notes

In Memoriam

On December 28th, St. Joseph School alumna Christina Choi, '91 passed away due to complications from a brain anuerysm, diagnosed December 12th. A graduate of Seattle Central Community College's culinary program, Christina co-founded Foraged & Found Edibles and later opened Nettletown, a restaurant in Eastlake.  Christina is survived by her parents, Ted and JoAn Choi, and brothers Teddy, '94 and Christopher, '96. Click on the link to be connected to the obituary which appeared in the Seattle Times.

Christina Choi, '91 behind the counter of her Eastlake restaurant, Nettletown. Photo courtesy of the Seattle Times

A Word About "Reconnections"

Reconnections is a semi-monthly newsletter from St. Joseph School that was launched in March 2010 as a means to improve communication with our student alumni, their parents and grandparents, parents whose students attended St. Joseph School but withdrew prior to graduation, as well as former staff. Hopefully this newsletter, combined with efforts to enhance the school's website, will not only make it easier for the school to communicate with our "alumni" about upcoming events (including class reunions) and happenings around the campus, but also to support our alumni by highlighting their achievements and business endeavors help them keep in touch with one another.

As part of our continued efforts to be environmentally responsible, we have moved to fewer "paper" mailings each year. Like this newsletter, our weekly Flash! newsletter to current families is also sent electronically. As with any new undertaking, there is bound to be a few challenges, and we thank you for your patience as we work through them.  

For many of our "alumni," it has been a long time since we have communicated with them via email, and our contact information may no longer be current or it is incomplete-especially for our young alumni. If we have made an error, please accept our sincere apology and know that we will work to correct it with your assistance. You may respond via email or click on "Update Your Contact Information" to help us bring our records up-to-date.

You can also help us spread the word by forwarding the newsletter to your family members for whom we do not have an email address. They, in turn, can add their name to the mailing list.

If, for any reason, you would rather not continue to receive Reconnections or any other electronic mailings, simply use the "unsubscribe" feature and your address will be removed from the mailing list for St. Joseph School electronic mailings. If you'd like to us to spread the word about your class reunion, please send us the information and we will include it in the next issue.

Thank you,
Anne Haskins, Editor