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Weekly Highlights
8th grade science students were hard at work on their circuit boards.
The 5th grade girls White Team won first place in St. Dominic's tournament over the weekend.  Congratulations!
Fun was had by all at the annual Pinewood Derby.
January 20, 2015
Greetings!

A visitor to our 8th grade science classes last week would have seen our students engaged in an inquiry-based science lab that required them to make observations, conduct experiments and draw their own conclusions, while constructing series and parallel circuit boards. While working on his circuit board, eighth grader Andy Scopp commented, "It's fun when it works. Actually, it's fun when it doesn't work, because then I get to experiment." Science projects such as these allow students to explore concepts and principles of science and build their knowledge in a meaningful way which promotes a practical understanding of science in our daily lives. Click here for a link to the curriculum guides that have been developed so schools and parents are able to identify what our students should know and be able to do at the end of each grade.

                 

In upcoming weeks, our middle school students will be participating in a variety of hands-on learning experiences in science. Sixth grade earth science students will be building models of the rock cycle and Earth's structure and designing earthquake resistant buildings. Studying bacteria, viruses and protists, seventh grade life science students will create displays to demonstrate their learning. In later studies of organisms, the students will build models of invertebrates. The students will then host an interactive exhibit to teach students in other grades about invertebrates. Continuing their studies of physical science, eighth grade students will build musical instruments as part of their sound unit and will design models as part of their studies of light and optics.

Peace,
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All School Liturgy
All are invited to pray with us at the next all-school liturgy, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 21 at 8:05am. Mass will be prepared by Mrs. Kaminski's 7th grade class.
School News
Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools are to be celebrated!  Archbishop Listecki has written a letter to all of our school parents.  Please click here to read his message to us.

Catholic Schools Week festivities will begin at SJV on Sunday, January 25. The week will feature daily Catholic faith trivia, a Mass with Bishop Sklba, students working with an artist in residence, making rosaries, learning about vocations, a soup can collection and other fun things. Here is a shortened list of highlights for the week.  Please click here for the complete Catholic Schools Week calendar.
  • Sunday 1/25:  SJV Open House after Mass (12:00-1:30pm)
  • Monday 1/26:  Slipper Day- Bring along your comfy slippers to wear in class
  • Tuesday 1/27:  All School Rosary with Fr. Schumaker.  Dine out with SJV at Blaze Pizza.  Show the Blaze Pizza Flyer right from your smart phone.
  • Wednesday 1/28:  Dress Up Day- Wear your special dress up clothes for Mass with Bishop Sklba.  Faith and Family Presentation by Fr. Schumaker at 6:30pm.
  • Thursday 1/29:  Primary students will see a magic show, intermediate students will have fun and movement and 5th-8th grade students will participate in a trivia contest.
  • Friday, 1/30:  School Spirit Day- Students should wear their SJV spirit wear or green and white.  The 100th day of school will be celebrated. The 8th grade students will take on the faculty in a volleyball match at 1:00pm.
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Monday, February 2:  Conferences for K4-8th grade families.  Students must attend conferences with their parent(s).  Parents of students in K4-5th grade need to sign-up for their conference on the Sign-Up Genius website.  Middle School Conferences will be held in  the cafeteria- no appointments are necessary.  All conferences will be held 7:30-11:30am and 4:00-8:00pm.

Tuesday, February 3:  Conferences for K4 families only from 7:30-11:30am and 4:00-8:00pm.  No School for K4 students only

State of Wisconsin Private School Tuition Tax Deduction

As many of you are aware, private school tuition paid for grades K-12 may qualify for a deduction on Wisconsin state income taxes beginning January 1, 2014. To assist school families in documenting their tuition paid, we are preparing statements of K-8 tuition paid during the calendar year 2014. The statements should be mailed by the end of January.

 

For information on whether or not your tuition payments qualify for this deduction, please refer to Wisconsin Department of Revenue Schedule PS Instructions or consult your tax advisor. 

SJV Spelling Bee
The annual SJV Spelling Bee will be held in the gym at 1:00pm on Wednesday, January 21.  All are welcome to come and cheer on the following students:
8 Blue:  Jack Cooney & Aidan Tegge (Alt. Lizzie Fischer)
8 Green:  Tony DiPiazza & Kiana Ratay (Alt. Alex Swiderski)
7 Blue:  Riley Honkamp & Chloe O'Connell (Alt. Jack Lutze)
7 Green:  Katie Druley & George Parks (Alt. Nate Grubich)
6 Blue:  Michael Czarnecki & Grace Gatto (Alt. Riley Simonz)
6 Green: Claire Cooney & Raven Everts (Alt. Danny Niemann)
5B:  Anne Naumann & Elayna Pasqua (Alt. Ben DeGuire)
5Y:  Julian Carvalho & Bridget Parks (Alt. Cade Honkamp)

Between our family life, work life, and whatever might be left over for our personal life and well-being, we are running thin. As we raise our children, nourish their minds and bodies, and serve as role models, tutors, and coaches, we have to ask ourselves as Catholic parents,
what are we doing to feed ourselves spiritually? 

You are invited to join us for a 3-part series presented by Fr. Philip Schumaker, where he will be discussing the following topics:
  • Faith and Family:  A Balancing Act?
  • Families at the Heart of the Church
  • Family:  Our Source of Dignity and Identity

Please click here to learn more about the Today's Catholic Family sessions. 

Home & School News
High Interest Day- Volunteers Needed

Do you have a special talent, hobby, or interest?  We'd love for you to share your passion at this year's High Interest Day.  We are looking for volunteers to teach classes to our students.  Parents, Grandparents and friends are welcome!  High Interest Day will be held on April 24th, from 12:20 until 2:40pm.  If interested, please contact Tina Lindner at 414-793-8513 or milesandtina@sbcglobal.net. 

You are invited!

Much of the success in our school is due to our dedicated parent volunteers.  As parents graduate out of SJV, new volunteers need to come in.  It's time to think about succession as we have many gifted parents out there who have talents they can share.  For those of you that have been a member of a committee, now is the time to let your light shine.  Think about stepping up to the next level and volunteering for a Home and School officer position.  How much time is involved?  What do officers do?  Come to the Executive Board meeting, Tuesday, February 3rd at 1:00 pm in the Conference Room and see first-hand.  You are not committing yourself to a job!  Please let Janet Fisher know if you plan to attend.

 

Looking for you!

Do you like numbers?  Are you organized and pay attention to details?  Home and School is looking for a Treasurer for next year.  You don't have an accounting degree?  You don't need one!  All can be learned first-hand from current treasurer, Martha Connelly.  Come aboard now and see how it's done during a Bids year.   

 

Are you a planner and a communicator?  Do you like to organize and manage?  Consider Chairing or Co-Chairing Home and School next year!  Yes, even working parents can do this job!   Meeting times can be in the evenings so don't let that hold you back on offering your talents and service.  Thinking about it?  Talk to Clare Lange or Janet Fisher.

SCRIP is for anytime, not just for Christmas

Thank you for supporting SJV's SCRIP program for the holidays!  We hope the ordering process was easy and convenient and encourage you to continue using SCRIP for your weekly and monthly spending:  Groceries, hardware stores items, birthday party gifts, morning coffee runs, or gas purchases.  If you are taking a business trip or winter break vacation, plan ahead with restaurant and hotel cards.  Every time you purchase a SCRIP card, you get the face value of the card and you and SJV split the profits.  You can choose to take your half of the profit as cash or donate it back to SJV.  Remember, paper order forms are due in the school office by 8:30 am on Mondays or sign up to order online at www.shopwithscrip.com.  For more information, contact Martha Connelly at 262-717-9389, Amy Lodes at 262-796-9963 or Janet Fisher at 262-784-9673.

 

Thank You 

Thank you, Catholic Schools Week Committee, for all the hard work and planning for next week's activities!  We can hardly wait to be a part of it! 

Bids for Kids Auction- Only 25 Days Away
 Saturday, February 14, 2015
Bids for Kids General Information
Any Questions?

If you have any questions regarding Bids for Kids, please contact Kim Tallmadge by email at sktallmadge@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 262-789-9392.

Invitations

Under the Moroccan Moon is less than four weeks away and it only happens every two years.  Come be a part of this exciting evening!  you can gather a group of friends for a table of ten or less or ask to to be seated with others in a specific grade.  Please visit the Bids for Kids website through January 28 to register online.   

 

Schedule of Events:

4:30 pm Mass

5:30 pm Cocktails & Silent Auction

8:00 pm Dinner

9:00 pm Voice Auction

10:30 pm Rockin' the Casbah After-Party

 

All events, except for Mass, will be held in the Activity Center.  Dress is cocktail attire.

Bids for Kids Facebook Page

The Bids for Kids Auction has a temporary private Facebook page for auction updates and to highlight auction items.  Go to our Auction Facebook Page to check out photos of some of the fabulous auction items.  Some items include:
  • Milwaukee Brewers Club Suite for a game during the 2015 season
  • Personal Pilates instruction and a three-month family membership to the Wisconsin Athletic Club
  • Summer evening of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres on Lac LaBelle
  • Paddle Party for 12 at the Brookfield West Elite Sports Club

To join this page, just click on Join Group and the administrator will approve you, limited to SJV families only. 

Bidding
Mobile bidding will be on your own smartphone this year!  The Mobile Bidding page of the Bids website has a link to a short video explaining the basics.
  • Conveniently use your own smartphone to bid in the silent auction.  No extra gadgets needed! 
  • When registering, provide your smartphone number.
  • Bring your fully charged smartphone to Bids for Kids.
  • Upon check-in at Bids for Kids, you'll receive an automated welcome text message.  Click on the personal bidder link which will allow you to take part in bidding on silent auction items.
  • If you don't have a smartphone, let us know when registering.  We will provide you with an alternate means of bidding.

Bids for Kids Auction- Volunteers Needed

Volunteers Needed for Auction 

Volunteers Needed for Auction    Bids for Kids 2015 is under a month away!  We would love (and need) your help.  There are many ways to volunteer before, during and the day after Bids for Kids.  Please go to our Volunteer Page on Sign Up Genius to donate your time.  Don't worry- even with your volunteer shifts, there will still be plenty of time to enjoy the auction!

Teen Volunteers  

30 High School Students are needed to assist the caterer, work the coat check and various other jobs the evening of the auction.  Dinner, snacks, and training are provided that evening.  You will receive service hours for your school or Confirmation.  Contact Suzy Windsor at suzywindsor@yahoo.com to sign up or for more information. 

Pre-Event Item Pick-Up  

If you can give any time over the coming weeks to help with the pick-up of auction items from donors please email Liz Doherty. All assistance offered would be greatly appreciated. 

Display Supplies Needed for Silent Auction 

Display is in need of small to medium boxes to help prop items. The boxes will be covered; they do not need to look nice. They are also in need of large baskets. Please drop them off in the school office. Contact Katie Gilson if you have any questions.

Bids for Kids Auction- Ways to Support

Acquisitions  

This is a final call you you to make a donation to Bids for Kids. You can make your donation right on the Donation Page of the Bids for Kids website or print the form and send to the school office.  Contact Karen Parks by email or call 262-649-3745.  

Cash Purse Raffle 

The Cash Purse Raffle

has limited tickets only available on the night of Bids.  Only 100 tickets will be sold for $25 each. The lucky winner will receive a designer bag filled with cash and gift cards!  The drawing will be held at the auction at 8:15pm. 

Masters Golf Raffle

Did you know that the Masters was the first golf tournament to have bleachers, broadcast on the radio and broadcast in high-definition?  Such innovations that we take for granted today!  Experience it all at the Masters if you win the Masters Raffle at Bids for Kids.  Tickets will be sold after all Masses this weekend in the Narthex, in addition to the school and parish offices.  Don't delay! 

 

One Grand Prize: 2 one-day badges to the 2016 Masters Golf Tournament (April 8-10, 2016).  Full tournament hospitality access with open bar and meals included.  One night hotel accommodations in Augusta, Geogia.

Five - 2nd Prize Winners: $75 gift certificate toward a private golf lesson with Paul Mindel of the National Golf Center

Five - 3rd Prize Winners: $50 Gift Certificate toward a private golf lesson with Paul Mindel of the National Golf Center

 

The Masters raffle tickets are $100 each with only 150 available.  They are available for purchase during regular business hours at the St. John Vianney School Office (by cash or check), the St. John Vianney Parish Office (by cash, check or charge) and in the Narthex after all masses the weekends of January 24th & 25th and February 7th & 8th.  Any questions, please contact Beth Dobrzynski  or Tracy DiPiazza. 

Sponsorships

Successful auctions rely on the generosity of many individuals and businesses.  There are several levels of Sponsorship opportunities:

Sponsorship Levels

Coriander, Paprika, and Saffron Sponsorships from $500 to $2000, include several benefits.  Full details can be found on the donation form.   

 

Sugar and Spice Sponsorship is for the amount of your choosing.  Financial contributions in any amount are greatly appreciated.  Please consider sponsoring our auction to benefit the long term success of St. John Vianney School.  Contact Amy Lodes at 414-333-9963 with any sponsorship questions.  

Class Projects
The students of St. John Vianney School were very busy last week creating glass masterpieces for the Silent Auction.  Each classroom has created a beautiful glass cross similar to the one pictured here.  All crosses will be available to bid on at the auction.

Puppy Love

This adorable female cockapoo was born December 5th- she is about four weeks old in this photo. She is buff color with a white diamond on her head. You will be able to bid on her during the live auction.

A cockapoo is a mix of a cocker spaniel and a poodle resulting in a small, low to non-shedding, hypoallergenic puppy that is highly intelligent with an excellent personality. Cockapoos are very mild mannered, easy to train, excellent family pets that love kids and are great for families with allergies!  She will be at a home in Brookfield for three weeks before the auction. We can set up a time for you and your kids to meet her if you'd like. She will be perfect for any loving home!  Contact Angela Niemann at 262-347-7988 or aniemann@mac.com.  

Non-Auction Items Available at Bids
Besides the Raffles, there are several items you can purchase without bidding, which will support St. John Vianney School.  Full descriptions will be in an upcoming Shamrock Weekly.
  • Champagne Toast
  • Souk Marrakesh Restaurant Gift Cards
  • Swag Bags for both adults and children
  • Wine Pull
  • Henna Artist
Child Ministry

Praying the Rosary

Families are welcome to pray the Rosary together on Wednesday, January 21st at 5:15pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.  If you have never prayed the Rosary before and would like to learn, this is the perfect opportunity.  What a great way to start off the New Year!  Rosaries are available for you if needed.  Everyone is welcome! 

Parish News

New Server Training

Any student currently in 5th, 6th or 7th grade or any server who wants a review, is invited to attend one of our upcoming training sessions to be held in the church. If you have any questions, call the Office for Liturgy and Music, 262-796-3946 or the server coordinator, Mr. Bill Beres, 262-349-9152  (email bill.beres@jci.com). We will be holding additional training sessions in May.  Any student trained at either of the sessions will be able to serve at Mass right away.

 

Attend one (1) of the following:

Sunday, February 22 after 11 am Mass

Wednesday, February 25, 6 pm

 

Please RSVP which training session you are planning to attend so that adequate training materials can be available (RSVP to angelab@stjohnv.org).

From Archbishop Listecki
Before we know it, Lent will be upon us. And of course we will be called to pray, fast and give alms. I would like to merge our Lenten spirit with a new tradition in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee: the Archbishop's annual "Lenten Luncheon." In conjunction with Catholic Charities of Milwaukee, the first one is planned for Tuesday, February 24, 2015.  Please click here for further information about the Lenten Luncheon.
Community

Waukesha County Tuition Assistance Fund Scholarship Opportunity

The Seton Volleyball Tournament benefits the Waukesha County Catholic Elementary Schools Tuition Assistance Fund, which is used to make Catholic school education a real possibility for those students who may not otherwise be able to afford full tuition.  Assistance will be in the form of $1000 grants.  We are proud to offer this assistance to all families whose children attend a Catholic school in Waukesha County.  Your school does not have to be in the tournament to apply.  Applications for assistance are available on the Seton websiteAll applications must be received by February 1, 2015.

Waukesha School District- High School Open House
The Waukesha School District invites you to come to their High School Open Houses.  Please click here for the informational flyer.
Brookfield Central- 8th Grade Transition Night
The Brookfield Central 8th Grade High School Transition Night will be held on Wednesday, January 28.  This event is a great opportunity for incoming 9th grade students to experience all BCHS has to offer.  You will be able to meet the staff, learn about our course offerings and much more.  In addition, our wonderful extracurricular activities and athletics will have tables set up for you to browse and ask questions.

Students with last names A-K attend 5:00-6:00pm
Students with last names L-Z attend 6:30-7:30pm
All sessions will be held in the school cafeteria.

If you are unable to attend one session, you are welcome to attend the other.  If you have any questions, please contact Greg Groh in the Guidance Office- 262-785-3990.  We hope to see you there!
DSHA Dance Team Try Outs
Incoming students to DSHA- Mark your calendars for the try-outs for the Dance Team.  See the dance team flyer for all of the details.
Lacrosse Clinic
Try lacrosse for free!  Students in grades 3-8 can come try the sport of lacrosse on either Friday, January 23 or Friday, January 30 from 4:30-6:00 at the Brookfield Indoor Soccer Complex.  No pre-registration is required, but a parent must complete the registration on site.  This event is for potential players with no experience and all event equipment is provided.  Meet the coaches and get your answers answered. Further information can be found on the Brookfield Lacrosse website.
 (262) 796-3942 | webmaster@stjohnv.org | http://www.stjohnv.org
17500 W. Gebhardt Rd.
Brookfield, WI 53045