Saint Joseph School
25 Squire Street
New London, Connecticut 06320
“A Holy Place Where We Discover Each Other In God’s Love.”
March 9, 2022
Dear St. Joseph School Families,
Each year with this season of Lent, we search our hearts to discover what we can “give up” or do. Lent is about changing our hearts to be more like the heart of Jesus, through prayer, sacrifice, and service. We read in Scripture that “God is love”, and created in His image, we too, are called to be love. What will we do to become more like Jesus? Will we be more peaceful, compassionate people? Will we seek justice and peace for our world? As we pray in the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, “Lord, make us instruments of your peace.”
The children are making cards of support and prayer for our friends in the Ukraine. These will be delivered to St. Mary Ukrainian Church in Willimantic.
Our 7th and 8th graders will be preparing dinner for guests at the Community Meal Center on the 17th of March. Interestingly, this coincides with St. Patrick’s Day. This year we will be raising money for the food being prepared with a casual day at school. Each student who wishes to wear their St. Patrick’s Day shirts, socks or other appropriate casual clothing on March 17th may do so by bringing $3.00 per person or $5.00 per family. Please help us feed the hungry of New London with your donation.
Grade 2 will present their play this Friday, March 11th. As we have been doing throughout this year, each student in 2nd grade may invite 4 guests to the afternoon performance at 1 p.m.
Our traditional 8th Grade Pin Ceremony will take place on Friday, March 18th at 1:30 p.m. in the Church. All students attend this ceremony. Grade 8 families are also asked to attend.
As you know we continue to work on the renewal of our 10-year accreditation with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. This presents much work for many people. A team will visit our school twice in the course of this process, a new format for the Association. The visits will take place on April 26 and on October 23-26 of the next school year. Writing and research is being accomplished by our entire staff, as well as our School Board and their committees. Your prayers for all of us are greatly appreciated.
Catholic Foundation Scholarship Applications must be completed on the FACTS website. I ask all who might be eligible to complete this process. Please note that last year’s tax information may be used. Please do not let this opportunity pass, as it not only helps your family, but also our school. Anyone wishing to complete this application should begin the process ASAP. In order to receive financial assistance from the Foundation or from our school, it is necessary to complete this application on the FACTS system. The deadline has been extended to March 15, 2022 with no exceptions.
The money for Chocolate Bars must be sent in this week, as payment is due to the company.
Butter Braid forms for Easter have been sent home. Please be as generous as possible. We have also agreed to take part in the Pawcatuck River Duck Race (more information to come.)
You should have received re-registration forms in both hard copy and by email. We are currently planning for next year and need this information ASAP.
There will be a used uniform sale on March 27th from 1-4 p.m. at the school. Due to the limited supply of used items, if you need to order warm weather uniforms, especially the school polos, now would be a good time to do so. These shirts are made to order and are not kept in stock.
We wish to thank you for your cooperation in wearing face masks during these many months. It is now time to turn that decision for the children over to our parents. Starting on March 15th, face masks may be worn at school at the discretion of our St. Joseph parents. A separate communication will be sent with additional information.
Monday, March 14th is a Diocesan Professional Development Day. Therefore, school will be closed. Report cards will be distributed on March 18th.
As always, you are in our prayers. Please continue to keep us in yours.
Sincerely,
Marianne Cote, Principal