Principal’s Letter – 03/16/22

Saint Joseph School

25 Squire Street

New London, Connecticut 06320

 

“A Holy Place Where We Discover Each Other In God’s Love.”

 

March 16, 2022

Dear St. Joseph School Families,

As we continue with our Lenten prayer, we are all being reminded of the signs and symbols of Baptism.  Today, we read from the Book of Isaiah, “I have called you by name and you are mine, because you are precious in my eyes and because I love you.”  Each of us has been called to be in God’s image, that is, to be love as He is love.  We are his children, called in love because God loved us first.  God only waits for us to love Him back through word and action, through our goodness toward others.  

The cards of comfort made by the children were delivered to the pastor of St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Willimantic.  He was touched by the heartfelt delivery to the members of his parish, sending his thanks to the children.

Our 7th and 8th graders will be preparing dinner for guests at the Community Meal Center on March 17th.  This coincides with St. Patrick’s Day. I remind you that 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 this Thursday, 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. 

Congratulations to Grade 2 on their wonderful play, American Symbols. The 7th Grade is working to prepare their presentation of Alice in Wonderland, to be performed on March 31st. We’re all looking forward to this performance as well!

Our traditional 8th Grade Pin Ceremony will take place on Friday, March 18th at 1:30 p.m. in the Church. This is always held the school day closest to St. Joseph Day, March 19th.  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.

Butter Braid orders are past due.  Thank you to those who participated.

Any outstanding money for Chocolate Bars must be sent in this week, as payment is due to the company.

We will also be taking part in the Pawcatuck River Duck Race on April 30th. Flyers with further information will be coming home!

It does seem that we are continuing to ask for participation in fundraisers on a monthly basis.  Since the earnings for each of these fundraisers is less than in the past, we continue to search for other ways to engage our families to provide assistance for the additional funds needed to keep student activities alive. Coming in the future:  Dinner at the Recovery Room on April 5th and Good Friday Fish Fry at Captain Scott’s.  Both will provide a percentage of earnings to St. Joseph School.

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.  

Please remember that all students must be dropped off at the front entrance to the school upon arrival.

As always, you are in our prayers.  Please continue to keep us in yours.  

Sincerely,

Marianne Cote, Principal