Saint Joseph School
25 Squire Street
New London, Connecticut 06320
“A holy place where we discover each other in God’s love”
October 12, 2022
Dear St. Joseph School Families,
Yesterday, the Church celebrated the feast day of Saint Pope John XXIII. Many of you most likely don’t remember this rather rotund man whose smile was so infectious. He was our pope until the early 1960’s. It was Pope John XXIII who called for the Second Vatican Council, asking that the windows of the Church be opened to “fresh air” and newness. His smile was a true reflection of the joy we should all feel at knowing how much God loves us! It was this joy that he sought to bring back to the Church. As a Catholic School family that represents the Church, may we share this same joy!
Our next dress down day will be October 31st. Tees and sweatshirts should be black, orange or Halloween styles. Not sweatpants, please! The donation and cause will be announced next week.
Please remember the wearing of our regular uniform has begun. Some of you are still waiting for back orders. This does not mean children may continue to wear shorts. Girls must be in an appropriate skirt (navy blue), white blouse and navy sweater, and boys must be in blue chinos, shirt and tie. Options for shoes have been shared previously. Other tan or brown tie shoes or boat shoes may be worn, as well as solid black sneakers, if your shoes have not been delivered. For other questions, please consult the uniform information in the Handbook on our website.
Class pictures will be taken on Thursday. Students must be in uniform.
Thank for your efforts with the World’s Finest Chocolate Bars. We do have a few boxes left for those who are continuing to sell.
You have received the link and the flyer for our Pie and Cookie Dough fundraiser. Orders should be completed by October 11th for delivery before Thanksgiving.
As a convenience to the 8th grade parents, the St. Bernard School 9th grade placement test will be given here at school on October 19th. The entire 8th grade will take this test. We remind you that students graduating from St. Joseph School and going to St. Bernard receive a special scholarship toward their tuition at St. Bernard from the Reagan-Twomey/Pfister Foundation. This has ranged from $7,500 to $4,000 dependent upon the number of years spent at St. Joseph School.
When your children are going to be out of school for any reason, please do not text or email the teacher. Our Handbook states that you are to call the office at 860 442-1720 to report them out of school.
We are continuing to plan for our accreditation visit by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The Visiting Committee will visit our school form October 23rd through October 26th. We look forward to your participation and to celebrating our success!
Please note these important upcoming dates and important changes to calendar.
- 10/14 Grades 2-3 to Mystic Seaport
- 10/19 Home and School Assn. Meeting – 6:30 p.m. All invited.
- 10/20 Professional Development (All teachers and staff)- 12:30 dismissal
- 10/21 Progress Reports distributed. Teacher Meeting – 12:30 dismissal
- 10/28 Grade 4 Play – 1 p.m. Families invited.
- 10/28 Grades 6-8 to US Coast Guard Concert
- 11/3 Parent/Teacher Conferences – 12:30 dismissal
- 11/4 Parent/Teacher Conferences and First Friday – 12:30 dismissal
- 11/11 Veterans Day – NO School
- 11/14 Diocesan Professional Development Day – NO School
Our Mission is: “To Accept each person as a unique creation in God’s image; to Model Jesus as we make everyone feel welcome in this holy place; to Educate each other for life; and, to Nurture the diverse gifts and talents of the whole school family.” We are dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which your children’s faith is nourished, while receiving an excellent academic education. As always, St. Joseph School continues under the guidance of our Norwich Diocese and the parish of the St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Community. As you are the first educators of your children. you entrust us to educate your children in the best possible way. We take this trust seriously!
Prayer and spirituality are integral to who we are as people, and as a school family. We continue to seek God’s help with all that we do.
Please continue your prayers for our families, our staff, our school, and all who are in need of prayer in these difficult times. We pray especially this week for all who have been affected by the recent hurricane.
God’s Blessings on All,
Marianne Cote
Principal