Principal’s Letter – 11/09/22

Saint Joseph School

25 Squire Street

New London, Connecticut 06320

“A holy place where we discover each other in God’s love”

 

November 9, 2022

Dear St. Joseph School Families,

On Friday our nation celebrates its veterans, all of those who have worked and still work to keep our nation safe.  We pray for all who sacrificed and still do that we might maintain our freedoms. Our students and staff gathered yesterday outside around our flag to remember our brave men and women, as we prayed for them and their families.

The basketball season is right around the corner.  An email was sent, as well as permission slips for your children in Grades 5-8 who wish to be a part of our girls’ or boys’ basketball teams.  Mrs. Clare Powers will be coaching the girls’ team.  We are still looking for a boys’ team coach. If you are interested in coaching our boys, please email me at principal@sjsnl.org.

Next week is “Discover Catholic Schools Week”.  This is the week we invite guests to our school to learn what St. Joseph School is all about.  On Thursday, November 17th, there will be an Open House for parishioners and for families who may be interested in sending their children to St. Joseph. The time for this will be 9:30 to 11 and 4:30-6 p.m.  If you know of anyone who may be interested, please pass this information on to them.

Our upcoming play will be November 18th at 1 p.m., performed by Grade 2.  Each year we look forward to inviting our families to school for our class plays.

Our Visiting Committee, representing the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, reported that the visit went “very, very well”. The Committee also commented on the “wonderful community that is evident in our school.” We continue to await the written report and the final accreditation decision.  The written report from the committee takes a few weeks to arrive, while the final decision for the accreditation will take a few months.  The committee making this final decision is another group of volunteer educators from school in New England.

I remind you that our next dress-down day is tomorrow, November 10th.  Non-perishable food items are to be brought in exchange for wearing clothing other than the uniform.

Please note these important upcoming dates.

  • 11/11 Veterans Day – NO School in honor of our veterans.
  • 11/14 Diocesan Professional Development Day – NO School, Discover Catholic Schools Week. 
  • 11/16 Home and School Assn. Meeting at 6 p.m.
  • 11/17 Open House for prospective families from 9;30-11:00 a.m.
  • 11/18 Grade 2 Play
  • 11/22 Pie Delivery, 12:30 dismissal for Thanksgiving break.
  • 11/24 Happy Thanksgiving
  • 11/27 Advent begins.

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 God’s people, and as a school family. We continue to seek God’s help with all that we do, and to thank Him for all that we’ve been given.   

Please continue your prayers for our families, our staff, our school, and all who are in need of prayer due to illness, tragedy and violence. 

 

God’s Blessings to All,

Marianne Cote

Principal