Saint Joseph School
25 Squire Street
New London, Connecticut 06320
“A Holy Place Where We Discover Each Other In God’s Love.”
December 7, 2022
Dear St. Joseph School Families,
As we reach the midpoint of the second week of Advent, we have begun to fill our Jesse tree with the ornaments of those who waited for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus. We continue to light the Advent wreath candles, and remember the scripture stories, and are reminded of the journey we have traveled awaiting the birth of Jesus. Each day our call to follow in footsteps of Jesus is brought to mind, as we seek to care for those in need. We remember children in a special way, as Jesus first came to be like us in the person of a tiny child.
Yesterday, we celebrated the feast of St. Nicholas, most commonly known as the patron of children, who is also the patron of sailors and ships. Tomorrow we celebrate Mass in honor of our Blessed Mother Mary in the person of the Immaculate Conception. We believe that Mary was born without the effects of the first sin of Adam and Eve, for God had chosen her to be the mother of Jesus.
From December 12th through December 21st, students will be allowed to wear Christmas sweaters, sweatshirts, and ties (boys) with their uniforms. A Christmas-themed dress down day (no uniforms) on December 16th will be to collect stocking stuffers. These will be donated through the Department of Children and Families for foster children.
Santa’s Workshop was a great success. We thank Mrs. Roark, Mrs. Hurlburt, their little elf volunteers, and all those who donated to the event. We also thank our 8th graders in a special way for their help with craft stations. Thanks to our special “Santa”!
Many thanks to all who purchased Christmas wreaths, as we continue to build our Home-School Association treasury for student activities.
Lessons and Carols, which takes place on December 9th at 6:30 p.m., is a required event for our students. As mentioned previously, dark slacks and white shirts with a Christmas appropriate tie is the attire for the boys and young men. Dark skirts and white blouses or sweaters is the attire for the girls and young women. No athletic shoes, please. Students should be in their seats at 6:15 p.m. At least one adult must be present for each student.
On December 15th, the Home-School Association will provide dinner to the guests of the Community Meal Center on Montauk Avenue. You have graciously assisted in this effort in the past, and we ask you once again in these difficult times to give as you are able. Flyers will be sent with the particulars of donations and your service. Your donation should be dropped off at the door of the meal center at 4 p.m. on the 15th.
For future planning, Christmas recess begins at 12:30 p.m. on December 21st. There will be no afterschool care on that day.
Shoes, not athletic shoes, will be required to be worn after the first of the year. We have allowed some leeway with this, but will no longer allow sneakers on a regular basis. Athletic shoes will only be allowed on physical education days.
If parents/grandparents are interested in helping in the lunchroom, please contact the office to volunteer. All volunteers must be certified by the requirements of the Diocesan Office for Safe Environments.
With the flu and other viruses in circulation at this time, it is important to keep sick children at home. Please call the office at school when your child is sick.
In this busy season, may this Advent time provide peace in your busy lives, giving you the opportunity to reflect on the reason for this time…the birth of Christ once again into our world and our hearts.
My prayers are with you. Please keep each of us in yours.
God’s Blessings,
Marianne Cote, Principal