Welcome to Saint John School
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 3:15 PM
WALK AROUND WEDNESDAYS
(CLICK HERE TO REGISTER)
Welcome to the St John School Website. Catholic schools stand out from other educational institutions and the St John School is no exception. We serve grades PreK3-Grade 8. All of our students are taught about the Catholic faith – not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God. St John students are held to the highest of standards, each child is inspired to reach his or her potential. Lastly, our students learn the importance of service, the giving of one’s time and effort to help others.
As the Principal of the St John School, I promise that your child will be in a safe, faith based learning environment that emphasizes Gospel values. Our amazing faculty and staff are dedicated to each child's academic success and spiritual growth.
I encourage you to call to schedule a tour of our school and to see firsthand our faith filled learning milieu. I look forward to hearing from you!
God Bless You
Mother Elaine, SCMC, Principal
Mission Statement
The mission of St. John Catholic School is to provide an opportunity for students, parents, and staff to foster a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Infused with our faith, we strive to provide challenging academic programs in which dedicated, professional educators and families work together in a safe environment to inspire individual growth, self-discipline, confidence and Christian service.
Our shared efforts are directed toward creating an environment rich in opportunities to prepare our students spiritually, intellectually, socially, and emotionally for the future.
We are proud that both parents and students consider our school a great place to learn and we partner together in the words of our motto, to "educate the whole child." We invite you to be part of our school community where Jesus is the core.
From the Principal November 20, 2024
(Past newsletters are posted on the website under “quick links”)
· Congratulations to Daniel Peralta who received the Sacrament of Baptism this past weekend. He was joined by family, friends along with Mother Elaine, Sister Gabriel and Sister Celeste.
· THANK YOU to our SJS Families - Your generosity of donated food, juices, and coffee was overwhelming. You have made a difference to so many families who will visit the Sisters of Charity Food Pantry so they have the makings of a Thanksgiving dinner.
Do you have extra food shopping bags you don’t know what to do with? Sisters of Charity Food Pantry can make good use of them. Drop off your clean shopping bags to the school office.
· Thanksgiving Week
Full Day of School on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 25 & 26
No Aftercare on Tuesday, Nov. 26
No school Wednesday – Friday, Nov. 27 – 29
· Items due by Friday, November 22
v Gratitude Grams You are invited to take part in the 8th grade fundraiser by sharing a note of gratitude with a friend, teacher, or a staff member. Each gram is $1 and there's no limit to how many you can send.
Gratitude Grams will be delivered Tuesday November 26 the last day of school before the Thanksgiving break.
v December Lunch Orders Need a copy of the lunch menu? Download one from our website or use the one emailed yesterday. Copies are also available in the office.
v Winter After-school Programs
Winter After-School Enrichment Programs registration deadline is Friday. There’s something for everyone.
Knitting is open to students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.
· Discover Catholic Schools Week – Nov. 18-22
We’ve been celebrating Catholic Schools Week since Tuesday.
Tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 21 is Crazy Sock day. Don’t have crazy socks, perhaps wear two different colored socks.
Friday is Buddy Class Dress in Color Day. Ask your child(ren) what they like best about Buddy Days at SJS.
· PTO Marketing Committee Meeting – Thursday, Nov. 21 4:30-5 PM, Library
The marketing committee is open to all parents who wish to work together to promote enrollment at Saint John School. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss ideas and plans to get the SJS name out in the community. There are many opportunities for volunteering and even taking on a lead role in certain areas. All time spent volunteering/participating will be counted towards assessment hours. If you cannot make it on November 21 but want to be involved, please reach out via text to Aimee Carr at 516.702.2859 or via email at marketing@saintjohnschoolos.org.
· PTO Meeting – Thursday, November 21 at 5 PM
Join other Saint John School parents at our PTO meeting. Please note the change in the meeting date due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
· First Friday – December 6
Join us for Morning Mass at 9:15 AM at Saint John Church. This is also an early release day at 1 PM. If your child is using After Care, please complete a Home to Office Communication form from our website.
· Luxury Raffle Drawing & Pasta Dinner – Friday, December 6. In just 16 days the winning tickets for the Luxury Raffle will be drawn. Come join us for a complimentary Pasta Dinner from 5-7 PM prior to the 7 PM drawing. You could be the lucky winner (or know someone who is).
· SJS Holiday Shop - Friday, December 13
Torchlight Parade - Saturday, December 14
Saint John is more than just a school, we are a community.
A weekend of fun is planned beginning on Friday night with a movie for the children in the gymnasium and a Holiday Shop in the main hall. Saturday evening is the Old Saybrook Torchlight Parade where you can walk in the parade with other SJS families and then gather on the porch of the convent for hot cocoa.
· Lessons and Carols – Thursday, December 19 - 6:30 PM at St. Mark Church, Westbrook
Each of our classes presents a scripture reading and song as we enter into the final week of Advent by centering ourselves on the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus.
· Weather Cancellations
Notification of Weather Cancellations is made as follows:
Email to Families from EduConnect
Website update made on main page banner
visit: saintjohnschoolos.org
Postings made on WFSB and NBC Connecticut
· Raise Right Gift Card Fundraiser – ongoing
Whether you are buying gift cards for birthday gifts, Christmas presents, to place on giving trees, gift giving or just for yourself, consider purchasing them through Raise Right. You pay for your gift cards at face value. The business is the one who gives a percentage of the gift card amount to Saint John School.
· Car Line Volunteers for morning drop-off 8:20 – 8:45 AM. Thank you to all those who have filled our coverage for December. It’s not too soon to start picking a day or two in January to help. Parents providing coverage may bring their children to Before Care at no charge.
Volunteers must complete Safe-Environment Training. Please see Mrs. Hoffman in the office for set-up.
· Sister Gabriel is looking for assistance with the following items:
v Newspapers – for art project
v Oatmeal Containers with lids – for Lessons and Carols
v Recyclable Cans and Bottles – help cover the cost of bird seed for school feeders
· Mornings with Mother – Mother Elaine is available on Wednesday mornings from 9 -9:30 AM in the library to sit and talk with parents who may have questions, thoughts or suggestions. Please sign in at the office, join us for prayer then meet with Mother and other parents.
· Pop Tabs – 3 weeks remaining to Challenge 1
Third Place – PreK 4
Second Place – Grade 3
First Place - Grade 2
Thank you for everyone’s efforts, a third bin has been started. We have reached 55.6 pounds of tabs.
Thanksgiving is coming and most likely so are friends and family. Don’t forget to save pop tabs from these gatherings and bring them to school to place in your class container. Saint John School is helping Ronald McDonald House one tab at a time.
· Angels & Elves Fair Nearly New Gift Shop – Saturday, November 23 St. Pio Parish Ladies Guild is holding their annual fair in the gymnasium of Saint John School. Let’s support the parish that supports our school. The Nearly New Gift Shop is being held in conjunction with a variety of ALL NEW craft vendors, Penny Cup Raffle, Silent Auction and Bake Sale. Breakfast and Lunch is being offered.
· Deacon Brian Daley - Please pray for Deacon Brian Daley, a former student of Saint John School, who is currently a Transitional Deacon. Deacon Brian continues his studies, training, and discernment to the priesthood. God willing, Deacon Brian will be ordained a priest in 2025.
· Safe Environments – Just a reminder volunteers working with children need to be Safe Environment approved by the Diocese of Norwich. Please contact the office to begin the process of training. Complete the process prior to a special event in your child's classroom or at the school.
· Walk Around Wednesdays! If you know anyone who is interested in visiting our school please have them register here (see link).
Upcoming Events - Save the Date
November 18 – 22 – Discover Catholic School Week
November 21, 2024 - PTO Marketing Committee
November 21, 2024 – PTO Meeting
November 22, 2024 – Grades Close
November 26, 2024 – Dress Down Day
November 26, 2024 - No After Care
November 27-29 – No School Thanksgiving
December 6 - First Friday Mass
December 6 - Pasta Dinner & Luxury Raffle Drawing
December 13 - SJS Holiday Shop & Movie
December 14 - Torchlight Parade
December 19 – Lessons & Carols
Parent Teacher Organization
E-mail: pto@saintjohnschoolos.org
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