The SJA Women's Club Membership Mass and Breakfast if scheduled for Sunday, September 14th. The morning begins with Mass at 8:30 AM followed by breakfast and fellowship. All women of the parish are invited. Come join in the fun and learn what fantastic events are scheduled for the 2008 - 2009 year. Contact Kelly Woodward for reservations.
The annual school wrapping paper sale is underway and runs through the end of September. St. Joan of Arc keeps 50% of every sale. Hundreds of products are available: wrappping paper, cashews & Pistachioes, gourmet selections, and even magazines. To order contact any SJA Student or visit www.innisbrook.com
The annual calendar of events of Cub Scout Pack 905 has been set for the year. From camping to rock climbing, from pinewood cars to go cart races, this group has some lively, fun events planned for the year. Click calendar of events to check out the events for this year. Contact Young Kim for further information. Pack 905 events
SJA Uganda.... the story continues.
We opened the school February 4th, with a Holy Sacrifice of Mass. We opened with over two hundred students. We have grades from Kindergarten to Fifth grade. Today we have three hundred and fifteen (315) students; eighty six (86) of these are in Kindergarten. Many come from their homes only twenty-two (22) are resident boarders for lack of accommodation. To come to school these children walk anywhere from zero to four miles one way!
The numbers overwhelmed our planning and yet it was difficult to turn away pleading parents. The beginning was and is still a challenge. We had crowded classes with less furniture; some students were literary sitting on the floor. We had to feed the children, there was a water problem in the area and the night was and is still very dark.
The school continues to grow from strength to strength. In June, we started constructing two dormitories one for the boys and one for the girls. We still need to construct the Hall/auditorium from where the students can have their daily meals, celebrate mass, sit for examinations, have recreational activities and hold other functions like parents’ meetings. We need to work on additional classrooms, grading playing fields, procure more furniture and acquire a van/truck to transport food, rescue medical emergencies especially taking sick children to hospital.
Welcome to the
2008-2009
School Year at SJA
The SJA Saints come marching in on Wed., August 27th! (Yes, I mean the students!) The faculty team from last year is ready to greet each child and to continue the challenging and rewarding ministry "To teach as Jesus did." This would be a daunting goal if it weren't for the faith on which this community is built. We know that at every turn we have the strength and the support of our school parents and our parishioners. We know that we are enriched by the example of Jesus, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the loving guidance of God our Father. Finally, we are literally propelled forward by the energy and love of the children we teach. It's no wonder that a feeling of excitement is building.
We welcome our new students and families and welcome back to those returning . Please plan to join in for all of the beginning of the year festivities. The PSO will be hosting our "First Day of School Coffee" at drop off time. (Yes, on the first day of school!)
We're working on coordinating cheering on our football team and enjoying the Back to School Picnic on Friday, Sept. 5th. Details will be coming. Other important dates include the Not-to-be-missed Back to School Night on Thurs., Sept. 11th (Parents only) and a Virtus Training session on Thurs., Oct. 2nd here at SJA. More details will follow. (This is REQUIRED training for ANYONE who will be with students in any capacity. It is a one-time requirement. If you have a certificate that you have previously participated in this training, please send a copy to the office. For anyone who cannot make it to the session here at St. Joan, please go to www.virtus.org and register to attend at another time and place. Questions, just email me at ghulse@saintjoanofarc.net
As you can see, there's a healthy mix of work and play in the days and weeks ahead. So glad we're all together again. Go Saints!
Warm regards,
Gail Hulse, Principal
A new academic and sporting year is upon us! Once again "The Saints" football team comprised of students from SJA, PJXXIII, NCA, and St. Pete's will take the field at the junior varsity and varsity levels. Any student enrolled in grades 5-8 at one of these schools is welcome to join the team. No previous experience is necessary. We have a great group of coaches and players.
Girls volleyball teams in grades 5 - 8 have begun practice. The U.S. women's olympic silver medal team probably started just like this. Come out and find out how much fun spiking and blocking can be.
Cheerleading is another sport at SJA. Led by Ms. Weeks, former collegiate coach and cheerleader, 6th - 8th grade girls blend acrobatics, dance moves and plenty of noise to lead the SJA fans' cheers throughout the season.
For more information please email GHulse@saintjoanofarc.net or call the school at 847-679-0660. Go Saints!