SAINT JOHN’S FACULTY GOES TO SCHOOL

                  

Dear Saint John’s School Families,

What, no school tomorrow??  Not so!  No school for Saint John’s students that is. Yes, teachers must go to school tomorrow.  What?  When?  Where?  Why?   

Saint John’s Faculty  members are enrolled in an all day Catechetical  Class.  We will travel to Greeley to join Saint Mary’s  Catholic School Staff for a Pillars I Course.  This will be taught by an instructor from the Archdiocese of Denver Catechetical School .

Teachers in Catholic Schools  in the Archdiocese must become certified in the 4 Pillars:  A Journey Through the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  The Catechism is an invaluable resource for learning the Catholic Faith .  In his document declaring the Year of Faith, Porta Fidei, Pope Benedict XVI highlighted that it is in the Catechism that “we see the wealth of teaching that the Church has received, safeguarded and proposed in her two thousand years of history.  From Sacred Scripture to the Fathers of the Church, from theological masters to the saints across the centuries, the Catechism provides a permanent record of the many ways in which the Church has meditated on the faith and made progress in doctrine so as to offer certitude to believers of faith”  (Porta Fidei, 11)

The Catechism is divided into 4 sections, or pillars, upon which the Church’s teaching is based:  the Creed, the Sacraments, the Moral Life in Christ, and Prayer.  These 4 pillars come from Scripture when we are given a look into the life of the early Church:  “ And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching (creed)  and fellowship (moral life), to the breaking of bread (sacraments) and the prayers (prayer)”  (Acts 2:42)  Tomorrow, we will be taking the Creed pillar which is an excellent summation of how God has revealed Himself in human history and how we respond to Him in the relationship of faith The word “Creed” comes from the Latin word, “credo” which means “I believe.” 

It is important for us here at Saint John’s School to keep current and knowledgeable in our own Catholic Faith in order for us to model and teach our students. 

Have an enjoyable long weekend.  Hopefully, we will see many of you at the Gala Saturday night.

Shalom,

Mrs. Schmitt

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE TOMORROW

                                 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE TOMORROW

Dear Saint John’s School Families,

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21.  The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.  The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982. 

“On this International Day of Peace, let us pledge to teach our children the value of tolerance and mutual respect.  Let us invest in the schools and teachers that will build a fair and inclusive world that embraces diversity. Let us fight for peace and defend it with all our might.”   UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project started in 2005, by two Art teachers as a way for students to express their feelings about what is going on in the world and in their lives.  Last year, 2012, over 4 million pinwheels were spinning in over 3,500 locations throughout the world.

Here at Saint John’s School Mrs. Brown makes this a part of her art program .  She teaches her students that peace isn’t only to be associated with the conflict of war, but how it relates to violence/intolerance in our daily lives, freedom from conflict or disagreement among people or groups, a state of mind and serenity, with no anxiety. 

In her classroom our students, too, create pinwheels, pinwheels of all shapes and sizes.  As part of the creation process, the students write on one side their thoughts about tolerance and living in harmony with others, on the other side they will draw, paint, collage etc. to visually express their feelings.  Today, the day before the International Day of Peace tomorrow, they “planted” their pinwheels here on campus as a public statement and art exhibit.  This followed Father Frank’s homily in today’s  Friday Mass, where he talked to the children about getting along with each other and living in peace.

Please observe and enjoy the pinwheels on Saint John’s campus. Ask your child(ren) about their Pinwheel for Peace.  When they bring it home let them tell you about what they learned and why. The spinning of the pinwheels in the wind will spread thoughts and feelings about peace throughout the country and the world.  IMAGINE…”Whirled Peace”!!

Peace be with you,

GENEROUS GIVING OF TIME, TALENT AND TREASURE

Dear Saint John’s Families,

Parents of students here at Saint John the Evangelist School for sure understand  the meaning of stewardship, i.e. the giving of time, talent and treasure.  When the decision is made to enroll one’s child(ren) in a private Catholic School, there are many sacrifices that will be made.  Yes, tuition must be paid, uniforms purchased, school supplies, school pictures, transportation (gas) must be arranged, and participation in and support of a number of fundraisers, example,  Walk-A-Thon to name only a few examples of the giving of treasure.                                                                                                                                                                                         

The giving of time and talent is a huge area of sacrifice. While I know I run the risk of not being able to recognize and express my gratitude to so many of you parents who give your ongoing time and talent, I would like  to take this opportunity to give a most sincere “thank you” to  just some of  you. 

To those of you families and our National Honor Society Students who returned to Saint John’s on that hot August Saturday for School Clean-up day,  you were very much appreciated.  A special thank you to Rob Carr who sacrificed time, talent and treasure and rented a bobcat to move the mountain of woodchips in our playground.  Our school campus looked the best ever this year. 

Parents who volunteer in our kitchen making it possible to have excellent, home cooked food for our children, our gratitude.  Our  PTO  and SAC committees will meet this coming week.   We could not do without you. Our PTO Board is needing  members.  Ella Kaiser, Tara Kirkpatrick, Patty Nichols, can you count the number of years you have served on PTO?   

 And, of course, our BOOSTER CLUB,  behind our Athletics your quiet humble support does not go unnoticed.  Unfortunately, some of our parents have given their time and talent in this arena year after year.  Soon, we will schedule a BOOSTER CLUB meeting.  Please give consideration and call Mr. Sobraski to tell him you would be willing to step up and relieve some generous souls like Bethany Anderson who have given so much. Our volunteer coaches must be given a huge “pat on the back” for their time and expertise delivered in the hottest of season.

Last but not least,  Sara Smith,  who works each year to make the Golf Tourney  happen,  you deserve our sincere “thank you”  and yes,  many more individuals  to play,  support and sign up for next Saturday’s event. 

Thanks for all you school families do individually and collectively.  What a special community we have here at Saint  Johns.

Shalom,

Mrs. Schmitt

WHAT IS A SOAR STORE?

Dear Saint John’s School Families,
Yes, it is the latest “tongue twister” that you are hearing from your child(ren). Our students here at Saint John the Evangelist School are excited for the “Grand Opening next Wednesday of a new store here on campus.
At our “Back-to-School -Sunday a brief description was given of our the PBIS Program that is being implemented for students, faculty/staff and parents. Pamphlets sharing this good news were handed out to each family. A Positive Behavior Intervention System you may find in other schools throughout the nation and in schools in Loveland. However, each is unique to the specific school. Last year, with the assistance professional coaches, our faculty and staff laid the foundation and designed a PBIS Program to meet our needs at Saint Johns. A core team of faculty worked during the summer to finalize the details in order that we could “kick off” the program when school opened this fall.
Common expectations and vocabulary as to the expectations of students and staff is just one of the benefits of this program. What a way to learn/teach life skills that will develop the “whole child”! Now the exciting part…..Wednesday, students may shop at the SOAR STORE using the soar bucks they have earned.
Please thank our PTO for helping us to afford the items in the store. Without their support we couldn’t have opened our store. Several organizations have promised to help provide “treasures” for purchase. The cost of the purchase will, of course, depend on its value. Students may save their soar bucks if they would like to buy something of greater value, like Lunch with Fr. Sam??
Parents, when you are buying Scrip maybe you would like to donate a gift card of $1, $5, $10 dollars to place in our SOAR STORE. Are there new but unused or interesting “somethings” around your home that would be something fun for a child to buy? Perhaps you may know of a business, or organization that would be willing to support this program with small but meaningful items.
Thanks for backing our latest new program at Saint Johns.
Shalom,
Mrs. Schmitt

A GREAT START TO THE 2013-14 SCHOOL YEAR

Dear Saint John’s School Families,

Yes, we are “off and running”.  Monday morning saw 241 Saint John’s Pre-school–eighth grade students arrive for classes.  How exciting it is to see our school grow!  A great deal of planning and preparation took place to result in the smooth beginning of this new school year. 

First of all, thank you Saint John’s Families for celebrating the 11:00a.m. Mass together on “Back-To-School” Sunday.  The picnic that followed gave everyone an opportunity to get acquainted or reacquainted.  Mother Nature cooperated with cloud cover, and only a sprinkle of rain.  The meeting in our gym was brief in order that the children could meet their teacher(s) and drop off their school supplies.  It was a successful and happy Sunday.  Monday’s abbreviated day was just what we needed to help our transition from vacation, especially on the hot day.

Of course, this first week consisted of everyone, students, staff and parents,  learning  schedules, routines, and expectations. With additional enrollment, the arrival and dismissal of students needs to receive attention. While the arrival/drop off  “LOOP” in the morning for the K-4 children appears to be working quite successfully, the pick up “LOOP” in the afternoon needs a small change in order that cars are not backed up on Tyler Avenue causing confusion and a safety issue.  Parents, please  enter the “LOOP” from Tyler Avenue (west) and proceed immediately to the far right, passing the Middle School and the Church.   Make two lines as you drive west toward the pick up location.  As the “LOOP” moves slowly, please keep a tight space between your car and the one ahead.  This will allow more cars to cross Tyler Avenue and be on Saint John’s Campus. 

Your will be receiving a new/revised schematic which will outline the plan for each day’s arrival and dismissal.  Thank you in advance for helping us get off to a smooth, new start. 

Tara Kirkpatrick, a loyal PTO member, has once again agreed to put together a Saint John’s float for the Loveland Corn Roast Parade.  Students, Staff and Parents, the parade begins earlier this year.  Please help represent our school and be part of the parade. We will gather at 8:00a.m. on Railroad Avenue near Fairground’s Park, Float #45.  What a great way to end our first week back!    

Shalom,

Mrs. Schmitt

MOVING ON WITH NEW CHALLENGES AHEAD

Dear Saint John’s Families,

With only 3 ½ days of school remaining in this 2012-2013  school year,  reality is facing us, as significant milestones are near in the lives of many of our students and several staff members.   

Last evening, 15 of our 8^th graders were bid farewell during a beautiful graduation Mass, ceremony and reception.  The touching DVD of their lives brought laughter and tears.  Many of the graduates had been classmates since preschool.  To watch their lives unfold in front of us from childhood to now, high school, reminds all of us how quickly time passes, and how we all need to “make every day count”, as childhood and life is “oh” so short. 

This morning 29 of our preschoolers had a “moving up” celebration.  How excited they were, waving at mom and dad as cameras flashed and small diplomas were given to them by their 7^th grade Mass buddies.  A picnic with a unique cake with all of childrens’ names was then held outdoors on our east grassy playground.

Next week all of us will say our “goodbyes” to 3 of our special staff members.  Yes, this will be hard, and they will certainly be missed by all of us.  Truett Shilling, has accepted a technology teaching position, so will leave us as our Extended Day Director/Athletic Director.    Dana Brungardt, our Reading/Interventionist, has found that her own business is flourishing and can no longer balance her two jobs.  And, last but not least, Rachel/Campbell-Maher, our beloved kindergarten teacher is moving to Denver. 

Thanks for “ making every day count”!  See you next Tuesday.  Have a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend.

Shalom, Lois

Congratulations Confirmandi!

On Wednesday night the class of 2013 received the Sacrament of Confirmation! We would like to congratulate these students who worked hard to prepare for this day. May God, through the intercessions of Saint John the Evangelist,   continue to touch the hearts of all these students and inspire them to lead good Catholic lives. Congratulations, Jackson, Chelsea, Jack, Kevin, Eric, Weston, Sierra, Jennifer, Maggie, Jacqueline, Isabella, Nick, Mark, and Samantha.

We encourage the First Year Confirmation class (2014) to continue to work hard and continue to bless our community with their vibrancy and enthusiasm.

“The new things of God, the trials of life, remaining steadfast in the Lord. Dear friends, let us open wide the door of our lives to the new things of God which the Holy Spirit gives us. May he transform us, confirm us in our trials, strengthen our union with the Lord, our steadfastness in him: this is a true joy! So may it be.”   Pope Francis 4/28/13 Homily