Principal’s News
Principal’s May Newsletter
 | St. John of theCross ParishSchool 2011 – 2012Rooted in FaithGrowing inKnowledge |
PRINCIPAL’S NOTES
We begin our final month of this school year. My how time flies! The calendar for May is full. We begin the month with First Communion and end the month with Graduation. With the various activities that occur throughout the year, one highlight transpired on Tuesday, 5/1/12, Spotlight on SJC. This event culminates the yearlong academics and classroom work which students accomplish. Parents were able to walk through the halls and into the various classrooms to see the wondrous displays of work. The event was well attended. Thank you to the Parent Association for providing ice cream treats. Congratulations to all our students!
On another note, we congratulate our 2nd graders who will receive their First Holy Communion over the next two weekends. Please keep the children in your prayers as they make their final preparations for this beautiful sacrament.
STATE OF THE SCHOOL
On April 26, 2012, we met with parents for a day and evening session to discuss the year. The PowerPoint presentation is available on the website for the next two weeks as presented to parents in attendance. Even though you do not have the benefit of the presentation, it does allow you to see the points we highlighted during the State of the School. Thank you for those who attended the meeting and who asked thoughtful and insightful questions.
APRIL HIGHLIGHTS
We were only in attendance for four days of April when the school had our spring break. Prior to leaving, our LRC staff prepared a beautiful Holy Thursday Prayer Service. They incorporated the music from the upcoming play, Godspell. Many of our children were involved in this Prayer Service and certainly made it a meaningful experience.
Over the last two weeks of April, our children received several different key learning experiences. Our 5th grade girls benefited from the Puberty session conducted by Mrs. Petersen, our school nurse, on the evening of 4/18/12. The girls were able to come with a parent or significant adult to hear those issues which concern them at this time of their lives. Thank you Mrs. Petersen on a wonderful presentation.
Our 4th grade displayed their learning with the Regional State Fair on Tuesday, 4/24/12. Students dressed as significant individuals who were born or accomplished noteworthy achievements from each state. Students rattled off various facts and figures about their state. It was quite impressive. Nice job 4th grade!
Mrs. Bak and Mr. Milavickas sponsored a roller skating unit. Students learned basic skating skills during their PE classes. In-school skating helps develop balance, fitness, endurance, confidence and coordination- but most of all…FUN!
Congratulations to our Math students who attended McClure Math Olympiad. Forty one students from grades 4th through 7th participated in the event. We are proud of the winners in the individual competitions, 6th grader Joey Gilger tied for third and Andrew Marquardt tied for second. One of our 6th grade teams tied for first. We are proud of all our students and their efforts.
Finally, our Early Childhood Program celebrated The Week of the Young Child last week. Children participated in many wonderful activities, highlighting their youth and how special they are to us here at SJC. Many parents attended the various activities. Thank you teachers and parents who made this week a success!
MAY HIGHLIGHTS
Godspell
Mrs. Jenny Murino has returned to direct the musical Godspell. Grades 5-8 students auditioned for various roles and will showcase their talent on May 11th and 12th at 7 PM and the 13th at 2 PM in the school gym. At this time, students are working very hard to prepare for the production. We are proud of our students’ efforts. They will perform for the student body on Thursday, 5/10/12, at 1:15. Thank you to Jenny Murino and her crew of parent volunteers.
Memorial Games
When asked what the most memorable experience at SJC was, Memorial Games is sure to top the list. Our returning alumni will be treated to some special moments. An ‘All Class Alumni Reunion’ will occur at St. John of the Cross Parish School on Friday, May 18, 2012, beginning with the games at 6:00 p.m. Receptions follow. A separate alumni reunion will be held in the Learning Resource Center for alumni under the age of 21 and over 21 in the LRC. Both reunion events will include an opportunity to visit the school, watch the Memorial Games, and enjoy food and refreshments with classmates. We look forward to seeing the faces that once frequented the halls of SJC.
50th Anniversary
Memorial Games are part of our 50th anniversary celebration this year as we invite alumni for an over 21 party in the Parish Center and an under 21 party in the LRC. We are excited about seeing old faces and renewing old acquaintances.
Our 50 anniversary festivities conclude with a final liturgy on the last day of school at 9:15 AM. Father Darrio Boscutti will be our main celebrant at this 6/1/12 liturgy as he prepares for his new appointment as pastor of St. Cyprian Parish in River Grove.
Later that evening, our parents sponsor a Fun Run at 7 PM right here at SJC, with a post race party featuring hot dogs, chips, and drinks. Awards will be given to 1st place male and female finishers per age group & top grade level participation. Plan on joining our community for this final anniversary activity!
8TH Grade Events
Besides May being Mary’s month, it also shines upon our 8th grade as they prepare to leave SJC. They plan and participate in the May Crowning and Ribbon Ceremony, scheduled at 11 AM on Monday, 5/14/12. The parents sponsor a luncheon for them following the ceremonies. Then, on 5/22/12, our students receive various awards as part of the all school Awards Ceremony on 5/22/12 at 9:15 in the gym. We have a special Awards Ceremony for 8th grade only on the evening of the 22nd, beginning at 7 PM, followed by a dance with students and parents. At this time, our students have the opportunity to ‘show off’ those dance skills acquired through the Fortnightly classes. Then, on 5/23/12, the 8th grade meets with their 1st grade buddies where their buddy brings them lunch. On Friday, 5/25/12, our 8th grade heads out to Great America with their teachers for a day of ‘fun’! Finally, we say good bye on 5/29/12 at 5 PM, beginning with a liturgy and ending with the Graduation Ceremony. We look forward to all the May activities, but will miss our kids!
Student Council Elections
We want to congratulate all of our students who ran for a Student Council office. They did a great job campaigning and speaking to the student body. As we recognized in school, all the students who ran are winners. Only five students, however, won the offices. They are:
Tommy Meehan, Environmental Officer; Michelle Jugovich, Treasurer; Meghan Rooney, Secretary; Tommy Schneider, Vice President; and Matt McDonnell, President. Congratulations students!
Other Activities
Many other activities and field trips occur during the month of May. The Band/Choir Concert rings out on Wednesday, 5/16/12, at 2 PM and 7 PM. Author’s Day for our 1st grade writers takes place on Friday, 5/25/12 at 2 PM in the MPR. Our Preschool and Kindergarten Celebrations occur during the final weeks of school. Please keep a close eye on the calendar to remain aware of the various upcoming events.
Packet Pick Up
We have scheduled a spring packet pick up for our parents. Packets will contain AIMSweb results, blank emergency cards for 2012-2013, and other pertinent information for the 2012-2013 school year. Pick up takes place on 5/21/12 at 8:30 AM or 3 PM in the MPR. If unavailable to pick up your packets at either time, packets will be mailed home. Only the parent may pick up the packet as it contains confidential information.
Parent Association
We would like to again thank our Parent Association for sponsoring a wonderful Book Fair for the children. The children love to walk around and purchase the various books and other things that are on display.
As is tradition, Celebrate SJC Day occurs on Thursday, 5/31/12. Mrs. Jackie Goldman has been preparing for the festivities all year. Please contact her if you would be interested in volunteering for the day. You have the opportunity to be with the children and have ‘fun’!
Please note – Friday, 5/4/12 out of uniform day is rescheduled for 5/11/12.
KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS
Please continue to keep the Feldmeier Family in your prayers as they grieve the loss of their husband/father. A college fund has been established for the family if anyone is interested in helping them out in any way. Please make out a check to Morgan Stanley and transcribe 529 Fund-Feldmeier in the note section. Mail your contribution to Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney, 70 West Madison, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60602, c/o Lawrence Dougherty.
CALENDAR OF KEY MAY/JUNE EVENTS
1 7 PM – Spotlight on SJC
3 7:00 PM – 1st Communion Practice in church
4 8:30 AM – Team Leaders, CEF, Room 119
5 11 AM and 2 PM – First Communion
8 8th Grade Fitness Day at LT for boys
9 12:30-3:30 Sports Physicals
10 8th Grade Fitness Day at LT for girls
1:15 PM – Godspell Presentation in Gym
11 7 PM – Godspell Presentation in Gym
12 11 AM and 2 PM – First Communion
7PM – Godspell Presentation in Gym
13 2 PM – Godspell Presentation in Gym
14 11 AM – May Crowning/Ribbon Ceremony, church
8th Grade Luncheon in PC
15 2 PM – Baton Show, Gym
16 2 PM and 7 PM – Choir/Band Concert
6-6:45 – 7th Grade Math Display in Rooms 119 and 115
18 1 PM – Memorial Games begin
5 PM – Alumni Reunions in PC and LRC
21 8:30 AM and 3 PM – Spring Packet Pick Up
22 9:15 – Awards Ceremony, grades 1-8
7 PM – Awards Ceremony, grade 8, Gym
24 Report Cards for 8th grade
25 Great America for 8th grade
2 PM – Author’s Day, grade 1, MPR
28 Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL
29 Pre 3 Picnic
5 PM – Graduation, church
30 9:15 – Kindergarten Celebration
10:15 – Pre 4 Celebration
31 Celebrate SJC Day
June 1 Last day of School
9:15 Liturgy
11:00 Dismissal
7 PM – Fun Run
The above poster hangs throughout the building reminding the children of the 3 ‘R’s - Ready, Respectful, Responsible.
