A Few Notes, Dates & Reminders
February 2020
“Life itself is the most wonderful fairytale.”
― Hans Christian Andersen
A Sundry Sort of Things
Upcoming Dates
Monday, February 17 NO SCHOOL - President's Day
Friday, February 21 School Science Fair 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 25 Mardi Gras Pancake Breakfast
Wednesday, February 26 Ash Wednesday, All School Mass
Tuesday, March 3 Coffee with the Headmaster at 8:00 a.m.
Saturday, March 7 First Eucharist Meeting for 2nd Grade Parents
Friday, March 13 11:30 a.m. Dismissal, end of 2nd Trimester
Monday, March 16 No School - Professional Development Day
SAVE THE DATES!
Friday, May 29 Spring Dream Garden Party
Thursday, March 19 Jazz Night
Thursday, April 23 Jazz Night & Shakespeare's Birthday Celebration
Registration & Open Enrollment
Registration packets for the 2020-2021 school year were mailed home on Friday, February 10 to all current families. Please register if you have not done so. (forms attached below for your convenience). Open enrollment will begin on February 17. If you have any questions please contact Christine White, at cwhite@stjohnacademy.org.
Eagle Athletics
SJBA Basketball Schedule for the Remainder of the Season
Girls Basketball:
We have a new addition to our schedule, please see the updated schedule below.
2/19: Home Game 4:30-5:30 p.m. vs. Grace Christian Academy
Boys Basketball:
2/19: Game 3:30-4:30 p.m. vs. Grace Christian Academy
The Boys Basketball Tournament will be Friday, February 21- Saturday, February 22 at SJBA. We are hosting Potomac School and Christ Chapel Academy.
2/21: 4:00 - 10:00 p.m.
2/22: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Spring After-School Sports Program
Registration is now open for the SJBA spring after-school sports program. All programs will run directly after school from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Coaches will be on site upon dismissal to collect students and allow for time to change before each session. Program options include: Flag Football on Mondays (4th to 6th Grade Only), Basketball on Tuesdays, and All-Around Sports on Wednesdays. Please see the attached flyer and sign up forms for more information.
Tennis Club
Spring tennis will be offered from 3:30 - 4:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays (weather permitting). This Club will be coached by Mr. Stone and is focused on developing fundamentals and skills. For more information, please see the attached sign up form and return to Mr. Stone by March 6.
Rugby Club
The Rugby Club will be coached by Mr. Buckis and is focused on developing fundamentals, skills, and scrimmaging--it is for students in grades 4-8. Scrimmages will be two-hand touch or flag grabbing. Practices will take place from 3:15 - 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays (weather permitting). Please see the attached sign-up form for more information.
A February Story (or 2) by Hans Christian Anderson
The Naughty Boy
Along time ago, there lived an old poet, a thoroughly kind old poet. As he was sitting one evening in his room, a dreadful storm arose without, and the rain streamed down from heaven; but the old poet sat warm and comfortable in his chimney-comer, where the fire blazed and the roasting apple hissed.
"Those who have not a roof over their heads will be wetted to the skin," said the good old poet.
"Oh let me in! Let me in! I am cold, and I'm so wet!" exclaimed suddenly a child that stood crying at the door and knocking for admittance, while the rain poured down, and the wind made all the windows rattle.
"Poor thing!" said the old poet, as he went to open the door. There stood a little boy, quite naked, and the water ran down from his long golden hair; he trembled with cold, and had he not come into a warm room he would most certainly have perished in the frightful tempest.
"Poor child!" said the old poet, as he took the boy by the hand. "Come in, come in, and I will soon restore thee! Thou shalt have wine and roasted apples, for thou art verily a charming child!" And the boy was so really. His eyes were like two bright stars; and although the water trickled down his hair, it waved in beautiful curls. He looked exactly like a little angel, but he was so pale, and his whole body trembled with cold. He had a nice little bow in his hand, but it was quite spoiled by the rain, and the tints of his many-colored arrows ran one into the other.
The old poet seated himself beside his hearth, and took the little fellow on his lap; he squeezed the water out of his dripping hair, warmed his hands between his own, and boiled for him some sweet wine. Then the boy recovered, his cheeks again grew rosy, he jumped down from the lap where he was sitting, and danced round the kind old poet.
"You are a merry fellow," said the old man. "What's your name?"
"My name is Cupid," answered the boy. "Don't you know me? There lies my bow; it shoots well, I can assure you! Look, the weather is now clearing up, and the moon is shining clear again through the window."
"Why, your bow is quite spoiled," said the old poet.
"That were sad indeed," said the boy, and he took the bow in his hand -and examined it on every side. "Oh, it is dry again, and is not hurt at all; the string is quite tight. I will try it directly." And he bent his bow, took aim, and shot an arrow at the old poet, right into his heart. "You see now that my bow was not spoiled," said he laughing; and away he ran.
The naughty boy, to shoot the old poet in that way; he who had taken him into his warm room, who had treated him so kindly, and who had given him warm wine and the very best apples!
The poor poet lay on the earth and wept, for the arrow had really flown into his heart.
"Fie!" said he. "How naughty a boy Cupid is! I will tell all children about him, that they may take care and not play with him, for he will only cause them sorrow and many a heartache."
And all good children to whom he related this story, took great heed of this naughty Cupid; but he made fools of them still, for he is astonishingly cunning. When the university students come from the lectures, he runs beside them in a black coat, and with a book under his arm. It is quite impossible for them to know him, and they walk along with him arm in arm, as if he, too, were a student like themselves; and then, unperceived, he thrusts an arrow to their bosom. When the young maidens come from being examined by the clergyman, or go to church to be confirmed, there he is again close behind them. Yes, he is forever following people. At the play, he sits in the great chandelier and burns in bright flames, so that people think it is really a flame, but they soon discover it is something else. He roves about in the garden of the palace and upon the ramparts: yes, once he even shot your father and mother right in the heart. Ask them only and you will hear what they'll tell you. Oh, he is a naughty boy, that Cupid; you must never have anything to do with him. He is forever running after everybody. Only think, he shot an arrow once at your old grandmother! But that is a long time ago, and it is all past now; however, a thing of that sort she never forgets. Fie, naughty Cupid! But now you know him, and you know, too, how ill-behaved he is!
THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES
Many years ago, there was an Emperor, who was so excessively fond of new clothes, that he spent all his money in dress. He did not trouble himself in the least about his soldiers; nor did he care to go either to the theatre or the chase, except for the opportunities then afforded him for displaying his new clothes. He had a different suit for each hour of the day; and as of any other king or emperor, one is accustomed to say, “he is sitting in council,” it was always said of him, “The Emperor is sitting in his wardrobe.”
Time passed merrily in the large town which was his capital; strangers arrived every day at the court. One day, two rogues, calling themselves weavers, made their appearance. They gave out that they knew how to weave stuffs of the most beautiful colors and elaborate patterns, the clothes manufactured from which should have the wonderful property of remaining invisible to everyone who was unfit for the office he held, or who was extraordinarily simple in character.
“These must, indeed, be splendid clothes!” thought the Emperor. “Had I such a suit, I might at once find out what men in my realms are unfit for their office, and also be able to distinguish the wise from the foolish! This stuff must be woven for me immediately.” And he caused large sums of money to be given to both the weavers in order that they might begin their work directly.
So the two pretended weavers set up two looms, and affected to work very busily, though in reality they did nothing at all. They asked for the most delicate silk and the purest gold thread; put both into their own knapsacks; and then continued their pretended work at the empty looms until late at night.
“I should like to know how the weavers are getting on with my cloth,” said the Emperor to himself, after some little time had elapsed; he was, however, rather embarrassed, when he remembered that a simpleton, or one unfit for his office, would be unable to see the manufacture. To be sure, he thought he had nothing to risk in his own person; but yet, he would prefer sending somebody else, to bring him intelligence about the weavers, and their work, before he troubled himself in the affair. All the people throughout the city had heard of the wonderful property the cloth was to possess; and all were anxious to learn how wise, or how ignorant, their neighbors might prove to be.
“I will send my faithful old minister to the weavers,” said the Emperor at last, after some deliberation, “he will be best able to see how the cloth looks; for he is a man of sense, and no one can be more suitable for his office than he is.”
So the faithful old minister went into the hall, where the knaves were working with all their might, at their empty looms. “What can be the meaning of this?” thought the old man, opening his eyes very wide. “I cannot discover the least bit of thread on the looms.” However, he did not express his thoughts aloud.
The impostors requested him very courteously to be so good as to come nearer their looms; and then asked him whether the design pleased him, and whether the colors were not very beautiful; at the same time pointing to the empty frames. The poor old minister looked and looked, he could not discover anything on the looms, for a very good reason, viz: there was nothing there. “What!” thought he again. “Is it possible that I am a simpleton? I have never thought so myself; and no one must know it now if I am so. Can it be, that I am unfit for my office? No, that must not be said either. I will never confess that I could not see the stuff.”
“Well, Sir Minister!” said one of the knaves, still pretending to work. “You do not say whether the stuff pleases you.”
“Oh, it is excellent!” replied the old minister, looking at the loom through his spectacles. “This pattern, and the colors, yes, I will tell the Emperor without delay, how very beautiful I think them.”
“We shall be much obliged to you,” said the impostors, and then they named the different colors and described the pattern of the pretended stuff. The old minister listened attentively to their words, in order that he might repeat them to the Emperor; and then the knaves asked for more silk and gold, saying that it was necessary to complete what they had begun. However, they put all that was given them into their knapsacks; and continued to work with as much apparent diligence as before at their empty looms.
The Emperor now sent another officer of his court to see how the men were getting on, and to ascertain whether the cloth would soon be ready. It was just the same with this gentleman as with the minister; he surveyed the looms on all sides, but could see nothing at all but the empty frames.
“Does not the stuff appear as beautiful to you, as it did to my lord the minister?” asked the impostors of the Emperor's second ambassador; at the same time making the same gestures as before, and talking of the design and colors which were not there.
“I certainly am not stupid!” thought the messenger. “It must be, that I am not fit for my good, profitable office! That is very odd; however, no one shall know anything about it.” And accordingly he praised the stuff he could not see, and declared that he was delighted with both colors and patterns. “Indeed, please your Imperial Majesty,” said he to his sovereign when he returned, “the cloth which the weavers are preparing is extraordinarily magnificent.”
The whole city was talking of the splendid cloth which the Emperor had ordered to be woven at his own expense.
And now the Emperor himself wished to see the costly manufacture, while it was still in the loom. Accompanied by a select number of officers of the court, among whom were the two honest men who had already admired the cloth, he went to the crafty impostors, who, as soon as they were aware of the Emperor's approach, went on working more diligently than ever; although they still did not pass a single thread through the looms.
“Is not the work absolutely magnificent?” said the two officers of the crown, already mentioned. “If your Majesty will only be pleased to look at it! What a splendid design! What glorious colors!” and at the same time they pointed to the empty frames; for they imagined that everyone else could see this exquisite piece of workmanship.
“How is this?” said the Emperor to himself. “I can see nothing! This is indeed a terrible affair! Am I a simpleton, or am I unfit to be an Emperor? That would be the worst thing that could happen—Oh! the cloth is charming,” said he, aloud. “It has my complete approbation.” And he smiled most graciously, and looked closely at the empty looms; for on no account would he say that he could not see what two of the officers of his court had praised so much. All his retinue now strained their eyes, hoping to discover something on the looms, but they could see no more than the others; nevertheless, they all exclaimed, “Oh, how beautiful!” and advised his majesty to have some new clothes made from this splendid material, for the approaching procession.
“Magnificent! Charming! Excellent!” resounded on all sides; and everyone was uncommonly gay.
The Emperor shared in the general satisfaction; and presented the impostors with the riband of an order of knighthood, to be worn in their button-holes, and the title of “Gentlemen Weavers.”
The rogues sat up the whole of the night before the day on which the procession was to take place, and had sixteen lights burning, so that everyone might see how anxious they were to finish the Emperor's new suit. They pretended to roll the cloth off the looms; cut the air with their scissors; and sewed with needles without any thread in them. “See!” cried they, at last. “The Emperor's new clothes are ready!”
And now the Emperor, with all the grandees of his court, came to the weavers; and the rogues raised their arms, as if in the act of holding something up, saying, “Here are your Majesty's trousers! Here is the scarf! Here is the mantle! The whole suit is as light as a cobweb; one might fancy one has nothing at all on, when dressed in it; that, however, is the great virtue of this delicate cloth.”
“Yes indeed!” said all the courtiers, although not one of them could see anything of this exquisite manufacture.
“If your Imperial Majesty will be graciously pleased to take off your clothes, we will fit on the new suit, in front of the looking glass.”
The Emperor was accordingly undressed, and the rogues pretended to array him in his new suit; the Emperor turning round, from side to side, before the looking glass.
“How splendid his Majesty looks in his new clothes, and how well they fit!” everyone cried out.
“What a design! What colors! These are indeed royal robes!”
“The canopy which is to be borne over your Majesty, in the procession, is waiting,” announced the chief master of the ceremonies.
“I am quite ready,” answered the Emperor. “Do my new clothes fit well?” asked he, turning himself round again before the looking glass, in order that he might appear to be examining his handsome suit.
The lords of the bedchamber, who were to carry his Majesty's train felt about on the ground, as if they were lifting up the ends of the mantle; and pretended to be carrying something; for they would by no means betray anything like simplicity, or unfitness for their office.
So now the Emperor walked under his high canopy in the midst of the procession, through the streets of his capital; and all the people standing by, and those at the windows, cried out, “Oh! How beautiful are our Emperor's new clothes! What a magnificent train there is to the mantle; and how gracefully the scarf hangs!” in short, no one would allow that he could not see these much-admired clothes; because, in doing so, he would have declared himself either a simpleton or unfit for his office. Certainly, none of the Emperor's various suits, had ever made so great an impression, as these invisible ones.
“But the Emperor has nothing at all on!” said a little child.
“Listen to the voice of innocence!” exclaimed his father; and what the child had said was whispered from one to another.
“But he has nothing at all on!” at last cried out all the people. The Emperor was vexed, for he knew that the people were right; but he thought the procession must go on now! And the lords of the bedchamber took greater pains than ever, to appear holding up a train, although, in reality, there was no train to hold.
Highlights and Happenings
Catholic Schools Week Recap
SJBA celebrated Catholic Schools Week from January 26-31. Students enjoyed a myriad of activities every day with themes such as "mad hatter and crazy sock day", and dress up as your favorite "story book character day". There was a spelling bee competition on Tuesday and Saint John's was pleased to host two representatives from the Diocese of Arlington Office of Catholic Schools on Wednesday for our storytelling competition. We had a special "House Day" complete with new t-shirts and a spirited relay race. In the spirit of service, students made Valentine's Day cards for veterans at St. Vincent Hall in Arlington and participated in a fundraising dress down day benefiting victims of the Australian fires. Last but not least, the week ended with an all-school Mass and the traditional faculty vs. 8th grade basketball game, which...after some fine play, clutch shooting, strange happenings with the clock, and a few overtimes...the 8th grade won!
House Competition Results from Catholic Schools Week
During Catholic Schools Week, students could earn points for their house in the storytelling competition (grades 6 - 8) and the relay race. Competitions were spirited and impressive...below are the current House standings with many more competitions on the horizon!
Overall Standings:
Eagle 174 Alpha 162 Omega 151 Blue 111
School Spelling Bee Competition
The SJBA Spelling Bee competition was held on Tuesday, January 28. The bee was open to all students in grades 6-8. Thank you to all of the participants, and congratulations to the winner, Norris Chowdury!!!
Norris will go on to participate in the Fairfax County Spelling Bee to be held in March.
Winter Band and Choir Concert
Students in the Academy Choir, Beginner Band, and Advanced Band showcased their singing and musical talents by performing a number of songs for a full house in Eagle Hall on the evening of Friday, February 7.
Winter Evening Reception for Art & Culture
On Saturday, February 8, SJBA and parishioner Charlie Heeter co-hosted a “Winter Evening Reception for Art & Culture”. Authors, Robert Reilly and Deal Hudson briefly introduced their latest writings and took questions from the audience in an informal setting. Guests enjoyed beverages and light appetizers, while engaging in conversation with friends and fellow parishioners, and enjoyed live, beautiful music.
(Scroll Down for Photos)
A Special Visit to the White House
On Tuesday, February 11, students in the third grade enjoyed a tour of the White House. Highlights of their morning included a public tour of the East Wing rooms, including the library, the green room, and the dining room, and a visit to the visitor's center. Students also took an oath with a park ranger and were given White House Junior Ranger badges!
Latin Class to Participate in National Latin Exam
The eighth grade Latin students are preparing to take the National Latin Exam (NLE) on March 9. The NLE is a annual test given to Latin students across the United States and around the world. The exam is not meant to be a competition but rather is viewed as an opportunity to measure progress in the classroom and understanding of the language. That said, students who perform well on the test can earn certificates, medals, and may even qualify for scholarships.
Celebrating the 100th Day of School
To mark the 100th day of school on Monday, February 10, the Kindergarten class celebrated this milestone by partaking in counting activities in groups of 10 to get to 100 using lots of goodies. They also made fruit loop necklaces counting out and stringing 100 loops. Lastly, they enjoyed reading books about the special day.
Pop Bottle Biographies
The fifth grade class recently completed their pop bottle biographies project. Their assignment was to read a biography and create a figure of the subject, using a pop bottle, styrofoam ball and an approved list of materials. The projects featured a wonderful variety of people including, Steve Jobs, Bobb Ross, Harriet Tubman, and Annie Sullivan just to name a few.
Puppet Theater
During Catholic School's Week, the Fourth graders created a puppet theater for Peter and the Wolf to share with the Pre-K class. Students had wonderful time acting out the story and spending time with one another.
Fr. Pollard Shares His Knowledge of the Scavi in Rome
On January 21, Fr. Pollard visited the eighth grade students, giving a presentation, including maps and photos, of the excavations under the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica that confirmed that the Apostle’s grave is indeed there. When a seminarian, Fr. Pollard gave tours of the extensive scavi, the excavated Roman graveyard that’s two levels below the Basilica’s main floor.
Saint John the Beloved Academy
Email: cwhite@stjohnacademy.org
Website: www.stjohnacademy.org
Location: 6422 Linway Terrace, McLean, VA, USA
Phone: (703)356-7554
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJBAMclean/?__tn__=kC-R&eid=ARAjm_zrCBI7bKHPEbRpuw2WKz-IAp7BhyC3DnlJ3GADgP0XcKpa-xsPCBw3V_D_w_assUX2fRLcIvuJ&hc_ref=ARRuMHyr-D4rQ_AktxmL8sMpXE5nTxyYjlEF9Extqv25eA0vu-y2_0lBkuRZjTho_UQ&fref=nf&__xts__[0]=68.ARAS69GUQuuUEzbSjO5dUgDL1JkHr5Q5XWG2tJGo4Xi8q_lpkcZCrcM70rx5IofqvMC9dVoZ59J9hXk4-T7Ud1RZqtu-bTGvCVmtX-I10o9LvwYcHNeDgsanCRBM9IRmAHtl39ugHkqn1332PdsVKT9zVp3Nf67-BGeID_4gq75x9nGKhRiuYFh2OOJUaHghLrRAM2Et5kGxU8O2K8MV7fETSuUHPcMQnE93DpAKA6AK-fd7nlDiut-S0_n1xjodvEsYBCKryroXbuHCPRzUsy1XvEUTc5kYgSkRcLskx5eohfaqn5fFWWPOscPukQVxdz1lQ1zv5JWIP2pICtPWW9YePyxe
Picture Collage
4th Grade Field Trip to the FBI, Ford's Theatre, and Portrait Gallery
5th Grade Pop Bottle Biography
4th Grade & Pre-K Puppet Theater
Beginner Band Concert
Advanced Band Concert
Academy Choir Concert
Top Painting: When the West with Evening Glows by Joseph Farquharson
Hans Christian Anderson Fairy Tale Illustrations by Edmund Dulac