SJCS Family Newsletter
December 2022
I love the season of Advent because it is a beautiful reminder of the cycle of change. We just finished an entire liturgical year that was full of lessons and learnings about faith, life, and how we are all connected in humanity with one another. Now, we get to put a metaphorical bow on that season and shift to the anticipation of the first coming of Jesus in the new liturgical year.
There is such beauty in remembering the lessons of this past year and looking forward to the beauty and excitement of the year to come. The development of us individually, as families, as a school, and even broader community is an evolution over time. And, sometimes, that evolution is hard to accept. Sometimes, that transformation hurts. Sometimes, that change doesn't make sense - especially in the midst of the change.
However, when we come out on the other side of the change, we can see that through both reflection and faith, the change was for the better.
My prayer this Advent is that we will all be able to find opportunities for reflection and hope of what is to come to grow stronger in our walks with Jesus. For, that is the true goal of a disciple.
God bless & Go Eagles!
Mrs. Mishler
Mass Changes for December
Our elementary students will be transported to the secondary campus for an all school Mass on this day. Families are still welcome to attend, however, all students will remain with the student body to celebrate Mass with their Prayer Pal.
Monday, Dec. 12th - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
We will attend Mass in the normal locations on this day. We are looking forward to making connections to the feast day that originated from an experience with a young man in Mexico. Our students will experience a little bit of Mexican culture learning about this encounter with Mary with a treat at lunch.
These changes will serve as the Mass day for the week. Students will wear Mass uniforms on these two days and daily uniform on the other days.
Dress Code Expectations
Now is a good time to do a refresh on our dress code expectations. Take a quick moment to check out the portions of our handbooks below that outline the specifics of our daily and Mass uniforms.
Rate Our School
One of the many ways we attract new families to our school is by being easily found online. So, help bump our school to the top of Google search by leaving a review.
Search 'St. Joseph Catholic Elementary Campus' and 'St. Joseph Catholic Secondary Campus' and leave a rating/review at the following links.
Niche | Facebook | Private School Review
Mom's Favorite Things
Click here to RSVP. If you can't make the event but would still like to donate your favorite things, drop it by the front office at either campus!
Early Release on Wednesday, December 21st
- Elementary dismissal at 12:00 PM. Elementary will attend Mass.
- Secondary dismissal at 12:30 PM. Secondary will be on final exam schedule with no Mass.
No lunch will be served at either campus. Students may bring a snack.
Nominate an SJCS Staff/Faculty Member
Congratulations to Mr. Adams for being recognized already! For his highlight post, click here.
Spirit of St. Joseph Sponsorships Available
School Board Principal's Report
Please click the link to read the November 2022 Principal's Report.
SEL Theme of the Month: Acceptance & Diversity
Celebrating Catholic Schools
The purpose of this special event is a three-fold:
1. Celebrate Catholic education in Central Texas
2. Honor the "unsung heroes" of our Catholic schools
3. Raise funds to support tuition assistance across the 20 Catholic schools in the diocese
This year, our community is proud to recognize Richard and Martha Johnson for their dedication and commitment to our school and Catholic education. Please consider joining us for this year's event and thanking them for their service to our school. Click here to reserve your ticket.
Get Your Car Decal
Car decals are now available for purchase! Decals are $5 each. If you would like to purchase one, please fill out the form here. Limited quantities available.
PTO Corner
Upcoming Events
- Friday, Dec. 9th - Christmas Store @ Elementary - PTO Fundraiser
- Saturday, Dec. 10th - Donuts with St. Nick @ Elementary - PTO Fundraiser
The purpose of St. Joseph's PTO is to
- Give parents and teachers the chance to work together to make this the best school it can possibly be for our students and for the next generation.
- Help welcome new families and make new friends.
- Enrich and support the family of faith we all enjoy.
- Share the load of volunteer duties and easily discover ways to fulfill FISH hours.
Prayer Request Portal
Upcoming Events
Dec 5 - Spelling Bee (Grades 2-8)
Dec 8 - All School/Prayer Pal Mass
Dec 9 - Elementary Christmas Store
Dec 10 - Donuts with St. Nick, 9-11 AM @ Elementary
Dec 12 - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass
Dec 19 - Elementary Light of Christmas Program, 2:30 PM @ PAC
Dec 19 - Secondary Final Exams
Dec 20 - Secondary Final Exams
Dec 21 - Secondary Final Exams
Dec 21 - Early Release for All Students
Dec 22-Jan 2 - Christmas Break
Jan 3 - Staff Development
Jan 4 - Spring Semester Begins
Virtues In Practice
In December, we will study the virtue of generosity. We will learn about this virtue and St. Nicholas, St. Mary Magdalene and St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Reconciliation for Grades 3-5
Dress Code Reminders
If you are in need of any uniform items, please call Mrs. Burns in the front office to schedule a time to come visit the uniform closet.
Join us for Donuts with St. Nick
Christmas Store
Need FISH hours? We have volunteer spots available. Click HERE to sign up.
If you would like to donate items for the Christmas store, please check out our wish list. We are in need of items for the students to purchase for siblings/friends/young children.
Thank you for helping make this event a success!
The Light of Christmas
Can't make the performance? A filmed performance will be posted to the school Facebook page later that day.
St. Nick Snack Bags
Mass During Finals
Fall Final Exam Schedule
- Freshmen may exempt one exam.
- Sophomores may exempt two exams.
- Juniors may exempt three exams.
- Seniors may exempt all exams.
If students do not have a final for a given class or are exempting a final exam, they are not required to be on campus. Students on campus during testing must follow the final exam schedule, report to their assigned classes and remain there for the entire duration of the testing time.