Dear SJB Families,

It has been a fantastic first week of Advent. There are many advent activities in classrooms and pictures going up all over the school. We have had visitors from the far north singing songs and handing out candy canes. Students are working hard in music class to prepare songs for next week's Christmas Program. Joy and excitement are palpable as you walk through the building. 

Fr. Paolo asked us in his homily to try to add one of the many advent offerings from the parish to our busy schedules. Last year, I attended the rorate masses on Saturday morning and found such joy there. The masses are prayed in the dark with only candlelight while the choir chants beautiful hymns. The darkness and silence encouraged the hyper-focus that I needed during the season of preparation for the coming of Christ. I struggle to find moments of silence in the busyness of life. Even when I try, the to-do lists tend to flood my mind. This was the one place where all of that stopped. Even though there were over 50 people there (at least), I felt it was just the beauty of the Eucharist and me. I can't recommend these masses enough. It offers a reprieve from the secular world's chaos during the pre-Christmas season. 

Tomorrow is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and is a Holy Day of Obligation. I am embarrassed to admit until I was an adult, I thought this feast celebrated Jesus conceived in the womb of Mary. This feast celebrates Mary being protected from original sin in the womb of St. Anne. Please join us for Mass at 8:15 if you can. We would love to see everyone there!

Mrs. Javins

Farewell Mr. Benson!

It is with great sadness we say goodbye to Mr. Benson. He is resigning at the end of this semester. He has done so many great things for our students. The junior high teachers have commented many times during the year how well-prepared the current 6th graders are. We will miss him greatly but wish him good luck and God's blessings in future endeavors.

Santa's Helpers Visited School

Some of Santa's helpers, who also happen to be in Bishop Luers' production of Elf the Musical, stopped by school on Tuesday Morning to visit. The group included SJB alum Elli Erb. Santa prayed over the announcements and they all sang Jingle Bells to us. Needless to say, the students were excited! Thank to Karlene Krouse and Bishop Luers for taking time to visit!

BLHS Theater Students Visit

Bishop Luers Theater Production students stopped by 3rd grade to show students how theatre makeup works. SJB alumnae Ruby Steele, Alina Cervantes, and Jocelynn Sorell were all part of the group. The students had so much fun!!!

Immaculate Conception Spaghetti Dinner

Advent and Christmas at St. John's

Lunch Menu

Lunch order MUST be returned by Monday, Dec 11th. Students receiving Free Lunches must also fill out this form.

Lunch Form

SGO Match Opportunity

Mr. Connolly spoke before about the SGO match opportunity through the end of the year. Make sure to choose St. John the Baptist Fort Wayne - Fort Wayne when donating online at sgonei.org.

What is an example of the possible tax benefits for my gift to the SGO?

Depending on your tax bracket, a donation of $1000 to the SGO could result in:    

Donation to SGO         $1000.00

50% state tax rebate       (-$500.00)

25% federal deduction    ($500.00 x 25%=-$125.00)

_____________________________

Net cost to you           $375.00

**Consult your tax advisor to determine your specific tax situation.

Middle School Winners

Throughout the week teachers in middle school collect names of students going above and beyond, whether it is helping a classmate, participating in class, answering hard questions, volunteering at Mass, etc. Then once a week each middle school teacher draws out a name from their collection to get a small prize. All names eligible for the drawing are placed on a bulletin board in the middle school hallway for all to see. 

This week's winners were:

• Kendall Herber - Mrs. VanFossen ELA
• Matthew Keirns - Mrs. Sturm ELA
• Walter Henry - Mrs. Henry MATH
• Daveena Edwards - Mrs. Zimmerman RELIGION
• Dayanara Gonzales - Mrs. Hayhurst SCIENCE
• Andrew Hall - Mrs. Welling SOCIAL STUDIES

Save the Date! Trivia Night - Saturday 1/27/24

5th Grade Teacher Needed

If know of anyone who would be interested in teaching 5th grade beginning in January, please have them contact Mrs. Javins. The application for the position can be found online.

5th Grade Teaching Application

Happening in the Classroom!

Lost and Found/Donation Center

Do any of these items look familiar?

There are uniform shirts, donated navy blue sweaters and uniform pants, jackets left on the playground, lunch boxes. Please check for missing items!

SJB in the Community

We would like to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and alumnae outside of our school! If your child has participated in an event (ex. danced in the Nutcracker, won an award, hiked the Appalachian Trail, etc). Please let us know by completing the attached form and we will put a little blurb in the newsletter. We all want to celebrate with you!

SJB in the Community Form

SJB alumnae Wesley Javins (SJB 2020) was awarded defensive lineman of the year and Michael Brough (SJB 2021) was awarded offensive lineman of the year at the BLHS football banquet this year! Congratulations!

Do you know someone who would like to receive our weekly newsletter?

Our weekly newsletter is a great way for grandparents, alumni, and friends to stay connected to our school. Have them complete the following information to receive our newsletter updates.

Sign Up Here

Substitute Teachers Needed

We are in need of substitute teachers. In order to be a substitute, you must apply with the diocese and hold a valid substitute license from the state.

• Diocesan information located here.
• Valid Substitute Permit application from State found here.
•  Licensed or Retired Teachers - $125 per Day/ $75 Half Day
• High School Diploma and Valid Substitute Permit - $100 per day/ $60 Half Day

Upcoming Events

Stay informed! Get quick access to all events on the school calendar and important notifications! Download the Eventlink app to your phone and subscribe to the calendars you want to follow! Learn more about Eventlink here.

• 12/8 Immaculate Conception Mass Holy Day of Obligation
• 12/8 Pre-K to Wild Zoo Wonderland
• 12/13 Grade 5 Reconciliation
• 12/14 5th Grad to STARBASE
• 12/14 Grades 3&4 Reconciliation (Date Change)
• 12/13 Christmas Concert 6:30 PM in Church
• 12/18 5th Grade to STARBASE
• 12/18 - 12/20 Mass Hysteria Retreat for Jr. High
• 12/18 - 12/20 - No Hot Lunch Served
• 12/19 Piano Recital
• 12/20 1PM Dismissal (No Aftercare)
• 12/21 - 1/3 Christmas Break
• 1/4 - School Resumes