• December 4th : Crazy Sock Day and SSJ Spirit Wear !
• December 8th : Immaculate Conception - All School Mass (10:40am)
• December 9th : Fashion Island Shopping Event
• December 14th : SSJ Basketball @ Hedwig
• December 20th : 12:30 Dismissal (No STAYCARE)
• December 21st : Christmas Vacation
• January 4th (Thursday) : Back to School

Hello everyone!

This Sunday we begin the new Church calendar and liturgical year with the season of Advent. During Advent we prepare for the birth of Jesus; the Nativity. The advent wreath is one of the most recognizable symbols of Advent.  

The circle shape of the wreath made of evergreens represents eternal life. Traditionally, there are four candles (3 purple and 1 pink) that represent the 4 Sundays before Christmas. The purple candles are equated with Hope, Peace, and Love with the pink candle representing Joy. The order of the candles being lit is: 1st Hope, 2nd Peace, 3rd Joy, and 4th Love (purple, purple, pink, purple). A modern twist to the wreath has been the addition of a white candle representing the Christ Child that is lit on Christmas Eve.

This Sunday, the first candle (purple) representing Hope is lit. It is easy to see Hope in the people around us. The children are “getting into the spirit” full swing and Hope abounds in their eyes. We are hopeful in our anticipation of the birth of our Lord.  

I recently learned that this first candle has also been called the “Prophecy Candle” as it reminds us of Isaiah’s words from the Old Testament that foretold the birth of Christ and God’s promises.

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined." Isaiah 9:2

Advent Prayer for Week 1:

Dear Jesus, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, and focus on what’s really important. We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas. 

Amen.

If you do not already have a family Advent Wreath, the parish is hosting an Advent Wreath making party after the 9:30 Mass on Sunday followed by a delicious pancake breakfast. Even if you do have a wreath I invite you to join the festivities and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast with your family and parish/school community.

In His Service,

Mrs. Grant

LiveSchool is the behavioral tracking app for 3rd through 8th Grade. Students will be able to "purchase" things in the store on specific dates. Please contact Coach Matt (mbutterbrodt@ssjschool.org) for more information.

LiveSchool Store - students who have enough points can redeem them for snacks, candy, and miscellaneous toys/prizes. If you would like to donate to the Liveschool store please reach out mbutterbrodt@ssjschool.org.

***Boys Haircuts*** check your boy's haircuts. I will be taking LiveSchool points for out of dresscode haircuts Wednesday 12/6 in the AM.

Come cheer on our very own Dolphinettes who will be marching in the Light a Light of Love Parade on Sunday, December 3rd at 4:00pm on Main Street in downtown Huntington Beach. 

Light a Light of Love is put on by Waymakers Huntington Beach Youth Shelter. 

The Dolphinettes will not only represent SSJ by dancing and cheering down Main Street, but they have also raised $230 for the HB Youth Shelter this year!

Monday (12/4) - Friday (12/8) - "Brr" Baskets

Please bring donations to create “Brr” Baskets for the Homeless through Thomas House in Garden Grove including donations of travel sized toiletries, individually wrapped snacks, and used blankets to assemble the baskets for the homeless.

*Boxes are in the school hallways for donation drop offs.

Monday (12/4) - Friday (12/8) - Fleece Blanket Kits

Fleece Blankets for the Huntington Beach Navigation Center - Students are asking for donations of fleece blanket kits to create the blankets. 8th grade students will pick up the kit donations from the classrooms and will make the blankets.

- Calling all supporters –

We need you! Here are some ways YOU can help make the Auction 2024 a showstopper:

Donations

Attached is the official Auction item request letter/form. Having this available is a great tool when seeking donations in goods and services. Ideas: Activities/Lessons, Bars/Restaurants, Birthday Party Locations, Stores, Salons, etc. Our community loves tickets to sporting events, unique experiences, local getaways, gift cards to restaurants or any fun item you would like to secure as a donation. Feel free to think outside the box! Simply fill out the form and turn it into our school office along with the donation.

Wine, Champagne & Spirits Donations

Our “Wine Pull” is always a hot ticket, and we sell out every year. Make space in your bar for the holidays by donating bottles from your personal collection. Each bottle must be valued at $25 or higher. Label your donation with your name and contact information and drop them off in the front office. For each bottle you donate, you will be entered into a drawing to win a VIP Preview Cocktail Hour ticket.

Gift Cards

Gift cards in any amount are also greatly appreciated! You may have some that you just won't use, and we're happy to accept those as donations. It's also easy to ask for a gift card donation from an establishment that you're already visiting. For every gift card turned in valued at $25 or greater, you'll be entered in a drawing to win a VIP Preview Cocktail Hour ticket.

If you have any questions or if you need assistance picking up an item, please reach out to our team. Thank you for your consideration and for supporting our school.

Blessings,

Amparo Burke and Alissa Cano – 2024 Auction Chairs

Your 2024 Auction Team | auction@SSJ.org

Lights, Camera… Auction! -

March 16, 2024 Harborside Grand Ballroom, Newport Beach

Christmas shop and give back!!! The Second Annual Fashion Island Shopping & Dining Event is on December 9th from 11:00am to 6:00pm. Every $100 you spend at participating stores will earn you one entry into a drawing for VIP front row seats at the 2023 SSJ Christmas Concert. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2023 Turkey Trot, you have earned yourself CRAZY SOCKS DAY on December 4th!

This year we had a school-wide goal of $30,000. With everyone's hard work, we were able to exceed our goal raising a total of $35,898.

The following homerooms have hit their goal and will receive an ice cream party:

TYKE A and TYKE B

KINDER B and KINDER G

1A and 1B

2A

3A and 3B

4A

5A and 5B

6 SLAVIK

7 FILIPEK

The classroom that raised the most money and earned the pizza party is....

1B Ms. Retrosi's class raising $2,985.

The TOP fundraisers per grade (TYKE-5th) have earned the reward of leading the class in PE for the day:

TYKE: Jordyn

Kinder: Alli

1st Grade: Austin

2nd Grade: Austin and William tied

3rd Grade: Finley

4th Grade: Enzo

5th Grade: Zac

The top fundraisers per grade (6th-8th) have earned the reward of an Amazon gift card:

6th Grade: Nathan

7th Grade: Camryn

8th Grade: Giselle

Our school wide top fundraisers for our 2023 Turkey Trot:

3rd Place: Enzo 4th grade $1320

2nd Place: Austin 1st grade $1330

1st Place: Camryn 7th grade $1500

A special thank you to Alissa Cano for making Turkey Trot so successful and fun for our kids!

Make sure to follow our School Google Calendar!

Tuesday, December 5th, Southern California Sensory Screening will be conducting a hearing screening for all students in

grades 2,4,6,and 8.

The results will be sent home with the students. If you have any questions please call Mrs. Juska in the health office at 714-794-1886.

See what's happening on our social sites: