• February 13: Mardi Gras (purple, green, or gold) or St. Valentine's day (pink or red) spirit wear - shirts, socks, accessories - UNIFORM BOTTOMS
• February 13: Morning assembly
• February 14th: Ash Wednesday Mass at 10:45
• February 16th: Stations of the Cross at 9:30 am - Colman Hall
• February 19th: No school
• February 29th: End of Trimester 2
• March 1st: No school

Dear Saints Simon & Jude families,

As we embark upon the solemn journey of Lent, I want to take a moment to remind us all of the significance of Ash Wednesday and the profound message it carries for our community.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. We will gather as one family to mark the beginning of this holy season with the celebration of the Ash Wednesday Mass at 10:45 am on Wednesday, February 14th. This Mass serves as a poignant reminder of our mortality and the call to repentance and renewal. As we receive the ashes on our foreheads, let us reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of living each day with purpose and humility.

In addition to Ash Wednesday, many of you may also be familiar with the celebration of Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday." This festive occasion, traditionally associated with indulgence and revelry, is observed in many cultures around the world as a final day of feasting before the fasting period of Lent begins. We will be celebrating Mardi Gras with a morning assembly on Tuesday (instead of Monday). Students will also be allowed to wear purple, green, or gold shirts with uniform bottoms (to celebrate Mardi Gras) or red or pink tops with uniform bottoms in celebration of St. Valentine’s day. Accessories in those colors (including socks!) are also allowed. We would love for you to join us in this celebration.

Thank you for re-enrolling! We already have several students lined up to join our community next year as well! If you haven’t completed the re-enrollment process, please do so as early as possible to secure a spot. You will be sent out a reminder email later today to complete the re-enrollment process. 



Congratulations to the Cadena family! They have won 1 free registration for the 2024 - 2025 school year!

As we prepare to enter into the season of Lent, let us remember the words of Jesus: "Repent, and believe in the Gospel." May this holy season be a time of revival and spiritual growth for each of us.

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.

WHAT A WEEK IN DOLPHIN BASKETBALL!!!! 

Firstly, a huge congratulations to our Varsity girls for playing their hearts out, routing St. Mary's, and fighting hard against the Serra Bears in Santa Margarita. Way to go ladies and congratulations on an awesome season! 

Auction Item Highlights  

Live Auction:

• 2 nights stay in Santa Barbara. Hop in your car and get ready to zip up PCH to lovely Santa Barbara. Enjoy a 2 night stay in a cozy cottage that sleeps 6. This adventure includes local restaurant gift cards and activities around town. Grab coffee at a local coffee shop, claim your bike ride adventure, sip on wine with a local winery, and satisfy your appetite with a delicious meal at a downtown hot spot. There is so much to do in Santa Barbara! Only available to bid on LIVE at our SSJ Auction. 

Silent Auction:

• Outdoor stand-alone Fireplace with a s'more starter kit! This is the perfect addition for your next evening of entertainment in your backyard! Find this package and much more at our Silent auction on March 16th.

WINE WEDNESDAY -  Please bring all bottle donations to the center gate at pick up. The Auction Team is accepting wine, champagne and Spirits for our 2024 Auction.

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

SSJ is excited to be a part of the Annual Kids Run the OC Training Program, hosted by The OC Marathon Foundation.  The training program involves over 150 elementary schools throughout Orange County.  For SSJ students who would like to participate, training practices will be on Tuesdays from 3:15-4:15 beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 through Tuesday,  April 30th (excluding Easter break).

The Kids Run the OC Training Program was designed to help pre-adolescent kids become more physically fit, promote an active and healthy lifestyle and combat the onset of childhood obesity, all while having fun!  This is accomplished through various games, which help improve speed, agility, hand/eye coordination, flexibility and a child’s overall fitness.  Students from each participating school will be led through our popular and fun 10-week training program at their school by Coach Karen and Mrs. Castelblanco, who have been trained by the OC Marathon Foundation.  By the end of the 10-week program each student will have accumulated the equivalent of 25.2 miles through various games and activities and hopefully have increased knowledge regarding healthy food choices and good eating habits.  They will finish their “marathon” by participating in the Kids Run the OC Marathon 1-mile Run on May 4, 2024 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA.  This culminating event is a non-competitive run for kids ages 5-14.

The 10-week training program at SSJ is free to all participants, however, to participate in the 1-mile Run on May 4, 2024, you must register with the OC Marathon and the registration fee is $29.00 (plus $2.45 online sign-up fee) per participant.  Each registered participant will receive the following:

1 entry into the Kids Run the OC 1-mile Run on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Official Kids Run the OC T-shirt.

Official Kids Run the OC Timed Race Result.

Kids Run the OC Finisher’s Medal.

Official Kids Run the OC printed certificate upon completion of their personal marathon.

Flyers and more information will go home with students in grades K-5th this week. A parent info night will be held Thursday, Feb. 8th at 6:30p.m. in room 3B. If you have any further questions or cannot make the info night and would like to sign-up your student(s), please contact Mrs. Castelblanco at kcastelblanco@ssjschool.org or Coach Karen at kfoster@ssjschool.org.

LET’S INSPIRE KIDS TO FITNESS

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