Bernie's Bark
10.15.2019
Dear Parents-
 
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Teresa of Avila , virgin and doctor of the church, also known as St. Teresa of Jesus. Well-known for mysticism, and as a Doctor of Prayer, St. Teresa is the foremost writer on contemplative prayer, which she described as, “close sharing between friends, ….taking time to be alone with Him who we know loves us.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church). In a hectic, busy and uncertain world, St. Teresa reminds us to spend time in conversation with God. Let Him guide you and counsel you, for in the words of St. Teresa, “God alone never changes.”
 
A reminder that there is a MANDATORY parent meeting (one parent must attend) on Tuesday, October 22nd at 7:00p.m. for parents of children who will be Confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church on March 25th, 2020, in the Parish Hall. Fr. Tom will pray with us and important information about, and requirements for, the Sacrament of Confirmation will be shared. The meeting ends at 8:30 and children are not to attend.
 
Each year, St. Joseph Catholic School provides an asbestos update to parents and staff. Please use this link to access this year’s letter regarding asbestos management. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Danny Rucker.
 
Thank you to those families that were able to participate in the DFE/OCS Family or Parent/Guardian Survey . The results of the survey are included in the report prepared for our reaccreditation. The survey is now closed, however, if you have any concerns or would like to discuss a particular issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
 
Don’t forget to place your November lunch orders ! You can order lunch for your children through our school lunch program, in conjunction with Fairfax Food Service. Use this link to access directions from Fairfax Food Service. Remember to place your order no later than the 28th of each month!
 
And speaking of lunch, our October “lunch with your child,” has been going very well! There are still some slots open, so if you have not been in for lunch, yet, please consider signing up. Some reminders though… please do not post on social media, any pictures you might take during lunch; if you decide to bring a special lunch to share with your child, please consider bringing a healthy lunch option; and please, no cellphones during lunch!
 
For your reminder app on your phone….please add:
Tuesday, Oct. 22 - Mandatory Confirmation Meeting...8th grade parents, only
Thursday, Oct. 24 - 11:30 dismissal...DFE half-day
Thursday, Oct. 24 - Trunk or Treat
Friday, Oct. 25 - No School for Students, Professional Development for Teachers
 
As always, if you have any questions, or if I can be of any assistance, please let me know.


Welcome one another....as Christ welcomed you!
                                                                                  (Rom 15:7)
 
Denise Rutledge
Principal
  Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God
7th Grade Retreat
On Friday, October 18th the 7th grade students will participate in their first spiritual retreat of the school year here at St. Joseph Catholic School from 12pm-3pm. The focus of this retreat is prayer--learning how to tell God what is in our hearts and how to listen to Him. Boys and girls will have separate retreats, though both retreats will include time spent in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  

Carmen Briceno, a consecrated virgin and founder of Sacred Print and Happy Feet Ministries and Tim Judge, Dean of Students at Christendom College will lead the retreats. They will be assisted by Mrs. Farrell, Mrs. Henry, and Mr. O'Brien as well as by students from PVI. A pizza luncheon will be provided at no cost to students. If you have ordered hot lunch for Friday please be sure to contact Fairfax Food Service by Wednesday to cancel. Students have the option to bring a peanut free lunch from home if preferred. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Farrell at  [email protected] .
Nurse's Corner


Everyday Preventive Actions Can Help Fight Germs, Like Flu!
Please click here to read what you can do to help prevent the flu!
Trunk or Treat
Deadline to Register = Friday
When & Where? Thursday, October 24th St. Joseph Catholic School Parking Lot
Parking Lot opens at 5:00pm for set up and decoration. All participating cars must be in place by 6:00pm. Trick or Treating starts at 6:15pm.
In order for this event to be successful, all families participating must register their car and distribute a treat. Please complete your family registration and return it with your $10 donation no later than Friday, October 18th.  Click here for the registration form and for more information .
Questions? Email [email protected]
Library News
Win this book!
Hey, all You graphic novel fans and fans of 
Smile, Sisters , and Ghosts !
Here is your chance to win a copy of the newest Raina Telgemeier book, GUTS!
Contest open to grades 3 and up!
Fill out the entry form and turn it in to the library. All you have to do is tell why you like graphic novels in 100 words or less!  Entries must be received by Thursday, October 24 !
Contest forms are in the library or download here !
Join Us for Lunch in October!
October is the month of "lunches"!
We invite YOU to enjoy lunch with your child in the lunchroom during his/her lunch period!

Treasure these times with your child before they grow up and head on to high school! 

Up to 4 parents per class will have the opportunity to sit with their child
and their classmates. 
We ask that parents are Child Compliant. 
Also, because of food allergies, we ask that no food is brought in for other students.  

Thank you for your support and we look forward to you taking
advantage of this wonderful time with your child!
PTO News
Used Uniform Sale!
Save the Date: Used Uniform Sale Sunday, October 27th, more details coming soon! Try on those winter uniforms now to see if your student has grown! Please email [email protected] if you have any questions
Pre-Kick Off Event: Walking with the Saints
November 7, 2019 after school


 Saturday, November 9th @ Northwest Federal Credit Union Annual 5K Race

Want to help make Bernie’s 5K Dash a huge success?? We are currently seeking event sponsors, donations and volunteers, please email  [email protected] !

Don't forget -- the class per grade level with the most registered runners wins free recess! Click here for more information on the Student Race to Register !
Volunteers Needed!
Check out these opportunities to get involved!
Recess volunteers are needed!

Paid position if can commit to M-F
When: Monday - Friday
Time: 11:15am until 12:55pm
Paid positions available for those that can work Monday through Friday.
However, we welcome any parent that can volunteer their time even though they can't commit to all week.
Interested? Contact Mrs. Rutledge at [email protected]
Another opportunity to get involved and volunteer at
St. Joseph Catholic School!
Mrs. Moschetto needs volunteers for the library.
Click below to sign up!
Please remember all volunteers must be compliant
with the Child Protection Program.
Thank you for your time!


Want to get involved? We need YOU!
We are looking for volunteers during student lunch time!
Please consider donating the gift of your time!
It is required that all volunteers complete the Child Protection Certification program.
Prayer Leaders
pray_lettering.jpg
October 14: NO SCHOOL
October 15: Griffith, J.
October 16: Grinnon, E. and S.
October 17: Grom, A.
October 18: Grotticelli, M. and M.

October 21: Gray, C.
October 22: Grove, I.
October 23: Guild, H., R.
October 24: Guill, A.
October 25: NO SCHOOL

Prayer leaders are to report to the library no later than 7:50 AM in order to appear on the morning news show. Parents are welcome to watch the live show.
CYO Basketball
Volunteers Needed!
We need coaches (head and assistants), especially for these grades:
          3 rd grade Boys and Girls
         4 th , 5 th & 8 th grade Girls

Please contact Mac Cannon at [email protected] for any questions!
SJC Craft Fair
Italian Dinner
Middle School Ministry
High School Open House
Another opportunity to learn more about PVI...
Meet PVI Administration and Students

Join representatives from St. Paul VI Catholic High School's administration and student body for refreshments and conversation at the Estates at Lenah Mill at 41497 Lavender Breeze Circle, Aldie, Virginia on Thursday, October 17th from 6:30 to 8:30pm. 

This is an opportunity to find your dream home and dream high school all under one roof.
St. Paul VI Catholic High School is having an Open House on Sunday, October 27 from 1-4pm.

10675 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA. 22030

Become a "Panther for a Day" - Shadow a current student and experience a day at Paul VI!

To arrange a visit or for more information about PVI, contact Mr. Glenn Farello at 703-352-0925 x340 or [email protected]

Learn more at www.paulvi.net
Upcoming Events
October
October 18: Mass
October 24: Mass
October 24: 11:30am Dismissal
October 25: NO SCHOOL

November
November 1: Coffee with the Principal
November 1: Mass - Feast of All Saints Day
November 1: 4th Grade All Saints program
November 8: Mass
November 8: Veteran's Day breakfast
November 9: Annual 5k race
November 11: NO SCHOOL
November 12: 11:30am Dismissal
November 14: Fall Make-Up Picture Day
November 15: Mass
November 17: Discover Catholic Schools Week
November 19: Open House
November 21: High School Placement Test
November 22: Mass
November 22: 1st Grade Thanksgiving Program
November 26: Mass
November 26: 11:30am Dismissal (NO AFTERNOON EXTENDED DAY)
November 26: End of 1st Trimester
November 27 - November 29: NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving holiday)
Stay Connected - Twitter and Facebook
Don't forget to follow SJS
on Twitter and Facebook!
A lot is happening at SJS and you don't want to miss out!

Twitter: @sjschoolva
Facebook: sjschoolva
Weekly Saints Quote
750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170
Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320