Bernie's Bark

9.15.2026

Dear Families,


I’ve been trying to find some quiet moments to reflect on our theme for the year and think about how we can encourage our students to truly live as instruments of God’s peace. Then I realized - I see it happening every day!


I see it on Friday mornings at Mass, when two of our 7th graders patiently help their buddies sit still and follow along in the hymnal. I see it when our older Mass buddies walk out of church holding their little partner’s hand and gently remind them to bless themselves. I see it in the cafeteria when a kindergartener stops to help a friend open their juice box.


These may seem like small moments, but they are anything but small. They are our students looking out for one another and, in their own way, living out what it means to be an instrument of God’s peace.


It’s amazing to watch all of these small acts of kindness happening throughout our school. They are a beautiful testament to the community we have. It’s easy to get caught up in the business of schedules, meetings, and everything else that fills our days. Sometimes we need to slow down, look around, and notice the wonderful things happening right in front of us. These moments are reminders of why what we do matters. They also remind us how important it is to teach our students to notice others, care for one another, and understand that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference.


We seem to be seeing dogs out of the cars during the afternoon carline. While I know students are happy to see their furry friends I ask that if you have to have the dog in carline they remain in the car. This is for the safety of all. We appreciate this.


Mr. Drechsel and I continue to do our daily rounds and pop into classrooms and the cafeteria. Love the random conversations we get to be a part of. Thank you for your support as September is flying by. The next big event is our Fun Run and information on Spirit Week to coincide with that will be shared soon.


Make me an instrument of your peace. 


St. Joseph, pray for us.


​Peace, 

Mrs. Stich


Building Wisdom and Faith Through Service to God

Spirit Wear Orders

Initiative for a Safe Environment


This year St. Joseph will participate in a new initiative on providing a safe environment. This initiative includes lessons on bullying and harassment for K-8. 


Click HERE for more details.


Spirit Wear Dress Out Day

Be sure to follow all Spirit Wear Dress Out Day guidelines found in the Parent/Student Handbook! Jeans are permitted - no rips and no holes!

Environmental Club

*Grades 6-8th*

Library News

Color Run

Get Ready to Get Colorful!

The Boosterthon Color Run is coming! Our school’s favorite fun run is super exciting - a colorful experience students won’t want to miss! Students will run, walk, dance, and cheer as they make their way through colorful bursts of powder! A high-energy celebration of school spirit, teamwork, and FUN! Let's go, Saints!


Registration will open soon, so stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, we’re looking for event sponsors to help make this year’s Color Run a huge success! Sponsorship opportunities are available at several levels, with options to showcase your business and support our students and school! We'd love your support!

CYO Basketball

Catholic Youth Organization Basketball  

Calling all coaches and players for the 2026-2027 season!

St. Joseph Catholic Church & School offers basketball for boys and girls

in grades 4 - 8


  • EVALUATIONS take place the weeks of October 19 and October 26 [no one is cut]
  • PRACTICES will be twice a week starting in November
  • GAMES will be either Saturday or Sunday starting in December and running through March


Coaches and assistant coaches: register NOW through October 11

Save the Date: MANDATORY COACHES MEETING on November 12


Players: register NOW through October 18


Note: Coaches and assistant coaches must fulfill Child Protection Program requirements in order to serve


Registration cost: $100 per student Click HERE to register!


Any questions, please contact parish representative, 

Stephen Paquette, sjscyo@sjschoolva.org


Cheerleading

Registration Must Be Completed Prior to Tryouts!

**Registration must be completed before tryouts on Wednesday, September 16.



Got Spirit!?

Join the 2026-2027 SJS Cheerleading Squad!


Tryouts will be held September 16, 17, and 18

When: 3:15-5:00 pm

Where: SJS Gym

Who: 4th-8th grade girls


Register today!

**Attendance required for all three tryout days**

Practice held each Tuesday in the SJS Gym from 3:15-5:00 pm beginning September 20.

Questions? Contact Coach Finn at MeghanDenneny@gmail.com


REGISTER HERE!


Picture Day

**Volunteers Needed**

School Picture Day will be held on Wednesday, September 30. All students will have their photo taken in their formal St. Joseph Catholic School uniform.



A second Picture Day will be held on Wednesday, November 4 for students who need a makeup photo or who wish to have their picture taken in dress-out attire that complies with the Student/Parent Handbook guidelines.

Volunteers needed for

Picture Day!

Volunteer for Lunch/Recess

All recess and lunch volunteers must be compliant with the Child Protection Program. Please see the school website for more information. A great way to fulfill the 12 hour family service/volunteer requirement!


Recess: Please arrive at the front office at 11:10am for 11:15-1:15 recess.

Lunch: Please arrive at the front office at 11:25am for 11:30-1:30 lunch.


Please sign up only if you can volunteer the whole two hours. 



Questions or last minute cancellation? Please call the school office at 703-880-4350.

Girl Scouts

Step Right Up! You’re Invited to the Girl Scout Kickoff Carnival! 


Friday September 18th from 5-7 in rooms 212/213.


The adventures are back, and the fun is just beginning! Whether you are a returning Girl Scout ready to reunite with your troop sisters, or a new family curious to see what Girl Scouts is all about, there is a place for you under our big top. Join us for an exciting multi-age carnival to kick off a brand-new year of friendship, skill-building, and memory-making. 


What to Expect:

  • Classic Carnival Games & Prizes run by our older scouts.
  • Tasty Treats like popcorn and cotton candy.
  • Information Booths for new families to ask questions and register.


New/Interested girls are welcome to attend along with existing scouts. Please RSVP for your troop.You are responsible for ensuring adult/scout ratios. If your girls need service hours please let us know, we would love help! There will be light snacks and drinks served!


 RSVP HERE!

High School News

Bishop O'Connell Open House

October 4, 2026

1:00-3:00 p.m.


Discover the O'Connell tradition of excellence at our annual Open House!


Explore our school at your own pace and let your student's interests lead the way. Families can chat with teachers, watch a performance, discover visual arts, check out athletics, browse clubs, and so much more! Simultaneous breakout sessions will focus on Academics, Campus Ministry, and the Student Experience to give families a deeper understanding of our school and what students can expect at Bishop O'Connell. 


Open to 7th and 8th grade families.


RSVP Here


Walking with Purpose

St. Joseph Catholic Church

Parish Breakfast

Saints and Spirits

The Men's Ministry is hosting the next Saints & Spirits on Monday, September 28th at 7:30pm at the Mitchell Family's home. All are welcome and encouraged to attend and bring a friend. Please RSVP to Charlie Mitchell at charles.mitchell11@gmail.com if you plan to attend. 


For those unfamiliar, Saints & Spirits is an opportunity to learn about and discuss the lives and teachings of the saints, while also enjoying fellowship and spirits. The general format is two presentations on saints followed by discussion on each with breaks to enjoy and learn about different spirits (usually whiskey). This is a free event, but donations are accepted to help cover costs (but not required to attend). You can also volunteer to bring a whiskey or present about a saint (the help is welcome and appreciated!).


Hope to see you on September 28th!

Craft Fair

Log Volunteer Hours

St. Joseph Catholic School has implemented a 12-hour family service requirement. All families are encouraged to participate, and many opportunities exist to volunteer time, talent, or treasure, including class field trips, parties or other classroom help, cafeteria, recess and hands-on activities such as art or outdoor classroom activities. The PTO also has numerous opportunities such as the annual auction, Pizza Friday, Used Uniform sales, Donut Sundays, etc. All volunteers must complete the Child Protection Program as they will have substantial contact with students. Families that do not participate in the service program will be charged a $120.00 fee, or partial fee of $10 per hour for hours not volunteered.


**Deadline for completing and submitting volunteer hours for the 2026-2027 school year is May 31, 2027. LOG YOUR HOURS BELOW!

Stay Connected!

SJS Instagram, X, and Facebook

Don't forget to follow the official St. Joseph Catholic School Facebook page (sjschoolva), X (@sjschoolva), and Instagram accounts (@sjschoolva).

Weekly Saints Quote

St. Joseph Catholic School

750 Peachtree Street, Herndon, VA 20170

Tel: 703-880-4350 Fax: 703-880-4320