Back-to-School Start-Up Guide

Thank you to those who've completed our Back-to-School Start-Up Guide forms. Your quick response is appreciated. For those yet to finish, please remember the deadline is this Friday, August 29th, 2025. Students cannot attend school without these forms being submitted.

Orientations

A reminder to attend the upcoming orientation sessions. Invitations with full details were sent via email.

• Early Childhood School Orientation
• Tuesday, September 2
• For ALL Little Sharks (2.9), Preschool, and Pre-Kindergarten students
• Lower School & Upper School Orientations
• Tuesday, September 2
• For ALL Kindergarten, Grade 5, and Grade 6 students
• For NEW students in Grades 1–4 and Grades 7–8

Please refer to your email invitation for specific time slots by grade.

Saint Joseph School Receives Continued Accreditation

We are proud to share that the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) has granted Continued Accreditation to Saint Joseph School following its June 2025 Commission meeting.

In its commendations, NEASC praised:

• The authentic integration of Catholic identity throughout school life
• Our comprehensive support for the academic, developmental, and social-emotional needs of all learners
• The school’s strategic leadership and forward-looking vision
• Our designation as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

NEASC also shared recommendations to guide our future planning, encouraging us to:

• Explore partnerships with local high schools and/or enhance Upper School offerings to address enrollment trends after sixth grade
• Further strengthen and formalize communication systems between faculty and families, especially in supporting students’ academic and emotional needs
• Expand and deepen alumni and community engagement to support long-term growth and sustainability

This continued accreditation affirms the strength of our community and positions us for even greater growth in the years ahead. Congratulations to our entire community on this proud achievement!

Back-to-School Parish & School Picnic

Join us on Sunday, September 7, for our Parish & School Picnic following the 9:30am Family Mass at St. Joseph Parish. The picnic will take place in the School Parking Lot and promises fun for all ages. Bring your family and friends - we look forward to celebrating together!

Volunteer VIRTUS Training

All SJS volunteers (lunch, recess, mystery readers, field trip chaperones, etc.) are required to complete a one-time VIRTUS workshop through the Archdiocese of Boston. Volunteers may attend at any approved location/time, but online registration is mandatory.

SJS will host a VIRTUS training on Wednesday, September 10, at 6:00pm in the Lower School Cafeteria (The HUB).

To register:

1. Click the link below.
2. Select “First Time Registrant” → “Begin Registration Process.”
3. Choose “Boston, MA Archdiocese” from the dropdown.
4. Follow the prompts and select the Saint Joseph School session on 9/10.

Remembering Rue

We are saddened to share that Rue, our beloved Director of “Pawsitivity,” passed away this summer. Rue was the cherished pup of Ms. McCabe and a familiar, calming presence at Saint Joseph School. Many of our students grew fond of her during her visits, and she will be deeply missed by our community. Please keep Ms. McCabe in your thoughts and prayers. ❤️🐾

2025 Saint Joseph School Golf Classic

We’re just under one month away from teeing off! There’s still time to register or become a sponsor - don’t wait too long. Join us for a great day of golf, lunch, and community at the historic Needham Golf Club.

Monday, September 22, 2025

Needham Golf Club

Registration & Sponsorship Deadline: Monday, September 15

• 11:00am - Registration, lunch on the patio, and practice green access
• 12:00pm - Shotgun start
• Entry Fee: $175 per player

The Fun Run Is Back!

Planning is underway for the 2025 Fun Run, and we’re excited to once again provide Fun Run t-shirts to all students, faculty, and staff - at no cost to families. Sponsorship opportunities are now available for families and businesses. This is a great way to feature your business logo or family name on one of the most popular t-shirts in our community. The deadline for t-shirt sponsorships is September 2, 2025!