A Note from the Principal's Desk...

Greetings,

Governor Baker announced this afternoon that all public and private schools in Massachusetts will remain closed for the rest of this 2019-2020 academic school year. As a school community, we are saddened by this announcement. However, we understand the rationale behind it and share the governor's concern for the health and well being of others, especially those who are vulnerable to the virus and those who are working on the front lines in response to this pandemic. All are in our prayers.

It is important to note that while the school building will remain closed, the St. Joseph School community is open and connected. We will continue on as we have to this point. We've been extremely successful in enacting remote learning to keep students moving forward, and, while we will continue to tweak and to adjust, the basic precepts of what we've been doing will continue until the end of the school year.

Grade 8 students will finish June 5th, Pre-K June 9th, and Kindergarten June 10th. All other students will finish June 12th. We will develop a planning committee for graduations (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 8) and if Governor Baker lifts the "stay at home," we may be able to be creative and hold graduation ceremonies. However, a virtual graduation is not out of the picture. We will keep you posted as planning moves forward.

Pre-K - Grade 4 instructors will be assembling another learning packet for their students and we'll announce pick-up dates and times shortly.

Students are very resilient and they have not lost a step. They've been able to learn in a different way which will benefit them in the future. The teachers will continue to focus on the skills that will carry them into next year. Our advantage is that we are a small parish school with manageable class sizes and we're able to support students at whatever curriculum level they are at and move them forward.  

Please see below for an update on additional end of year activities as well as information regarding SJS Yearbook orders, our upcoming prayer service, and SJS Scholarship and Parish Subsidy deadlines.
      

End of Year Events

Several events have already been cancelled or postponed:

  • Sports Banquet - Postponed. New date TBD
  • First Communion - Rescheduled to October 4th
  • Crowning of Mary - Will Occur Virtually on May 4th
  • Casino Night - Postponed. New date TBD
  • The Drama Club’s production of Seussical Jr - Will still occur with existing cast at a later date TBD, but the “show will go on!”
  • Festival - Cancelled

Sincerely,  
Principal
2020 Yearbooks - Order Deadline April 24th

Making new friends and making memories with old friends are important parts of the school year. Be sure your student has this special keepsake to remember the memories, fun, and friends of the 2019-2020 school year.

We cannot guarantee that yearbooks will be available for purchase if you do not reserve a copy today.  

Mail your order form with payment to the school by April 24, 2020
or place your order online by clicking HERE.

Please note that online payments will incur a small credit card processing fee.

Click   HERE   for a copy of the order form.

Prayer Service
Instead of a First Friday Mass, we will have a special prayer service and we'd like all of our students to participate. We want to make sure that the entire St. Joseph School community is remembered in prayer during the pandemic. If you're ill, quarantined, scared, have a loved one serving in harm's way, have other special prayer requests or prayers of thanks, please submit your special intention to bboudreau@sjs-webster.com.

You may submit your intention in one of two formats:

  1. Your student may create a sign/poster and you may submit a picture of the student holding it.
  2. You may create a 10-15 second video.

Whether you submit a sign or video, please clearly state your intention/prayer. If you create a sign/poster, please make sure the information is simple and easy to read. You are welcome to include the student's name and grade in either format. However, please be aware that they will be used on social media.

Please submit no later than Saturday, April 25th.
SJS Educational Scholarship Application & Parish Subsidy Form
SJS Educational Scholarship

Honor Roll Students currently in grades 4 through 7 are eligible to apply for educational scholarships. Please click HERE to download an application form and return it to the school by April 30th.
Parish Subsidy

Please click HERE for a Parish Subsidy Form. Families who are not members of St. Joseph Basilica may bring this form to their pastors as well. 

If you would like this subsidy to be reflected in your June billing, please return to the school by May 15th .
Prayer in Time of Pandemic
Bishop McManus has asked that we join him in the following  Prayer in Time of Pandemic  and that you do so every day until this health crisis has passed.
 
O God, whose Only Begotten Son bore the weight of human suffering for our salvation, hear the prayers of your Church for our sick brothers and sisters and deliver us from this time of trial.
Open our ears and our hearts to the voice of your Son: Be not afraid, for I am with you always.
Bless all doctors and nurses, researchers and public servants;
give us the wisdom to do what is right and the faith to endure this hour,
that we might gather once again to praise your name in the heart of your Church,
delivered from all distress and confident in your mercy.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

May God protect you and your loved ones through this time of trial.
Don't forget to follow us!
SAINT JOSEPH SCHOOL

47 Whitcomb Street
Webster, MA 01570
Phone: 508-943-0378