October 23, 2026

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Saint Joseph High School is highlighting English teacher Mrs. Beth Barca, whose breast cancer journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, faith, and the support of the Saint Joe community.

Diagnosed with breast cancer on April 22, 2026, Beth underwent a lumpectomy, daily radiation treatments throughout July, and chemotherapy beginning in August. On October 22, she celebrated an important milestone by completing her final chemotherapy infusion. Through each step of her journey, Beth has found strength in her faith, her family, and the Saint Joe community she calls a blessing.

“Teaching at Saint Joe is a vocation in the truest sense of the word,” Beth shared. “Coming to Saint Joe while in treatment has been restorative.” Whether asking her students to “tell me something good” or receiving prayers, cards, meals, and thoughtful check-ins from colleagues, she has felt the care of the Saint Joe family in countless ways.

The kindness of students and families has been especially meaningful. From bouquets of flowers and homemade cards to baked goods and Masses offered for her healing, these gestures have reminded Beth that she is surrounded by people who care. Students she taught last year continue to stop by her classroom to see how she is doing, while the English department has celebrated milestones along the way, including a cake to mark the halfway point of her treatment. A Meal Train organized by Katie Harshman has also helped nourish Beth and her family during difficult weeks.

The experience has deepened Beth’s appreciation for the faith and relationships that make Saint Joe special. She reflects on her family’s move to the area in 2019 and wonders whether it was, in part, preparation for this moment, when community and faith would become so essential. She has also welcomed opportunities to speak openly with students about cancer, vulnerability, and navigating life’s challenges, creating space for them to share their own experiences.

Through it all, Beth has found peace in her relationship with God. “We are walking together on this journey; I am not on my own,” she said. As she looks ahead, Beth is most excited about the future she will continue to build with her family, made possible in part by the discoveries advancing cancer research.

Her story is a powerful reminder that the Saint Joe community is more than a place to learn and work. It is a family that shows up for one another through life’s most difficult moments, offering faith, compassion, and hope when they are needed most.

Announcements

The freshman boys and girls retreats will take place on Thursday, October 29. Please take the time to read the following information, and complete the necessary forms for your child by Wednesday, October 28 and return to school.

On November 4, Saint Joe is excited to welcome The Culture Project for a presentation on social media! Our freshmen will be joined by 8th graders from our partner schools for this event.

The Culture Project is a Catholic organization of young missionaries who work with students across the country to promote human dignity, healthy relationships, and a life rooted in virtue.

With smartphones, social media, and AI becoming such a significant part of our lives, young people are facing challenges that previous generations never had to navigate. The Culture Project will help students think about how their use of technology impacts their happiness, relationships, and the type of person they are becoming.

The presentation will look at both the benefits and challenges of social media, including comparison, isolation, cyberbullying, and the pressure to present a certain image of ourselves online. Most importantly, students will be encouraged to think about how they can use social media well, making choices rooted in virtue and using technology as a tool for good in their lives and communities.

We look forward to welcoming our partner schools to Saint Joe for this opportunity to learn and grow together!

Our annual H.O.P.E. Thanksgiving Food Drive is underway! As a Saint Joe family, we are coming together to help local families enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal and receive essential household items.

Students are collecting cash and checks through their 5th hour classes from October 22 through November 6. We invite teachers, staff, parents, and all members of our community to contribute. Every donation makes a difference!



Together, we can live out our commitment to serving with joy and make Thanksgiving a little brighter for families in need.

Each October through November, our Theology department collaborates with school counselors and Pastoral Ministry to deliver the Diocesan Safe Environment curriculum to our students. A key message throughout these presentations is the importance of protecting our health, well-being, and the well-being of all those around us.

We recognize that speaking up about a concern isn't always easy, especially when it involves mental health, bullying, harassment, or the well-being of a friend or ourselves. At SJHS, we want our students to know they are not alone and that support is available. We encourage students and families to take advantage of the following resources:

report@saintjoehigh.com or standup@saintjoehigh.com are both emails where students can share concerns or seek help when they may not feel comfortable speaking up in person.

Students and families can also submit concerns through our bully report.

Speaking up takes courage, and reaching out can make a difference. Together, we can continue to foster a school community where every student feels safe, supported, and valued.

Page 49 of the Student-Parent Handbook has the official policy for reporting racism, bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment.

Dress Code Reminder: Shorts

As the weather begins to cool, we want to remind families that October 31 is the last day students may wear shorts to school under our dress code policy. Beginning November 1st, students are expected to wear approved pants as part of their school uniform. Shorts will once again be permitted starting April 1. Thank you for helping us ensure students are dressed appropriately and following our school dress code!

Class of 2027 Baccalaureate Mass - Thursday, May 20, 2027 at 7:00 p.m.

Class of 2027 Commencement - Sunday, May 23, 2027 at 2:00 p.m.



Visit here for the updated 2026-27 Calendar and 2026-27 Important Dates.

We’re just two weeks away from our Open House! Know a family exploring high school options? Help us spread the word by sharing our Open House information with friends, neighbors, and anyone who may be interested in joining the Saint Joe community. Thank you for helping us welcome the next generation of Huskies!

Sunday, November 8: Open House

12:15 p.m.- Admissions Process and Affordability Session

The session will cover the admission process, how to afford a Saint Joseph High School education, and the Indiana School Choice Scholarship. 



1:00–3:00 p.m.

Explore Saint Joe through a student-guided tour, meet faculty and students, and discover our academic, faith, athletic, and extracurricular opportunities.

Saint Joe Students Explore the Future of AI and Data Centers

Saint Joe students recently had the opportunity to learn about the growing impact of artificial intelligence and data centers in St. Joseph County during an engaging presentation by technology industry veteran Les Dant. The visit was arranged by Ms. Melissa Wroblewski.

With more than 45 years of experience in technology, including service in the U.S. Army and work with industry leaders such as AT&T, MCI, and Cisco, Dant currently serves as an Account Manager at Trace3, specializing in networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data centers.

Students explored the economic opportunities and challenges surrounding major data center developments by Amazon and Microsoft in our area, including future careers, job creation, environmental considerations, and the growing role of AI in everyday life. Through interactive questions and discussion, students were encouraged to consider both the benefits and challenges these technologies bring to our community.



A special thank you to Les Dant for sharing his expertise and to Ms. Wroblewski for bringing this valuable real-world learning opportunity to our students!

We had a great time supporting Saint Joseph Grade School’s For the Kids Golf Benefit.

Senior art students recently explored the masterpieces at the Art Institute of Chicago, finding inspiration and creativity beyond the classroom!

Congratulations to Mr. Ben Dillon '86 on having his article featured in Indiana Mathematics Teacher! We are proud to recognize Mr. Dillon for sharing his work and contributing to the mathematics education community.

Dr. Andrews, Mr. Dillon '86, and Mrs. Shaul recently attended the Indiana PLTW Connection Conference held in Indianapolis on the campus of Marian University. They attended sessions to learn and share ideas with fellow teachers as well as connect with leaders in higher education and industry.

Ms. Maureen Burt and a group of Saint Joe students recently volunteered at Christ Child Society, giving their time to support the organization’s mission of serving children and families in need.

Saint Joseph High School Athletics Update

Girls Soccer advanced the Semi-State match with a 1-0 win over Bellmont on Saturday. The goal was scored by Kira Wasilewski assisted by Lauren Hickey. The Huskies will play Saturday vs. Guerin Catholic High School at 12:30 p.m. in Kokomo.

Both the Girls and Boys Cross Country teams delivered season-best performances on Saturday at the 18-school New Prairie Sectional, the largest Sectional across any sport in the state of Indiana, to secure their spots in the Regional meet.

The Girls team placed all five of their top runners inside the Top 30 overall, advancing to Regional for the 9th consecutive year, with Ella Lutz and Addie Fisher running personal records.

The Boys team established strong position early in the race, leading to 4 of 6 runners finishing with lifetime bests to move to Regional for the 21st time in 23 years. Personal records were set by James Sieradzki, Nick Baxter, Declan Schmedieler, and Peter Wright. Both teams will compete next in the IHSAA New Prairie Regional on Saturday.

We are two weeks away from the Clash in the Bend. Notre Dame and Bethel Men's Volleyball will be in action in Alumni Gym to face off in an exhibition match on November 5 at 7:00 p.m. Saint Joe students get in for free with student ID. We hope to see you there!

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