Building Faith, Character, and Excellence
December 21, 2018
Letter from the Principal
I would like to thank our parents for the continued welcome and well wishes throughout this semester. I am truly enjoying each day here at Saint Joseph High School. From Fist Bumps to Diapers to Hockey Jerseys, I am loving the fun that hanging out with these teenagers brings daily. And what a great group of teens they are! So, thank you also for all you do as parents to raise young people with qualities such as integrity, generosity, exuberance, and drive. 

We continue to aim for a school climate that is positive, joyful, welcoming, and supportive. Please support this with your students over break by discussing with them how they can serve God daily in the way they treat, support, and root for others; how they build positive and inclusive relationships; and how they spread joy daily. It is these actions that will make our school a place where students can truly thrive. Look for some information on how students can develop a growth mindset during the 2nd semester as well!

I wish all of our students, parents, staff, alumni, and supporters a wonderful Christmas, restful and joyful holiday break, and a Happy New Year. May the Peace of Christ be with you throughout.
Seniors - keep working on your college applications. We are proud of you. Please pay close attention to the counseling office's newsletter on January 1st. Remember to communicate with us via email over break if you are sending in any new applications. 

All students will be able to check finalized schedules after January 1st, 2019 in Canvas and PowerSchool.

Blessings on a beautiful holiday season. We have enjoyed working with all of you this first semester.
Starting 2019 on the Right Foot!
We encourage students to start the 2nd semester with a renewed approach to the things that teens often find challenging, such as: being punctual in the morning; getting all assignments in on time (no zeros!); communicating openly with teachers; asking for help as soon as it is needed; planning out study time; staying organized; and getting to bed on time.

Please talk to your students about whatever areas are most challenging for them and help them set some goals for improvement. While at it, remember to recognize and celebrate their strengths and achievements!
Thank You from the Saint Joe Parent Group
Many thanks to our Saint Joe families for the wonderful assortment of Christmas cookies sent in on Friday, Dec. 14th. Thanks to parent volunteers, we were able to assemble 110 beautiful cookie trays for our faculty and staff.

Because of your amazing generosity, we were also able to deliver cookie trays to St. Margaret’s House and Hope Ministries.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2019!

- Meg Loitz and the Saint Joe Parents Group
*The faculty and staff loved the cookies and give thanks to all who contributed!*
Guys and Dolls : Spring Musical Update from Mr. A.J. Reynolds
We are happy to bring on Sarah Leigh Beason in a duel role as our choreographer/ assistant technical director. Sarah has experience as an actress with Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, The Round Barn Theatre, Grand Rapids Ballet Company, The Blue Gate Theatre, and Bethel College.. Sarah earned a BAs in Theatre Arts and Music Performance from Bethel College in the same class as Mr. Reynolds, and also has experience as a stage manager .

“Both Amy O’Brien and myself are really exited to bring Sarah’s professional real world stage experience to our students as part of their musical-theatre opportunities here at Saint Joe.”

Rehearsals will start January 7th and Guys and Dolls will be performed February 21 st 22 nd at 7pm and a matinee on the 23 rd at 2pm. Cast list as follows:
Sky Masterson
Nathan Detroit
Sarah Brown
Adelaide
Nicely Nicely Johnson
Benny Southwest
Grandma Arvide Abernathy
General Matilda B. Cartwright
Rusty Charlie
Harry the Horse
Big Jule
Lt. Brannigan
Agatha
Martha
Joey Biltmore
Angie the Ox
Calvin
Mimi
Ferguson
Allison
Vernon
Yellen
Hot Box Dancer #1
Hot Box Dancer #2
Master of Ceremonies
Waiter
Drunk
Noah T. Hickey
Justin McCormick
Felicity Nolan
Annie Griffin
Jacob Moon
Jack Briggs
Annie Bretz
Gretta Cohoon
Catey Nolan
John Baglow
Cam White
Quinn Coleman
Maria Everett
Angela Appleton
Casey O'Sullivan
Sam Mark
Bill Powers
Maggie McLaughlin
Maria Achkar
Marguerite Jay
Lexi Kilcoin
Emma Zmudzinski
Maggie Mark
Janie Nolan
Leo McGreevy
Joe Deahl
Molly Jachim
Directed by Mr. A.J. Reynolds, with Amy O’Brien as Assistant Musical Director and Sarah Leigh Beason Assistant Technical Director.
Saint Joseph High School Strategic Plan 2019-2025
The Saint Joseph High School Strategic Plan 2014-2019 is expiring, thus our Strategic Plan Committee has embarked on a process to develop a new Strategic Plan. The process will take several months and will incorporate a rubric set forth by the diocese. We will examine data and solicit widespread stakeholder input through surveys, a town hall meeting, discussion groups, and interviews.   

We all have a shared commitment to be the best we can be, and your input is valuable and will help guide the committee in the process of determining what is best for this five year Strategic Plan. You will soon be receiving a survey to gather information about future needs at the school. This will be followed by a town hall meeting as well as a written draft for stakeholder and school board review.  The final Strategic Plan will be presented to the Diocese in the spring.

Please look for the short survey via email and take the time to respond.  

Thank you.
Have a merry Christmas.

John Kennedy        Amy O’Brien
Mary Harding         Rev. Paul Ybarra, CSC
Dan Luck            John Lloyd
John McGreevy     Bill Mountford
Anne Griffith         Dana Strabavy
Ricardo Rios         Rev. Terry Coonan
Bethany Burgun
French and German Clubs Visit Science and Industry Museum in Chicago
The clubs visited the museum in Chicago to take in the International Tree display, and made sure to stop by the bean on the way!
French Club also celebrated French Week November 6th-14th. Donning their French Bulldog shirts they participated in many activities throughout the week, including serving homemade beignets and hot chocolate at the Meghan Beeler Cafe!
Reminder:
Saint Joseph High School is implementing a new video intercom and RAPTOR security system after Christmas break. This will require all visitors to speak to the office person and buzz in from the outside door as well as to provide a driver's license or other identification upon entering the building. Thank you for helping to keep Saint Joe safe!

FBLA Book Drive January 14th-18th
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is sponsoring a book drive for Christ Child Society. The drive kicks off on Monday, January 14th, and runs through Friday, January 18th.

There will be boxes placed at both entrances and in the cafe. They aren't hard to spot! We are looking for books appropriate for ages 0-13. Please make sure they are school appropriate and in good shape!
Prayer Blanket Ministry
Prayer Blanket Ministry members have recently completed 20 tied blankets for The Center for Hospice, making a total of 40 blankets donated! Each blanket measures 2 1/2 feet in length and are given to hospice patients.

Members plan to tie another 20 blankets during the spring semester.
The Saint Joseph High School hockey team has been called upon to unfurl the flag at the NHL Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium on January 1st!

The contest between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins will begin at 1:00 p.m., and the Indian icers will be on the field before the game to take part in the National Anthem ceremony.
Girls' Swimming dominated the South Bend City Championship, with a 201-point margin over the next closest team. Read the South Bend Tribune's recap here .

Most recently the team knocked off Penn to end their streak of 191 consecutive conference victories. Sophomore Mary Cate Pruitt was named IndyStar athlete of the week for Dec. 3rd-8th.
Advanced Placement Students Planning to Take AP Exams:
Saint Joseph High School offers many Advanced Placement courses and believes that it is important for students to take the corresponding AP exam.   Scoring well on an AP exam may earn students college credit, and save money on tuition.  Earning four AP credits in at least two AP courses and taking the corresponding exams is one of the criteria for students to earn the Academic Honors Diploma.

For the 2019 AP exams, students at SJHS will be registering online. This can be completed from any computer with internet access. This year each AP exam costs $98.00. There is a $15 Test Return fee for ANY exams cancelled (or not taken) after March 1, 2019.

Online exam registration takes place from January 1 to January 31.  Late registration with additional $25 Fee is available until February 10. In order to register, click on the link provided on the school website or visit   www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/153265 . Students must answer all of the required questions, and print the PDF confirmation page that is provided at the end. While, we know that parents may desire to register their students for exams, we strongly recommend that parents and students are both present while registering to ensure that the correct exams are ordered.

Exam fees may be paid online at the time of registration. Please be sure to have a credit card or debit card available before beginning registration (There is also be an option to pay by check thru standard mail).
Please do not send any form of payment to school as it will not be accepted.
Here are the important dates for the registration process:

  • Tuesday January 1, 2019, at 8:00 AM - Registration Opens
  • Thursday January 31, 2018, at 11:59 PM - Registration Closes
  • February 1, 2019 thru February 10, 2019 LATE REGISTRATION (w/$25 Late Fee)
  • Tuesday Mar 5, 2019, at 11:59 PM - Registrations that have not been paid for will be cancelled and exams will not be ordered.

Please contact Mr. Thomas Derwent, [email protected]  or (574-233-6137 ext. 206), if you would like to register for an exam not listed or have any questions.
Do you know any family who is interested in enrolling their son/daughter at Saint Joe High School, but haven't really thought about it? 

Email Sue Ushela , Director of Admissions, or call (574) 233-6137 x524 to learn more about Saint Joe High School.
Hit the Slopes: Join Ski and Snowboard Club this Winter

Get out and enjoy the snow this year with the Ski and Snowboard Club! 

Students do not need any equipment or experience, and free lessons are provided on the first three trips.

The club attempts five to six ski trips a season on Friday nights beginning after Christmas break (weather permitting). Students travel by bus and leave at approximately 3:45 p.m. from the student parking lot and return at 11:00 p.m. Granger students can be dropped off just before 11:00 p.m. at the Wells Fargo bank located off of Grape and Cleveland Road. 

Membership prices including bus and lift tickets begin at $191 and $234 with rental. If you can only participate in a few trips due to other activities, see Mr. Davidson about a split membership card in advance of registering.  

If you have any questions visit the iHelp Desk and/or email moderator   Mr. Ben Davidson.