FAMILY CONNECTION | December 17, 2020
Dear Vianney Family,

As I write this Christmas message, our school is filled with students embarking on their final exams of this first semester of the 2020-21 school year. And, what a year it’s been! But through these most interesting times, and strengthened by your prayers and support, St. John Vianney High School continues our mission of forming young men spiritually, academically, and personally in the Catholic, Marianist tradition.

To be sure, the past several months have tested our resolve, tried our patience, and brought a sense of unease to our everyday activities. The COVID-19 pandemic takes us out of our comfort zone and brings an uncomfortable recognition of those things that we’re unable to control in our lives. The inconveniences, trials, and tribulations that we endure seem endless. How can anything compare to these difficult circumstances? 

Over the holidays, take some time to contemplate the Holy Family’s journey to the manger in Bethlehem and the many struggles that preceded and followed their arrival. In doing so, we may prayerfully reflect on some parallels with our current situation. By following Joseph and Mary, we clearly see that our faith in God and His goodness leads us to a greater appreciation of the many gifts we have in our daily lives, regardless of the challenges that we face. As we enter the Christmas season, we also know that the precious gift of Jesus provides us the strength to journey on, with the love of a Marianist school community–The Vianney Family.

Please be safe and stay healthy over the holidays. May you have a truly Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Blessings,
Rick Davis ’79
President
Finals Week
Congratulations to our students as they conclude their exams this week. Make-up exams are scheduled as needed for tomorrow, December 18.
Senior Quilt Square | Last Call
Check your backpacks! Completed quilt squares must be delivered to the Front Desk by tomorrow, December 18, to be included in this senior class tradition. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Hackett at 314-965-4853 ext 147 or lhackett@vianney.com.
Grades and Schedules
Grades will not be available in Blackbaud until final grades are processed. Second semester schedules and all other modules in Blackbaud will remain open. If a student needs to make a schedule change for second semester, he must contact his counselor before Friday, January 8. Course changes will be limited due to class sizes.
Second Semester Schedule
Because of the impact of COVID after Thanksgiving Break, we are adjusting our return to campus after Christmas Break. Juniors and Seniors begin classes online January 5 and 6 because of their historically higher exposure rates. They will return to campus January 7 and 8. We also intend to alternate Lion Days and Eagle Days on some Fridays in the second semester to give upperclassmen more time on campus.

  • Monday, January 4 | NO CLASSES, Faculty & Staff In-Service Day
  • Tuesday, January 5 | LION DAY, Grades 9-10 on campus, Grades 11-12 online
  • Wednesday, January 6 | LION DAY, Grades 9-10 on campus, Grades 11-12 online
  • Thursday, January 7 | EAGLE DAY, Grades 11-12 on campus, Grades 9-10 online
  • Friday, January 8 | EAGLE DAY, Grades 11-12 on campus, Grades 9-10 online
Athletics and other school activities are expected to resume for all students in the New Year. Visit our School Calendar and contact coaches and moderators for the latest information as schedules are subject to change.
Second Semester Books
Please review our updated book list before purchasing second semester textbooks.
Contact Dennis Matreci at dmatreci@vianney.com if you have any questions.
Student Counseling Group
We are partnering with Saint Louis Counseling to host counseling groups for our students coping with grief and loss and for those coping with stress and anxiety. The 30-minute sessions begin the week of January 18 during Afternoon Griffin Assist. Please contact Katie Holman at kholman@vianney.com if your student is interested in participating.
Holiday Shopping
The Griffin Gear Store is open tomorrow, December 18, from 7:15 am to 11:30 am. Please contact Lisa Hackett at 314-965-4853 ext 147 to arrange a time to shop as only two customers at a time are allowed in the store.
Join our Alumni Association for a virtual Trivia Night Saturday, January 16, at 7 pm with five rounds of ten questions each. The cost is $15 per player with the event open to ALL--not just our alumni! Registrations of five or fewer players could be randomly assigned to make a full team of ten. Players on the same team will be connected by Zoom to compete together even if you are logging in from different locations.
Registration with credit card payment due Friday, January 15.

Even if you cannot attend, consider purchasing 50/50 raffle tickets for $20 each. The winner will be announced Monday, January 18.
VIRTUAL Night of the Griffin
There are a number of ways you can support our virtual auction on Saturday, February 13, including sponsorships and donations via Amazon and Target.

While finishing up your holiday shopping or looking ahead at after-Christmas sales, please visit our online registries and wish lists to donate to Night of the Griffin.
Volunteer Shoppers
We still need volunteers to help shop for gift basket items for the auction. Please contact Trisha Pekarik at trisha.pekarik@gmail.com to arrange for your stipend and start shopping those holiday deals for us.
Amazon Smile
AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to support St. John Vianney High School every time you shop--at no additional cost to you. It is the same price for you with the bonus that Amazon donates a portion of your purchase price to Vianney!
Service Hours
We know that during these challenging times, the need for service is more important than ever. That is why this school year we will accept service hours performed for family and friends in addition to hours served at charitable organizations and Vianney.

  • Sophomores and Juniors now have until January 31, 2021 to complete their service hour requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. All completed service hours must be submitted for verification through Helper Helper.
  • Freshmen have until the first day of school for the 2021-2022 school year to complete their 20 hours of service. All completed service hours must be submitted for verification through Helper Helper. 

Please contact Kevin Becvar at kbecvar@vianney.com if you have any questions.
If a student experiences any COVID symptoms over Christmas Break or is exposed to COVID, please notify our school nurse at nurse@vianney.com. She will help develop a timeline for the student to safely return to campus after break. Tracking COVID-19 cases in our community also allows us to make informed decisions for the entire community.
Plasma Donations
The American Red Cross seeks convalescent plasma donations from individuals fully recovered from a verified COVID-19 diagnosis. The plasma in your blood may contain antibodies that can attack the virus and help patients currently battling COVID-19.
ACT Prep Course  
If you would like to prepare for the February or March ACT, Sarah Kheriaty is hosting courses beginning in January. It is $350 per student with a $50 discount if a sibling previously took her course.
A+ Program
Seniors working toward the A+ scholarship need only complete 25 hours of mentoring or tutoring this school year. Contact Dennis Matreci at dmatreci@vianney.com on how to complete this requirement.
Sunday, December 20
  • JV Hockey vs Oakville @ Fenton 9:10 pm
Monday, December 21
  • Varsity Hockey vs SLUH @ Affton 8:45 pm
  • Freshmen Basketball Black vs Webster @ Webster 5:30 pm
  • Sophomore Basketball vs Webster @ Webster 7 pm
Tuesday, December 22
  • Varsity Wrestling @ Ft. Zumwalt South Quad 5 pm
  • Varsity Hockey vs Marquette @ Queeny Park 9 pm
Wednesday, December 23
  • Sophomore Basketball vs Mehlville @ Vianney Fieldhouse 4 pm
  • Varsity Basketball vs Mehlville @ Vianney Fieldhouse 6 pm
Always visit our Athletics Calendar for the latest information as dates and times are subject to change.
MARIANIST MOMENT
Blessed William Joseph Chaminade
“Always preserve the peace of your soul. Always go to God with an entire simplicity. Despise and reject everything that might trouble you. In all your uncertainties over your interior conduct, make up your mind promptly to do what you would counsel another to do.”
We invite you to submit prayer requests, including any special intentions.