June 2, 2009

Dear Parents,

        It is with great satisfaction and gratitude that I write this letter. Our dedicated faculty and staff have served our school children and families well with the highest caliber of education. Moreover, the continual support and encouragement of parishioners for our program has been a tremendous blessing for our school.
Saint Joan of Arc School-Growing Faith!
Our school theme, “May Jesus be the Way we walk, the Truth we follow, the Life we lead!”, has given direction to our spiritual journey and to our many activities and celebrations throughout the year. We have ended the year with a novena to the Holy Spirit and a beautiful Marian Ceremony during which our eighth graders led us in a living rosary of the Luminous Mysteries. Their reverence and sincerity was evident in their prayers. The eighth grade graduation Mass on Pentecost Sunday and our end of the school year Mass today were vibrant celebrations of our faith. We are grateful to the 7th graders who helped plan a St. Joan of Arc Prayer Service to honor our patroness and to our 6th graders for their beautiful artwork that commemorates the life of St. Joan of Arc.

Saint Joan of Arc School-Growing Knowledge!
Our students have reaped the benefits of the excellent instruction and implementation of best practices by their teachers. The 6th grade’s Medieval Feast, held on April 30th, was a cross-curricular endeavor that epitomized best practices. Language arts, social studies, art, PE, and music were used to enhance the students’ learning. Mrs. Landwehr’s 2nd grade class hosted a Poetry Café on May 28th where the students memorized and recited poetry. The SJA Primary Post Office has helped to develop writing skills through meaningful learning activities. Also, many classes have had the opportunity to write about their garden experiences from our SJA Garden Project. Congratulations to Emile K, an 8th grader, and to Aly M, a 5th grade student, who were our school winners in the Zaner Bloser Handwriting Contest. They are the Missouri state grade level champions and are in consideration as national winners.

Thanks to a generous donation from Mrs. Barb Finan, all homerooms will be equipped with interactive Smartboard technology. Also, our security system has been updated and new security cameras have been installed. The new wireless cart and 10 laptops give our students many opportunities to use technology for learning.

Saint Joan of Arc School-Growing Leadership!
The SJA Garden Project was a great success. The students enjoyed a salad with fresh greens, radishes, and celery harvested from our garden on May 28th. Thanks to our Student Council for their help with writing the grant and coordinating the project.
SJA students have participated in many mission activities throughout the year. Our students raised $806 for the Kidney Foundation. Thanks to the initiative of a third grade student, Natalie B, our school became involved in the Pennies for Peace Project. Our students have raised almost $900 for the project.
Students had an opportunity to share their talent at our Talent Show on May 1st. It was a fun event and many students had the opportunity to shine! We appreciate the teachers’ hard work in organizing the event. Our 6th graders did a great job in planning a Pep Rally for our Southside Track Team. Many thanks to the teachers for their coaching of our track team and for turning out to help at the meet!
Upper grade students exercised leadership skills as they worked with their Field Day team leaders. Their cooperation and helpfulness with the younger students helped make for a fun day for all. Thanks to Miss Rapp and Mrs. Beard for coordinating the event and to our army of family volunteers. (We had grandparents as well as parents!)
Our 7th and 8th graders learned about Internet safety practices from Detective Brigid Oldani. We appreciate her willingness to share her expertise with our students.

Saint Joan of Arc School-Growing Families!
On April 23rd, we held a Family Dinner for our First Communion Class and their parents. It was a time for fellowship and for the students to share what they had learned. Monsignor Mike and the teachers were available to answer any last minute questions. Thanks to our wonderful PTO for their gracious hospitality and to Mrs. Landwehr and Mrs. Mason for organizing the event.

Saint Joan of Arc School-Growing a Beautiful world!
On May 14th, our school hosted a Title I Parent Meeting for Title I students and parents in our region. It was a great opportunity for our students and parents to acquire some new books, hear some lively storytellers, and to learn some strategies to encourage reading.
Sr. Ann Coleman, SSND, who has served St. Joan of Arc School for 15 years, has answered her call to be a missionary in Ghana. We are grateful for all she has done for SJA! Sr. Ann will be in our hearts and prayers.

All students are encouraged to participate in the Library Summer Reading Program. There will be a treat for students who bring in their library certificates. Also, summer is a great time to practice math facts. May everyone have a wonderful and restful summer vacation. See you in August!                                      

Peace and blessings,
Deborah DaLay,
Principal
             

“Jesus, the Life we lead!”