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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!” |
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