SJA

May 27, 2010

Dear Parishioners,

Thank you for the great year! Your support, encouragement, and love for your children have been evident in all our many activities throughout the year. It is a privilege and a blessing to be part of this wonderful community. As I reflect back over the year, I can unequivocally say, “ Saint Joan of Arc, We’re Growing in God’s Love!”
Saint Joan of Arc-Growing Faith! Our school year ends with some beautiful liturgies and prayers. On Thursday, May 20th, our graduating 8th graders led the school in prayer with a living rosary. Their graduation was celebrated with a Mass and dinner on Pentecost Sunday. This last week of school, Mrs. Mason’s class has led the school in the lovely Memorare prayer.
Saint Joan of Arc-Growing Knowledge! At our May PTO Meeting, our students’ work was showcased. From the 4th grade Missouri fort projects, 6th grade castles, multiple grade level art projects, and the 7th grade science projects, great learning was evident. Also, 5th graders performed the music that they had learned for the Carnegie Link Up Concert at Powell Symphony Hall on May 4th. They played their recorders along with the orchestra musicians. It was a wonderful opportunity for them. Both 5th and 6th graders sang the songs they had learned for the Archdiocesan Music Festival. Thanks to Mr. Dan Vizer for teaching them the recorder and directing them.
The Shakespeare Troup came to visit SJA on May 17th. Their performance of “All the World’s a Stage” was very entertaining and led to some creative writing exercises.
Dr. Tom Finan, an SJA alumnus and professor at SLU, was a guest speaker for the 5th and 6th graders. They learned about the science of archeology and Medieval History. We appreciated Dr. Finan sharing his expertise with us.
Allie Lawler and Jill Jordan presented at the final Bellarmine Speech Meet and earned a gold ribbon (perfect score) for their humorous duet. Isaac M. earned a second place (red ribbon) for his humorous monologue.
The SJA Band under the direction of Ms. Sharon Buckman performed a lovely concert for our students and for their families on May 26th.
Our SJA Garden has been a wonderful springboard for learning. Science, language arts, religion, and art have been experienced through our garden. We were able to have our own homegrown salad for lunch twice in the last few weeks of school. Make sure to stop by the Oleatha side of school to see our beautiful and bountiful garden.
Saint Joan of Arc- Growing Leaders! This has been a banner year for leadership and service to others. Our Student Council and Mini Vinnies have led the school in many projects to help others and to raise money for people in need. SJA students raised $1,100 to help support people in Haiti. We are sending $300 to our sister parish in Guatemala. Our upper grade students completed projects and worked with their younger grade buddies. They can be proud of their efforts!
Saint Joan of Arc School-Growing Families! The SJA Talent Show was held on May 7th and was a time for family and friends to enjoy our talented students. Our Field Day was a great success. Thanks to the many parents who volunteered and to Miss Rapp and Mrs. Beard for their extensive planning.
Our school participated in the Southside Invitational Track Meet. Congratulations on our first place in the competition. Thanks to all our families and friends who came to cheer our athletes on!
Again, thanks to all our volunteers and parish organizations, Oasis, PTO, School Board, Athletics, Scouts, Quilters, Daughters of Mary, SJA Pro-Life, SVDP, and the Holy Name Society, for your support of our program and our students. Together, “ We have grown in God’s Love”!
Special thanks goes to our 8th grade graduating class for their generous $ 500 donation to the school.
We are happy to welcome our new Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Madeline Eschmann, our new 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Cathy Zitko, and our new Technology Coordinator/ Teacher, Mrs. Ana Mendoza. They are looking forward to sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm, and expertise with our community.
Have a blessed summer and pray every day. See you at the Assumption Snow Cone Social on August 14^th!

Peace and blessings,

Deborah DaLay