St. Joseph
Catholic School

Psalm 148

R. Your glory fills all heaven and earth.

Praise the Lord from the heavens,
praise him in the heights.
Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his host. 

R. Your glory fills all heaven and earth. 

All earth’s kings and peoples,
earth’s princes and rulers,
young men and maidens,
old men together with children. 

R. Your glory fills all heaven and earth. 

Let them praise the name of the Lord
for he alone is exalted.
The splendour of his name
reaches beyond heaven and earth. 

R. Your glory fills all heaven and earth. 

He exalts the strength of his people.
He is the praise of all his saints,
of the sons of Israel,
of the people to whom he comes close. 

R. Your glory fills all heaven and earth.

From the Principal

Dear Parents,

Information:

I am pleased to announce that the Home and School has turned over $74,000.00 to the school. I thank the Home and School officers for a most successful school year. This news has particular significance this year because of the investment the school must make in preparation for the 2012-2013 school year. 

The school will be required to contribute $216,000.00 to the building that is being constructed. The second grade classrooms are being located in the rear of that building. Additional funds will have to be expended to install Starboards, white boards, and other furnishings for the classrooms. 

Also, it is our intention to continue the renovation of the main building. The progress has been slow but steady. 

Other projects are being looked at including a storage facility, a maintenance building, and the paving of the property on the street by the gymnasium. 

When we get a complete picture the fiscal position of the school in June, decisions as to what can be accomplished without jeopardizing the school's financial health will be made. Parents may examine a history of most of the capital improvements of the school under Planting Seeds that Grow on the website.

The generosity of parents and students extended beyond the school:
*** Catholic Charities received a check for $2182.37 for the money collected in the Rice Bowls for Lent. 
*** On May 15, $325.00 was donated to the American Heart Association raised by the Student council at Easter. 
*** Earlier this year, Student Council presented Deacon Larry Melancon a check for $500.00 for St. Vincent dePaul for money raised at Christmas. 
*** Over $300 was collected along with a number of boxes of books for St. Francis Xavier School in Baton Rouge. 
*** The cheerleaders also collected $450.00 for TARC, a North Shore charitable organization to assist families with handicapped children. 
*** The students collected $1170.15 for the Tripp Roth Fund last fall. The Beta Club Math-a Thon raised a record breaking $4823.35 for St. Jude’s Hospital. 
*** Finally, school children brought food at Thanksgiving, toys at Christmas, and hygienic items during Catholic Schools Week. 
This is a very impressive display of concern for those less fortunate. This is very much in accordance with the teaching of the Church. Thanks to everyone who participated in the worthy endeavors.

If your child has an account with the cafeteria, please be aware of the following.
1. If you owe money to the cafeteria, that is if your account has a negative balance, that account must be paid out before the end of the school year. The last day the children eat is Monday.
2. If you have more that than $10.00 in the account, you must make a written request to the cafeteria to receive a refund.
3. If the account balance is less that $10.00, there will be no refund, so use the funds. These rules set by the Food Services in Baton Rouge, not by the school.

Please take care of any outstanding balances you have with the school this week.

Eighth Grade Award recipients and pictures from Monday’s ceremony are posted on the website.

St. Joseph School is proud to announce that alumna, Maria Alphonso, has been named valedictorian at St. Thomas Aquinas. This is the second time in three years that an SJS student has been valedictorian at St. Thomas. We are also proud to announce that Phillip Ernst, Jake Lipps, and Christie Pevey were named summa cum laude graduates at Ponchatoula High School. These three of the eight so honored are St. Joseph alumni.

St. Joseph Alumni Seniors Carven Corbett, Philip Ernst, and Jon Morgan Pevey were recognized at Ponchatoula High School for a score of 28 or better on their ACT.

Finally, since this is the last principal’s message until next school year, I remind you that statistically summer vacation is the most dangerous time for school age children. Take care this summer and be attentive. Accidents happen, but many can be avoided. We want to welcome everyone back in August, hale and hearty and ready to work.

God bless each of you! Thank you for entrusting us with your wonderful children. Be assured that we take that responsibility very seriously! Know that with your support we work every year through God’s grace to improve the program the school provides and the physical environment in which the children work and play. 

-- Dr. Gerard Toups
    Principal

Calendar for the Week

Friday, May 18
Exams - Grades 6 & 7 - Math
Spirit Dress
Yearbook Orders Due
PreK Promotion @ 10:00
Kindergarten Promotion @ 12:30

Monday, May 21
Field Day
This is a full day of school. No buses.

Tuesday, May 22
Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited to attend.
Awards Ceremony - Following Mass
Fourth Quarter Ends
Last Day for Students
11:30 Dismissal. No buses.


See more plans for the year at CALENDAR

St. Joseph Award

St. Joseph Catholic School is pleased to announce the recepients of the St. Joseph Award, the most prestigious award given by the school, are Scott Dufreche and Emily Waddell.

The two eighth grade students were presented their awards by Dr. Gerard Toups, principal, during the eighth grade promotion ceremony held following an evening Mass on Tuesday, May 15. 

By vote of the faculty and staff, two eighth grade students, one boy and one girls, are selected to receive the St. Joseph Award. The students exhibit, through their actions and behavior, the values taught at St. Joseph School and their genuine love of God. These two individuals are students who try their best in their academic subjects. They willingly give service to their school and community and are positive role models to all the students at St. Joseph School.

Congratulations to Scott and Emily.

More pictures from the promotion ceremony can be found in the PHOTO ALBUMS section of this website.

Cross Country

Monday evening at 6:00 in the gym, a mandatory meeting will be held for parents and students entering grades 5-8 who wish to run cross country in the fall. If a parent cannot attend the meeting, they need to contact a coach before the meeting.

The Last Two Days of School

The last two days of school for students will be Monday and Tuesday, May 21 and 22.

We will not have buses either day. Everyone will be carpool both morning and afternoon.

Monday, May 21, is field day. It is a full day of school. No buses will run. Students may wear their spirit shirts with LONG shorts and any tennis shoes.

On Tuesday, May 22, students will have Mass followed by awards. This is a half day of school with an 11:30 dismissal time. No buses will run. Students are to wear regular uniforms.

Students who miss the last day of school may pick up their report cards and any awards at the school office between the hours of 8:00 and noon beginning Thursday, May 24.

Yearbook Orders Due

Orders are now being taken for the 2011-2012 yearbooks. Price is $40. This memory book is hardback and in color. Order forms were sent home last week and again today. All orders are due to the school office by Friday, May 18.

Community News

HOOPSTERS BASKETBALL CAMP
The annual Hoopsters Basketball Camp will be held at St. Joseph Gym from 9:00-noon on June 11-14. The camp is offered for boys and girls ages 5-10. Cost of the camp is $55. Each camper will receive a camp t-shirt and a basketball. Refreshments will be sold throughout the week.

For more information, please contact Kristi Gill at 985-507-4778.

Registration is due June 1. Registrations received after this date will cost $65. Enrollment is limited. The registration form can be downloaded at HOOPSTERS CAMP.



ROSARYVILLE CAMP KATERI
Summer 2012
Two sessions: June 24-29 and July 22-27
For boys and girls ages 7-13
Cost is $450/child for overnight or $295/child for day camp (family discounts and installment payments available)
Contact information: Jeff Day @ 225-294-5039 or www.rosaryvillela.com
Rosaryville is located at 39003 Rosaryville Road, Ponchatoula, LA 70454



HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home will be participating in the Ponchatoula Citywide Yard Sale Event on Saturday, June 2. All proceeds of our sale will be donated to the Svannah Smiles Organization which assists grievning families with their children's funeral expenses.

This Christian, non-profit organization was formed by the Scharfenstein's in 2006, after the tragic loss of their precious nine-year-old dauagher, Savannah.

Please consider donating your unwanted items, volunteering your time, and/or loaning your rables, racks, and any other supplies to this worthwhile cause. Help us honor the life of Savannah Scharfenstein and continue her legacy of giving to others.

For more information about Savannah Smiles, please visit www.savannah-smiles.org or
www.thompsoncares.com. If you would liekt o contribute to this event, contact Martha Thompson at 225-567-1884, or 225-567-2096, or mthompson@thompsoncares.com.



ST. THOMAS AQUINAS VOLLEYBALL CAMP
June 25-27     8:30-11:30
girls entering grades 4-8
Cost is $75. Enrollment is limited to the first 40 campers, so please register early.

Camp focuses on fundamentals with an equal emphasis on learning proper techniques and enjoying the game. Skills to be covered include, but are not limited to, passing, setting, attacking, serving, and offensive and defensive formations.

The camp is directed by Jennifer Hebert, STA's head volleyball coach. Also helping are assistant coaches John McMillan and Tonya Costa, and the Lady Falcon volleyball team.

Registration forms are in the office at SJS.



JUNIOR GOLF SUMMER CAMPS
Cedar Street Golf Center - Springfield
boys & girls
all skill levels
full swing
short game
activities
Please visit the website www.cedarstreetgolf.com or call 985-678-5094 for more information.



BAYOU FOOTBALL ALL STARS CAMP
This FREE camp will feature both current and former NFL players and college coaches!
Recreation Park in Ponchatoula on Saturday, July 14, from 8:00-12:30
Ages 6-13
Registration deadline is July 1.
Registration forms are in the office at SJS.


LORI DAVIS JONES BASKETBALL CAMPS
boys & girls grades preK-9th
July 9-12 (individual camp)
Rookie (PreK-2nd) - 9:00-noon @ $75
Day (PreK-9th) - 9:00-3:30 @ 140
Early Bird (PreK-9th) - 7:30-9:00 @ $25
Registration due by July 1
Registration forms are in the office at SJS.
Details and applications are online at www.loridavisjonesbasketballcamps.com.


FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES - IN THE ZONE JUNIOR HIGH LEADERSHIP CAMP
Leadership Camp is a coed camp for students and adult sponsors who serve on the leadership team in their school's FCA group. The schedule includes practical tips for Christian growth as well as organizational, leadership, spiritual, and notiviational tips for leading an effective FCA on campus.
June 4-7
$250
Registration deadline is May 30.
For more information, please contact one of the following:
Andy Stroup 318-465-0908 or astroup@fca.org or Marla Stroup 318-773-0879 or mstroup@fca.org.

Parish News

Personnel
Rev. John Dominic Sims, O.P. - Pastor
Rev. Cayet Mangiaracina, O.P. - Parochial Vicar
Rev. J.D. Logan, O.P. - In Residence
Larry J. Melancon - Deacon

Weekend Mass Schedule
Saturday Vigil Mass - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Mass - 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m.

Contact Information
Address - 255 North 8th Street (P.O. Box 368), Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Phone - 985-386-3749
Website - www.stjosephsonline.com 

ST. JOSEPH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - 2012
June 4-8
8:00 a.m. - noon
St. Joseph Gym
and June 10, 11:00 a.m. for the VBS finale Mass

Participants: Kindergarten through 5th Grades
Volunteers: 5th Grade through 99 years old
*** Nursery and preschool are available only for children of adult volunteers.***

$25/participant
(no child will be denied because of financial hardship - Denise: 985-386-3749 ext 201)
$30 late registration after June 1

 Registration: Please visit the church's website to register: stjosephsonline.com/vacation-bible-school.html

You may bring your payment to the church during office hours (M-F: 9:00-noon & 1:00-4:00) 
or mail to:
            St. Joseph Church - VBS
            PO Box 368
            Ponchatoula, LA 70454

Please make all checks payable to St. Joseph Church

For questions or more information - Denise: 985-386-3749 ext 201.
Please leave a message. You will receive a return call as soon as possible.

Adults of all ages (18 years and older): We need your help!
Please register as a volunteer or call to see how you can help.
Vacation Bible School is not possible without adult support.