St. Joseph
Catholic School

Psalm 23

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul. 

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. 

He guides me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage. 

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. 

You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. 

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. 

Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come. 

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

From the Principal

Dear Parents:

There were three events this past week that are noteworthy.

Last Friday, the students had a wonderful time escorting their grandparents and, in a number of cases, their great-grandparents around the school. A large number came and enjoyed the nice weather. It is always great to see how many of the grandparents take the time to come to school to be with their grandchildren. We appreciate the interest each takes to spend the time at school with their grandchildren. We thank Ms. Cory, Mrs. Gaines, Mrs. Dyer, Mrs. Bankston, Ms. Toni, Mr. Pevey, and Mrs. Carroll for planning and working hard to make the day a huge success

Monday, the school had a very moving ceremony for Veterans Day. Students were invited to bring their relatives and friends who were veterans to school for the occasion. Students witnessed and participated in an observance that included the singing of patriotic songs, the playing of Taps, and the introduction of fathers and grandfathers who are actively serving or veterans who were present for the occasion. Alums Patrick Pereira and Taylor Ransom from the Ponchatoula High ROTC were sharply dressed in their uniforms and presented the colors. Another grad, Marc LeBlanc, from St. Thomas Aquinas High, returned to SJS to help with Taps. We thank Mrs. Gaines and Mrs. Lloyd and all who helped them to make the morning very special.

The Book Fair is going on this week. There were a number of parent volunteers who help Mrs. Carroll to make the fair a success. Parents also gave up time and assisted at Grandparents Day. We appreciate so much and owe so much to the parents who year after year offer their services to the school. Your service to the school does not go unnoticed.

For a selection of pictures for each event as well as many other events throughout the school year, take a look at the Photo Albums. You can download and print pictures from the events.

We wish all a wonderful and holy Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for here at St. Joseph and in the Ponchatoula community. 

-- Dr. Gerard Toups
    Principal

Calendar for the Week

Wednesday, November 14
Midquarter Reports 

Wednesday-Friday, November 14-16
Last Day to shopt at Book Fair!

Thursday, November 15
PreK & 1st Grade Thanksgiving Skit @ 7:45 
Family Night at Book Fair (6:00-8:00)

Friday, November 16
Mass @ 8:30 with Pilgrims and Indians - All are invited to attend.
Spirit Dress 
Last Minute Book Fair for Students (7:45-8:35)
Parents Only Shopping at Book Fair (9:25-10:15)

Monday-Friday, November 19-23
Thanksgiving Holidays

Monday, November 26
Classes Resume
Field Trip Grades 7-8

Wednesday, November 28
Pictures with Santa

Friday, November 30
Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited to attend.
Spirit Dress
Crusaders Announced

Midquarter - Today!

Today, November 14, is the halfway mark of the second quarter.

Be sure to check Edline grades for your student's current status. 

If a student has a "D" or "F" average in any subject, the teacher should have sent home a deficiency report. This report is to be signed and returned to the teacher tomorrow.

If you have questions, please contact your child's teacher.

Thanksgiving Food Drive Happening NOW

SJS Student Council is sponsoring a food drive to help the less fortunate in our community this Thanksgiving. The food drive will take place from Monday, November 12, through Friday, November 16. All food donations will be given to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry at St. Joseph Church. Boxes labeled with each grade level will be placed in the gym, and students may drop off their donations when they arrive at school in the morning. Listed below are the categories that each grade level is being asked to bring if possible:

Pre-K & Kindergarten – cake mix, brownie mix, muffin mix, biscuit mix, cornbread mix

1st grade – breakfast cereal, grits, oatmeal, etc.

2nd grade – canned fruit

3rd grade – juice, condensed or evaporated milk, tea bags

4th grade – canned soup, soup mix, gravy mix, canned fish or meat

5th grade – rice, pasta, dry beans, instant potatoes

6th grade – canned vegetables

7th grade – sugar, flour, cornmeal, other baking ingredients

8th grade – canned fruit or vegetables

Each grade has been asked to bring food from a certain category so that a variety of items will be donated. If you would like to donate food items that do not fall into your child’s designated category, that is absolutely OK. Please make sure that all donated food is non-perishable. We thank you in advance for your generosity. May God continue to bless you & your families.
Thank you,

SJS Student Council

The Book Fair Is Almost Over!

SJS is holding its annual book fair this week, Only two more shopping days remain!

Shopping times for the various grade levels can be found at SCHEDULE. 

Family Night for shopping will be Thursday, November 15, from 6:00-8:00.

There's a special time on Friday, November 16, from 9:25-10:15 (right after Mass), which is for parents only (no students). This time is perfect for gift shopping!

After 10:15, the Book Fair will be packed up and sent back. 

Come on out and support our school's Book Fair!

Thanksgiving Skit - Thursday, November 15

Students in Pre-K and First Grades will present a short Thanksgiving skit following morning assembly on Thursday, November 15, on the stage in the gym. Parents are invited to attend.

Pilgrim & Indians Mass - Friday, November 16

On Friday, November 16, Kindergarten students along with their Eighth Grade Buddies will attend the school Mass dressed as Pilgrims and Indians. 

There is no program involved. These students are just in costume in commemoration of the First Thanksgiving.

As always, all are invited to join us at 8:30 Mass.

Hornets Deadline - Friday, November 16

SJS and New Orleans Hornets
The St. Joseph Choir
will perform the National Anthem on the court before the game.
New Orleans Hornets vs. Minnesota
Saturday, December 22, 2012
7:00pm
New Orleans Arena


$25. Per person
Each person will receive a ticket and t-shirt.
After the game, our group will be allowed on the court to take a group photo.
We will have our school name on the BuzzVision screen during the game.

DEADLINE: 11/16/12
(Last day of school before Thanksgiving break.)
(NO LATE ORDERS.)

Go to EDLINE to place your order.
Please make checks payable to: St. Joseph School
Send payment to the school office.

Thanksgiving Holidays

St. Joseph Catholic School will observe Thanksgiving the week of November 19-23. 

There will be no classes that week.

We wish your family a safe and peaceful Thanksgiving week as we take time to count our many blessings.

Pictures with Santa - Wednesday, November 28

Santa Picture Order forms for PreK-4th grade are being sent home today, November 14.

The pictures are scheduled for the week we return from the Thanksgiving holiday on Wednesday, November 28th, right after assembly. 

Please be sure to return the money with the order form for your child if they will be taking a picture. Only those ordering will have their picture taken.

Father/Daughter Dance

FATHER / DAUGHTER DANCE

Theme: Mardi Gras Masquerade!!!



You can wear anything purple, green, and gold. You may come in costume is you want. You may even dress for a mardi gras ball. Anything Mardi Gras!! Award given out for best dressed couple.

All grades invited!!! PreK - 8th grade



All Dads are welcome to come and enjoy a night out with their LITTLE GIRL!

There will be music, dancing, food, drinks, & pictures available.



Date: Friday, December 14th

Time: 7:00-9:30 pm (in the gym)

Early Bird Price: $20-admits dad & daughter, $5 each additional dad/daughter

At Door Price: $30-admits dad & daughter, $5 each additional dad/daughter

Special circumstances permit another male figure in student’s life. This may include grandfather, uncle, etc.



Register on EDLINE by December 7th.

Grandparents Day Pictures

Grandparents' Day was held on Friday, November 9. You can see all of the Grandparents' Day pictures by visiting GRANDPARENTS.

Veterans' Day

St. Joseph School observed Veterans' Day on Monday, November 12. 

Many veterans related to the students or faculty were in attendance. 

Pictures from the ceremony can be seen at VETERANS.

Community News

HOMEWORK HELPERS

Louisiana Children's Discovery Center is offering homework help to students in grades 1st through 6th on Tuesday, Wednesdays, and/or Thursdays, from 4:00-5:30 P.M.

The fee is $10 per child per day OR $25 for all three days. Advanced registration and payment are required.

To register your child for the Homework Helpers program, or if you have questions, please contact carolyn@lcdcofhammond.org or 985-340-9150.

Students will enjoy a snack, homework assistance, and discovery time on the exhibit floor of the children's museum.

Homework assistance is provided by Teaching & Learning Techer Candidates from Southeastern Louisiana University.

Parish News

Personnel
Fr. Cayet Mangiaracina, O.P. - Parochial Vicar and Administrator
Fr. David K. Seid, O.P, - In Residence
Larry J. Melancon - Deacon
Mike Agnello - Deacon
Dr. M.J. "Dutch" Schanzbach - 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