St. Joseph
Catholic School

Psalm 23

R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

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. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

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. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

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

R. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

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. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

From the Prinicipal

Dear Parents,

The students in the school were participants in the Rite of Acceptance into the Catholic Church last Friday at Mass for three of our students: Camryn Flanagan, Sydney and Eli Gregoire. This is the first step towards Baptism and full participation in the Church. They will now undergo catechetical instruction. Other pictures from the ceremony can be seen at RITE of ACCEPTANCE.

The Superintendent visited the school last Thursday. She visited classrooms and offered a two hour in-service for the faculty on the Core Curriculum that will be adopted over the next few years by the school. She had nothing but good things to say about the classroom visitations and the demeanor of the students.

This is the time of year that we recognize those who serve us, and we are asking each child for a donation for a gift for Father Cayet. He has served us alone since school began. He says Mass for the children and always has an excellent message for them. He arranges for reconciliation for the children on a regular basis. He oversees the school and supports our efforts to provide a faith-filled experience for the children. He brings a joy with his presence that is contagious. We will be collecting for a gift for him over the next couple of weeks. Thank you for your generosity. 

-- Dr. Gerard Toups
    Principal

Calendar for the Week

Thursday, December 6
St. Nicholas Day
Wear Red or Green with Jeans for $1.00
Home & School Meeting @ 6:30 in Gym

Friday, December 7
Last Day to Order Tickets for Father/Daughter Dance
Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited to attend.
Spirit Dress
Adopt-a-Child Collection
Santa Bear Toys Due

Saturday, December 8
Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Sunday, December 9
Second Sunday of Advent

Wednesday, December 12
Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited to attend. 
Fair Meeting @ 6:30 in the library.

Friday, December 14
Father/Daughter Dance
Spirit Dress
Accelerated Reader Deadline

Sunday, December 16
Third Sunday of Advent

Monday, December 17
Exams Grades 6-7-8 ... Reading/Science
Library Closed

Tuesday, December 18
Exams Grades 6-7-8 ... English/Social Studies
Library Closed

Wednesday, December 19
Kinder/8th Gift Exchange
Kindergarten Parent Activity
Kindergarten Polar Express/Pajama Day
Exams Grades 6-7-8 ... Math
Library Closed

Thursday, December 20
Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited to attend.
Christmas Program @ 9:30
Christmas Parties @ 10:30
Dismissal @ 11:30
No After School Care
Library Closed
Second Quarter Ends

Friday, December 21
Christmas Holidays Begin

Calendar Changes for December

The following changes have been made to the December calendar:

1. A uniform swap has been added to December 6.

2. A school Mass has been added for Wednesday, December 12, in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

3. The school Mass originally scheduled for Friday, December 14, has been cancelled.

Please see the individual blurbs in the newsletter for further explanations of each event.

Busy Day - Thursday, December 6

GREEN AND RED DAY $1.00

Celebrate the season and join in efforts to help other children!!

Wear a red or green shirt to celebrate St. Nicholas Day for $1 along with jeans, a belt, white crew socks, and school shoes.

The Cheerleaders will donate all money raised to the local organization, TORC, through their next cheer competition. Help the cheerleaders help other children in the area by showing your support!!



ST. NICHOLAS DAY

December 6 is the traditional St. Nicholas Day. Sometime during the day, our younger students will put one of their shoes outside the classroom door. While they are busy inside, St. Nicholas visits and secretly leaves a surprise for good little boys and girls.

Here's the Wikipedia link to ST. NICHOLAS DAY if you'd like to know more.



UNIFORM SWAP

There will be a uniform swap in the cafeteria on Thursday, December 6, from 5:99-6:30 immediately prior to the Home & School meeting.

This is a great opportunity mid-way through the year for uniform adjustments as our children grow.

Thanks to Kim Thibodeaux for heading this endeavor.



HOME & SCHOOL MEETING

The St. Joseph Catholic school Home & School Association will hold a regularly-scheduled meeting on Thursday, December 6, at 6:30 in the gym.

We hope to see all of our parents in attendance!

Santa Bear Project Due Friday, December 7

Please consider making an Advent sacrifice for a child that is not as fortunate as your own. Our Student Council, along with the St. Joseph Church community, is sponsoring the "Santa Bear" Advent gift-giving project.

We combine our efforts with the Daily Star and Tangipahoa's Parish Sheriff's Department to provide Christmas toys for children in need.

Please have students bring UNWRAPPED toys to the school library by Friday, December 7th. Toys that indicate violence will not be accepted. Please NO GUNS, BOWS & ARROWS, ETC.

Father/Daughter Dance - Due Friday, December 7

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.

Our Lady of Guadalupe - Wednesday, December 12

Students at St. Joseph School will attend Mass on Wednesday, December12, on the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mass is at 8:30. All are invited to attend.

There will be no school Mass on Friday, December 14.

Fair Meeting - Wednesday, December 12

The fair is early this year, and so is our planning!

A fair meeting will be held in the school library on Wednesday, December 12, beginning at 6:30. All are invited to attend.

November Crusaders

Congratulations to our November Crusaders!

Clairanne Johnson (8th grade)
Easton Romano (1st grade)

Reminder

In order to qualify for the lowest tuition rate for the  2013-2014 school, families must be registered parishioners at St. Joseph Parish and have contributed at least $416.00 to the parish. Please contact the parish office 985-386-3749 if you have a question about your contribution.

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