St. Joseph
Catholic School

Psalm 103

R. The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him. 

Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits. 

R. The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him. 

As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him,
For he knows how we are formed;
he remembers that we are dust. 

R. The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him. 

But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity
to eternity toward those who fear him,
And his justice toward children’s children
among those who keep his covenant. 

R. The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

Congratulations, Dr. Toups

Our favorite principal, Dr. Gerard Toups, was formally presented with his Diocese of Baton Rouge Distinguished Elementary Principal of the Year award by Bishop Robert Muench at the diocesan Mass in Donaldsonville on Friday, February 1.

Our greatest congratulations to Dr. Toups!


From the Principal:
Dear Parents,

A form is coming home today for parents to complete. The form is part of an application by the City of Ponchatoula for a grant to extend sidewalks from the school and install subsurface drainage. The official title of the grant proposal is Louisiana Safe Routes to School Program. The school has done significant work around the school to improve the ease of mobility around the school so any improvement in access to the school would be helpful. Please fill the form out and return it to the school ASAP. Thank you for your cooperation.

Friday is the collection for Adopt-a-Child. Your generosity is appreciated.

At Friday’s Mass we are also having the Induction Ceremony for the Beta Club. We will provide a list of the new members and a group picture on the website. Congratulations to these students for this excellent achievement.

Congratulations to the winners of the Religion Fair. The projects were beautiful. Thanks to the judges who gave their time to evaluate the projects.

Congratulations to the Cheerleaders for their success in recent competitions. The trophies and banners they have merited are simply symbols of the hard work and dedication they have invested over the years.

Congratulations to the Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball Teams. They will play for the NIAL Championships on Thursday at Holy Ghost. The results will be published after the Mardi Gras break.


Have a wonderful week. Be aware that Lent starts on Ash Wednesday. We will see you on Monday the 18th. That day is our Open House for parents of perspective students. Thanks to all of you who have supported the school by encouraging relatives, neighbors, and friends to come to the Open House. Registration for new students is also on that date. 

-- Dr. Gerard Toups
    Principal

Calendar for the Week

Wednesday, February 6
Midquarter Reports

Thursday, February 7
Class Pictures in Uniforms
8th Grade Cap & Gown Pictures
Reconciliation Grade 7

Friday, February 8
Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited to attend.
Adopt-a-Child Collection
Spirit Dress
Beta Club Induction @ Mass
Last Day to Register for Mini Cheer Camp

Monday-Friday, February 11-15
No School - Mardi Gras Holidays

Wednesday, February 13
Ash Wednesday

Sunday, February 17
First Sunday of Lent

Monday, February 18
Open House for Parents of Prospective Students

Wednesday, February 20
Girls JV and V Basketball Pictures

Thursday, February 21
Boys JV and V Basketball Pictures
Home & School Meeting @ 6:30 in Gym

Friday, February 22
Mass @ 8:30 - All are invited to attend.
Spirit Dress
Crusaders Announced
Stations of the Cross @ 1:45

Sunday, February 24
Second Sunday of Lent

Monday, February 25
Fifth Grade Field Trip

Thursday, February 28
Reconciliation Grade 6
First Grade Field Trip

Midquarter Reports - Wednesday, February 6

Wednedsay, February 6, is the midpoint of the third quarter. Please be sure to check EDLINE for you child's grades.

In the event your child has a current average of "D" or "F", a written notice will be sent home. Please sign this notice and return it to school.

Class Pictures - Thursday, February 6

Class pictures and eighth grade cap and gown pictures will be taken on Thursday, February 7.

These pictures are pre-paid. An envelope has been sent home today for your convenience. An 8" x 10"  class group picture can be ordered for $12.  Please make checks payable to Barberito Photographers.

Students are to wear regular uniforms to school on that date. 

Please make every effort to have your child at school so that all children will be included in the class picture

Mardi Gras Holidays - February 11-15

We will celebrate the Mardi Gras Holidays Monday through Friday, February 11-15. 

Classes will resume on Monday, February 18.

Open House - Monday, February 18

If you have friends, neighbors, or relatives who might be interested in sending their children to St. Joseph School, please provide us with their names and addresses so that we may send them an invitation to our Open House. 

Prospective parents will be able to see classes in session, meet and talk with the teachers, ask questions, and get a "feel" for St. Joseph School at this Open House. 

Our parents are our best advocates. Thank you for your tremendous support. 

You may download the form at OPEN HOUSE, fill it out, and send it to the office. You may also email information to sjsoffice@sjscrusaders.org.

Home & School Meeting - Thursday, February 21

The Home and School Meeting scheduled for February 7, has been postponed.

The St. Joseph School Home and School Meeting will now be on Thursday, February 21, at 6:30 in the school gym.

We hope to see you all at this most important meeting right before our Spring Fair!

Mini Cheer Camp - Saturday, March 2

SJS Cheerleaders Mini Camp

Saturday, March 2

 9:30-1:00

 SJS Gym

 Grades PreK - 4th

 $25/camper

 Includes t-shirt and bow

 Register on EDLINE

 Please contact the school office at 985-386-6421 if additional information is necessary.

Basketball Pictures

JV and Varsity girls basketball pictures are scheduled for Wednesday, February 20.
 
JV and Varisty boys basketball pictures are scheduled for Thursday, February 21.

Order forms are being sent home with the students/players Wednesday, February 6.  

Order forms and money must be turned in on or before the day they take their pictures.

Be sure to bring both basketball uniforms. They will be turned in after pictures.

Neighbors Way Awards

 Congratulations to Ian Waller and Alyssa Henderson, eighth graders! 

They are the winners of the Neighbors Way Award, an award presented to students who exemplify the core values of integrity, respect, trust, stability, community involvement, honesty, empahty, ethical behavior, and fairness in their daily activities both in and away from school. 

What wonderful Crusaders!

Cheerleaders Win It Again!

The St. Joseph Cheerleaders Tumble Team won 1st place at the Worldwide Spirit Association cheerleader competition in Gonzales, Louisiana on Saturday, February 2. 

Our tumble team displayed pride and skill as they competed with 100% of their team performing back handsprings. We are so very proud of them. They brought back a trophy and a banner. 

Congratulations Blair, Sydney, Alyssa, Claire-Chapin, Traci, Gabrielle, Maiya, Leigh, Catherine, Peyton, Paige and Alexa.

Altar Server Announcement

Registration and the initial training session for those interested in becoming Altar Servers: 

Please make every effort to attend this first session because much of what is covered is not repeated in subsequent sessions. It will be Sunday, February 24, at 2:00 p.m. at church. 

Prospective Altar Servers must be baptized Catholic, have received First Communion, and be in at least the fourth grade (born prior to Fall 2003). 

We prefer that parents register their children and highly encourage you to stay if you do not already have a child who has altar served at St. Joseph. 

The length of session will depend on how many people attend. We look forward to seeing you there!

Mardi Gras Parade

The Mardi Gras parade pictures have been posted. You can see them all at PHOTO ALBUMS on this site. Enjoy!

Community News

2013 PONCHATOULA YOUTH BASEBALL/SOFTBALL REGISTRATION 
January 26th - March 2nd 
Walk-in Registration 
Saturdays February 9th, 16th & 23rd 
March 2nd 
9am to 12pm at the Recreation Park Gym on Hoover Road
Forms may also be dropped off at the PARD gym during the week from 9am-3pm. 
Forms received after March 2nd & through March 6th will be assessed a late fee.
Registration forms received after March 6th will be placed on a waiting list (first come, first serve) and if a spot becomes available, parents will be contacted. 
Checks will be returned to those we were unable to place.
More information on registration, coaching, & sponsors can be found online at www.PARD1.com 
For questions or comments please contact
Kim Coates 
Athletic Coordinator 
Ponchatoula Area Recreation District #1 
19030 Ponchatoula Park Drive 
Ponchatoula, LA 70454 
(985) 370-7273 
(985) 370-7270 (fax)


GREENWAVE HOLIDAY BASEBALL CAMP
February 14-15
9:00-12:00
Athletic Park - Ponchatoula
Instructors: PHS Coaches & Current Players
Ages: K-8th Grade
Cost: $60
Registration: 8:30-9:00 a.m.
For more information, contact:
     Mark Gosnell 985-320-5502
     Jeremy Harper 985-969-8366

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  



ST. JOSEPH ALTAR

We are looking for children to play the role of saints for the St. Joseph Altar. The St. JOseph Altar will be on March 17. The children will be asked to participate in the rosary procession, Mass, and feeding of the saints. The children will have to furnish their own costumes. There will be a short practice on Monday, March 11, at 6:00 p.m. in the gym. If you are interested in particiating, please call Fay Murray at 985-386-8151, or the church office at 985-386-3749, with your name and the saint you will be.