St. Joseph
Catholic School

Psalm 110

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. 

The LORD said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand
till I make your enemies your footstool.” 

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. 

The scepter of your power the LORD will stretch forth from Zion:
“Rule in the midst of your enemies.” 

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. 

“Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor;
before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you.” 

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. 

The LORD has sworn, and he will not repent:
“You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” 

R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek

From the Principal

Dear Parents,

It has been wonderful to celebrate Catholic Schools Week here at St. Joseph!

Our students impressed the judges on Tuesday with their wonderful religion fair projects and their knowledge of the topics. 

I would like to say thank you to all of our parents for your dedication to a Catholic education for your children. I understand that sacrifices and choices must be made, and I admire your commitment to make this a priority in your family.

I speak for all of us here at St. Joseph when I say that we take our responsibility as Catholic educators very seriously and feel honored that you have chosen to place your child(ren) in our care.

I thank you for your continued support as we work to always strive for excellence in our faith, knowledge, and service.

With Faith, Hope, and Love,
Mrs. Danette Ragusa
Principal

Calendar-at-a-Glance

Sunday, January 25-Saturday, January 31
Catholic Schools Week 

Friday, January 30
Spirit Dress or Baby Pink or Baby Blue T-Shirts

Saturday, January 31
SJS/SLU Basketball Night

Monday, February 2-12
Student Council Valentine Sale

Tuesday, February 3
February Birthdays
SJS/STA Basketball Night for 7th/8th Grade Students & Basketball Teams

Wednesday, February 4
Mass @ 8:30
Food Drive
Adopt-a-Child Collection
Midquarter

Thursday, February 5
Retakes, Class Pictures, 8th Cap & Gown Pictures

Friday, February 6
Spirit Dress
Last Day for In-House Re-registration
Mardi Gras Parade @ 1:00

Wednesday, February 11
Mass @ 8:30
Food Drive

Thursday, February 12
Field Trip (7th Grade)

Friday, February 13
Spirit Dress

Monday, February 16 - Friday, February 20
Mardi Gras Holidays - NO SCHOOL

Monday, February 23
Open House for New Families

Tuesday, February 24
Crusader Dads Dinner that Makes a Difference

Wednesday, February 25
Mass @ 8:30
Food Drive
Crusaders of the Month Announced
Field Trip (Drama Club)

Friday, February 27
Spirit Dress
Dr. Seuss Day
Stations of the Cross @ 1:45

Blue/Pink Shirts - January 30

On Friday, January 30, students may wear baby blue or baby pink shirts with their spirit attire for $1.00 donation.

Proceeds from this donation will offset the donation of baby items made to Catholic Charities in the name of SJS students. This is an annual gift from our students to those in need.

SC Valentine Fundraiser - February 2-12

The 2015 St. Joseph Catholic School Student Council will begin their annual Valentine's Day fundraiser for charity on February 2.

They are selling Valentine's Day themed pencils with the student's own specialized message. The message will be written on a paper heart that will be attached to the pencil. 

Cost is $1 for each heart with pencil. The proceeds from the sale will go toward a charity in our area.

The hearts and pencils will be distributed to students on Friday, February 13, during homeroom.

To purchase a paper heart and Valentine's Day themed pencil:

** Fill out the recipient information on the cards that will be provided (include the first and last names of the recipient, the grade level of the recipient, the recipient's home teacher's name, and the name of the sender).

** Send the card alon gwith the $1.00 donation to the morning assembly.

** Tables will be set up on February 2-12 for the students to write their personalized messages on the hearts.

** Dealine for the purchase is February 12.

Purchase as many hearts and pencils as you like. Additional cards are available in the school office or can be downloaded at HEARTS.

February Birthdays - February 3

All students at St. Joseph who have a birthday in February may come out of uniform on Tuesday, February 3.

This is the only day students with February birthdays may come out of uniform. There is no make-up day.

Out of uniform guidelines can be found on the WEBSITE.

SJS/STA Basketball Night - February 3

St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School would like to invite all St. Joseph seventh and eighth grade students as well as the basketball teams to the STA v Doyle basketball games on Tuesday, February 3, beginning at 5:30.

Tickets will be given out at school on February 3.

Pictures - February 5

Retakes, class group pictures, and eighth grade cap and gown pictures will be taken on Thursday, February 5.

Class group and eighth grade cap and gown order forms were sent home Wednesday, January 28. 

If your child needs to take retakes, he'she can pick up an order form in the office. 

If you order pictures, be sure to send the order form and money with your child no later than "picture day".

Re-Registration Continues until February 6

Re-registration forms went home on January 21. 

The last day to return re-registration forms and fees is Friday, February 6. This is to reserve a seat for your student next year.

Lost your form? Download a new one at RE-REGISTRATION FORM

The Advisory Council has approved the following fees and tuition for the 2015-2016 school year:

Registration - $200 per student - paid every year

Tuition:
Parish Supporter - $4100 per student (includes $100 technology fee)
Non Parish Supporter - $4800 per student (includes $100 technology fee)
Pre-kindergarten - $4500 per student (includes $100 technology fee)

The above numbers reflect an overall increase of $100 per student from the 2014-2015 school year for parish supporters; $150 for non parish supporters.

A $100 credit on tuition will be allowed for parents with two students enrolled.
A $200 credit on tuition will be allowed for parents with three students enrolled.

• Registration fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.

• Re-registration forms with $200 per student registration fees are due by Friday, February 6. After this date, an additional $100 late registration fee per student will be charged.

• Open registration for new students will begin Monday, March 2.

• Payment of tuition is due in full to the school by Thursday, April 30, or loan papers must be completed and returned to the school bookkeeper by Thursday, April 30.

• If arrangements are not made for payment of tuition/loan by Thursday, April 30, an additional $100 per student will be charged.

• Students dropping from the rolls after July 31 will be assessed a $200 per student drop fee.

• 8th grade ($100) graduation fees will be collected in April 2016.

Mardi Gras Parade - February 6

The PreK and kindergarten students present their annual Mardi Gras parade on Friday, February 6.

The parade rolls at 1:00 on a route that takes it around the new church parking lot.

Our youngest Crusaders decorate wagons as floats and fill them with throws to show their Mardi Gras spirit. The wagons are pulled by students in the upper grades. Middle grade students (and other spectators) line the parade route for viewing. 

Mardi Gras Holidays - February 16-20

St. Joseph Catholic School will be closed Monday, February 16 through Friday, February 20, in order to give students and their families time to celebrate the Mardi Gras holidays, Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of the Lenten season.

Classes resume on Monday, February 23.

Open House for Prospective Parents - February 23

We're looking for a few good families.

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 of SJS.

Flyers for prospective families were already sent home. We thank those who have sent in names. If you need another flyer: OPEN HOUSE.

Dinners that Make a Difference - February 24

The Crusader Dads will host their second annual Dinners that Make a Difference on Tuesday, February 24, at NOLA Cafe.

NOLA is located at 1625 Highway 51 in Ponchatoula.

All net proceeds from the dinner benefit St. Joseph Catholic School.

The social hour will be from 5:30-6:30 followed by dinner. 

Tickets are $100/couple and must be presented for admittance.

Dinner menu:
wood grilled filet mignon
baked penne pasta with Italian sausage
shrimp & crab pasta
twice baked potatoes
penne pasta
sauteed vegetables
salad with choice of dressing
bread pudding
soft drinks/tea/house wine.

A cash bar will also be available.

Tickets may be purchased in the office or from Crusader Dads.

SJS/Pelican Night

Pictured are some of the SJS folks who stayed for pictures after the Pelican game on December 30. It appears that a good time was had by all!

Tailgate Success!

Eighth grade students, from left, Collin Thibodeaux, Brett Monistere, and Dane Schmitt, strike apose during the Mother/Son Tailgate Party held at St. Joseph on Sunday, January 25. It was a great turnout for the event. Tailgate fun time was greatly enjoyed by the sons and their mothers at the party.

Our Very Best Speller

Congratulations fifth grade student Irma Hyde who won the school spelling bee last week. Irma will represent SJS at the regional spelling bee at SLU in March. Way to go, Irma!

Veronica Pierson - 2015 Distinguished Graduate

Congratulations to Mrs. Veronica Kraft Pierson, our 2015 Distinguished Graduate. 

Mrs. Pierson was honored at a dinner in Baton Rouge Tuesday evening where she was presented an award by Bishop Robert Muench, Dr. Melanie Verges, superintendent of schools, and Mrs. Danette Ragusa, SJS principal.

To see more Catholic Schools Week pictures, please visit CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK.

Shields of Faith

Every homeroom at SJS made and displayed a "Shield of Faith" in the hallways as part of National Catholic Schools Week. See all of the shields and more pictures of Catholic Schools Week at CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK.

Cheerleaders at JamFest

Geaux, Cheerleaders, Geaux!

Congratulations to the SJS cheerleaders for their second place finish at JamFest in Baton Rouge on Saturday, January 24. Our girls presented a spectacular performance and were only a tenth of a point behind the first place winner.

Geaux, Crusaders!

Religion Fair Winners

Congratulations to Marlee Little, Victoria Perrin, Gabriella Jerez, and Leigh Henderson! Their music video "Alyssa Lies" won first place at the SJS religion fair held Tuesday, January 27.

To see all of the religion fair winners and other events from the SJS celebration of National Catholic Schools Week, please visit CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK.

Jr. Beta Club Induction Ceremony

The SJS Jr. Beta Club welcomed 14 new members this morning.

Principal Mrs. Danette Ragusa welcome each new member with a pin. Beta Club sponsors are Mrs. Stacy Bankston and Mrs. Jeri Carroll.

To see the individual pinning pictures as well as other shots from the event, please visit JR. BETA.

Priest, Prophet, King Presentation

No books to buy! No homework!

We will have a DVD presentation and group discussion.

Wednesday nights - February 4, February 11, February 25, March 4, March 11.

6:15-7:45 ..... DVD promptly starts at 6:30

St. Joseph Ministry Building

Childcare is provided onsite.

So that we may have a count for supplies and childcare, please contact:

Rachael Perrin @ 985-969-0151
Stephanie Waguespack @ 985-386-8919.

PRIEST, PROPHET, KING FLYER

Our Parish

Personnel
Fr. Paul A. McDuffie, Pastor
Larry J. Melancon - Deacon
Mike Agnello - Deacon

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

Weekday Mass Schedule
The week day Masses on Monday through Thursday will be at 8:30 a.m.

Reconciliation (Confessions) will be available before all week day Masses at 8:00 a.m. in addition to Confessions on Saturday beginning at 4:00.

Contact Information
Address - 255 North 8th Street (P.O. Box 368), Ponchatoula, LA 70454
Phone - 985.386.3749
Website - http://www.stjosephsonline.com