SSPJ News in Review

December 5, 2007
Volume 8, issue 13

Please contact the school's main office for information regarding announcements.
Photos, personal phone numbers, full names, and students' names
are omitted online.
More information is available in the Daily Bulletin section of your PowerSchool account.

A Most Holy Season -- Advent

When you wish upon a star... A falling star is seen by some as a sign, an opportunity for seeking their hearts' desire. But what of the star we follow during Advent? It is a sign, not of wishful thinking, but of faith-grounded hope. We hope for the coming One, a child sent by God. This heavenly revelation, this distant sun, opens our imaginations and our hearts to posibilities - and the sure promise of God's faithfulness.

SSPJ Christmas Extravaganza

CURTAINS UP ON OUR SSPJ CHRISTMAS SHOW!! Please mark your calendar and invite family and friends to the SSPJ Christmas Show - Friday, December 14. Curtain up at 7 PM, children report to their teacher at 6:30 PM.

The NATIVITY Story

SSPJ HSA will be showing the movie The NATIVITY Story at the school on Friday, December 7, 2007. Festivities will begin with dinner at 6 PM. RSVP by returning the slip in your weekly packet attention SSPJ HSA or call Mrs. Hilliard.
The NATIVITY Story is rated PG and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops rated the movie A-1-general patronage. You can see the review by USCCB at: www.usccb.org.
Please bring a NO-NUT dessert to share!

Breakfast With Santa a HUGE Success -- THANK YOU! Pictures

Breakfast With Santa 2007 was a huge success. We had over 330 attendees this year and a good time was had by each and every one. Santa actually said it was the best breakfast he ever came to!!
We would like to offer our thanks to the many people that assisted with this year's event. Breakfast With Santa is dependant upon a small army of volunteers and this year's army was simply outstanding!

The Teachers and Students did a GREAT job making their posters.

The Office Staff was accomodating to all of our needs.

The Maintinence Staff was very patient (and forgiving).

The Kitchen Staff was tremendously helpful.

The Decorating Team did a great deal with very little.

The Day of Event Crew - Welcome Crew, Kitchen Crew, Serving Crew, Activities Leaders, Photo Team, Workshop Set-Up and Sales, and Clean-Up Crew REALLY put forth a TREMENDOUS EFFORT!!

The Choir was outstanding!

The 7th and 8th Grade Students that helped out made us all proud to be SSPJ Parents.

As with every event of this magnitude, there were a few hiccups. That being said, many people stepped in to smooth out the rough spots in a true display of Christmas Spirit!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Remember... There are less than 360 days until next year's event!!

First Annual "UnSnowman" Contest Winners
This year we held our first annual "UnSnowman" contest as part of Breakfast With Santa. There were some truly outstanding entries. We had seven winners! Each winner received an award certificate in their name. Winners were judged on: Most Original; Best Work of Art; Most Like Frosty; Most Creative; Most Realistic; Most Candylike; Most Resourceful.
Our congratulations go out to all the winners!

A special thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Caprio, and all the Santa's Breakfast Committee and volunteers for making this year's breakfast and Santa's Workshop so festive and fun.

SSPJ Students Know How to Give!
SSPJ Advent Project

This year, the SSPJ Student Council would like our school to take part in a very special Advent project. We will raise money to purchase animals from Heifer International. These animals will be sent to impoverished families hoping to provide a better life for their children. Heifer, an extremely reliable company in existence since 1944, has worked directly with millions of families from more than 125 countries, including the United States. Heifer not only sends the animal, but also trains the family on the care and potential of the gift. This "pass-on animals and training" system helps the impoverished families feed themselves, earn an income and benefit the environment.
If you would like to participate, please complete the form below and return to school addressed to the attention of Student Council. Our deadline is December 19, and the total of our donations will be announced during our School Advent Service. Any donation you can give would be greatly appreciated by the families who will no longer go hungry.
GOALS:
There are various goals our school can achieve for animals and training (dependant on the amount we raise):

$150 - 1 llama provides a family with transportation, income, and wool. Llamas are extremely disease resistant and require little care.

$200 - 1 flock of chicks, a trio of rabbits, and either a sheep, pig or goat provides a family with more protein in their inadequate diets. A sheep provides wool for clothing and meat. A pig provides increased income from selling offspring, and meat. A goat provides a ton of nutritious milk each year.

$500 - 1 heifer provides enough milk for the family, the heifer's offspring, and a surplus to sell daily.

$1000 - "MILK MENAGERIE" includes one heifer, two goats, and a water buffalo. These animals produce milk that can be shared throughout an entire impoverished neighborhood.

Please fill out and return the donation form from your packet to school to the attention of the Student Council (you may choose to donate anonymously). Deadline is December 19, and the total amount collected will be announced to the students during our Advent Service. Thank you for your generosity!

Chess Club Check-Up

The Chess Club has two new members! They have recently learned how to play and are practicing their skills. In fact, one was awarded his first game last Friday with a win over his opponent! Congratulations to our new player and all the Chess Club members for their success.
A giant THANK YOU goes out to Mrs. O'Dell who gave the Chess Club a fabulous giant chess set. The king and queen are nearly a foot high! The students were presented with the new chess set last Friday. The opened it up with much enthusiasm! The students all love to play chess, but now they game is even more fun. The Chess Club made a giant Thank You card for Mrs. O'Dell. We greatly appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness!

The Sports Corner

Please return any uniform that you may have frim soccer, basketball, baseball, and softball. Please send the uniform into the school this week in a plastic bag marked to the attention on Mr. Hickey. Weekly reports on our basketball program will begin on December 2, 2007. Watch for information and updates.
Any questions regarding the SPSJ Athletic Programs can be directed to Mr. Hickey.

Gertrude Hawk Delivery

Gertrude Hawk delivery will be on Monday, December 10, 2007. The orders can be picked up after school in the cafeteria. They will be available in the evening Monday from 6:15-7:15 PM. It is also Market Day pick up. Any questions, please call Mrs. Halm. Thank you for your support!

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