SSJ School News April 7, 2022 - Issue #29
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SSJ School News
April 7, 2022 — Issue #29
— Saints Simon and Jude Mission Statement —
Through the Immaculate Heart of Mary we at Saints Simon and Jude School, commit ourselves to learning, proclaiming and
living the Good News of Jesus Christ. We strive to educate and develop all for Catholic leadership in the church and
community, enabling one another to serve with Compassion, Courage and Competence.
Letter from Sister Regina
Tomorrow evening, Friday, at 7:00PM our middle school students
will present the living Stations of the Cross in Church. Their
portrayal of Jesus’ suffering and death on Good Friday is reverent
and devout. Please join us as we pray and reflect on Jesus’
passion and death.
This Sunday Christians throughout the world will celebrate Palm
Sunday, the final Sunday of Lent that marks the beginning of Holy
Week, the holiest week of the year. Palm Sunday commemorates
the triumphant arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem riding on a donkey
where the townspeople greeted him, with shouts of “Hosanna”
and waving palm branches. This is truly a grace-filled time as we
celebrate Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. The
children have been learning about these sacred events in religion
class and I know you have been discussing these happenings at
home. I hope that many of you will be able to come to Church
with your children at 7:00PM to participate in Holy Thursday Mass,
the remembrance of Jesus’ Last Supper. On Good Friday, the
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion will take place at 3:00PM.
Another Good Friday prayerful opportunity, Living Stations of the
Cross will begin at 8:00PM in our Church. There are many
occasions to attend Mass at the Easter vigil on Saturday night
(8:00PM) or on Easter Sunday as we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection
from the dead. We are gifted with new life, we sing Alleluia and
our hearts are raised in gratitude and praise for God’s great love
for each one of us.
On behalf of our parish priests, faculty, staff, and in my own name
I extend to you and your families prayer-filled wishes for a very Happy and Blessed Easter Season.
New & Time Sensitive Information
Easter vacation will begin at the end of school on Tuesday, April 12. The faculty will remember you and your intentions as
we gather for our annual retreat day on Wednesday, April 13. Classes will resume on Tuesday, 4/19.
There will not be a Newsletter Holy Week (4/14). Our weekly Newsletter will resume on Thursday, 4/21.
Lunch period change: Effective Tuesday, April 19, we will return to the pre-Covid lunch schedule - 12:20-1:00 PM.
Kindergarten through grade 4 will begin lunch at 12:15 PM and have recess from 12:40-1:00 PM. Grades 5 through 8
will have recess from 12:20-12:40 PM and then eat lunch. We welcome and are grateful for parent volunteers for your
help with the younger children.
Tickets are now available for purchase for SSJ's spring production of Shrek, Jr. The Musical, starring students in grades 4
to 8, April 22, 23, and 24. Click here for more information. The opening night show is already sold out, so be sure to get
your tickets early to guarantee your seats!
STAR Lessons - Mrs. Coulter has started to give problem-solving classroom presentations in grades K to 5. The main
components of this program are expressing feelings in a constructive manner using “I” statements and resolving conflicts
using the STAR method. “I” messages are often used with the intent to be assertive without putting the listener on the
defensive. They are also supposed to take ownership of one's feelings, rather than implying that they are caused by
another person. This is the format that is taught: I feel___________ when________ so please___________.
The STAR method of conflict resolution is a four step process:
1. Stop - Stop the action, take a deep breath and cool down.
2. Think - How am I feeling? What happened? What do I want?
3. Act - Choose a respectful action. Use an” I” message. Listen.
4. Review - Think about how the problem was solved. Was it helpful or do I need to try something else?
All are invited to a Girl Scout Earth Day Family Event on Saturday, April 23rd from 10 AM – 12 PM at East Goshen Park.
Click here for more information.
Malvern Prep Youth Football Summer Camp – https://championsportz.leagueapps.com
Time: 9 AM- 2:30 PM; Where: Malvern Prep School; When: June 20-23; Cost $275
Non-Contact Youth Instructional Football Camp hosted at Malvern Prep. Ages are 1st grade through 8th grade. Skills and
drills mixed in with fun and games. Please bring lunch daily. Each camper will receive a t-shirt on the final day of camp.
Middle School Skills/Drills Camp – https://championsportz.leagueapps.com
Time: 9 AM-12 PM; Where: Malvern Prep School; When: August 9, 10; Cost $115
Tuesday will heavily concentrate on offensive positions and Wednesday will heavily concentrate on defensive positions.
We will focus on fundamentals of each position beginning with proper stance and eye discipline, building to more
technical skills such as hand/foot placement, zone turns, proper tackle instruction, play action, ball security, high
pointing, etc. This will be designed as a primer for the upcoming football season. 8th graders will be evaluated for the
Pellegrini All Star Game in December.
Deadlines Approaching:
The SSJ School Board is happy to announce the expansion of our Little Explorers
Preschool. A third class will be added for the 2022-2023 school year. If you have a
younger sibling who is not registered to date, space is limited, so please submit an
application by Friday, April 8. Priority is given to siblings of current students and SSJ
parishioners who are registering their youngest child/ren for the first time.
Children must be 3 or 4 by September 1, 2022. All children must be potty trained.
CLICK HERE for program details and for a link to submit an application. If you have
questions, contact Jenn Appaneal at advancement@simonandjude.org.
Rice Bowls are due into school by Tuesday, April 12th. Last year, the total amount from our parish was $3,283.63, so
every coin counts. Thank you for your support of the missions.
Camilla Hall Lenten Toiletry Collection – Throughout Lent while practicing the Corporal Works of Mercy, Saints Simon
and Jude students are asked to donate toiletry items for the IHM Sisters at Camilla Hall. Please donate regular sized
items. The Sisters have difficultly handling the larger, heavier sizes. The drive will end on Tuesday, April 12th.
o Pre K and kindergarten: Shampoo and lip balm
o Grades 1 and 2: Toothpaste and denture tablets
o Grades 3 and 4: Mild body lotion and mild body wash
o Grades 5 and 6: Shampoo and deodorant / antiperspirants
o Grades 7 and 8: Mouthwash and mild body lotion
From SSJ’s Home & School Association
Thank you so much to Katy Smith, Jeanne Andronowitz and all the volunteers who made the SSJ Father Daughter
Sweetheart Dance a HUGE success! The committee worked hard to make the return of this event so incredibly
special. Everyone had an amazing time and we had a record number of attendees!
SSJ's Mother/Son Night will be held on 4/9 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Bowling Palace in Downingtown. Click here to view
all the details.
SSJ Summer Camps
There has been a great response for all our Explorers Summer Camps
and spots are filling up quickly! Please note that registration will remain
open through May 15th, but SPACE IS LIMITED, so early registration is
encouraged to guarantee your spot. The Explorers Summer Camps are
open for SSJ students and parishioners entering kindergarten and up.
Click here for more details and to register. SSJ will also offer a Science Explorers camp the week of August 1-5 for
students ages 6-11 and the theme will be “Take a Dive” where students will dive into the world of marine biology and
oceanography. Click here to register.
Vacation Bible Camp - We are looking forward to another great summertime event here at SSJ, June
20 thru June 24, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. We are going to Jerusalem to explore Jesus' walk as a
young boy. Volunteers are needed to make this a successful experience for all our parish children.
The First Planning Meeting is April 21 at 7:00 PM in the school cafeteria. Students entering Grade 7
may use this week as a Confirmation Work of Mercy/Service Project. Registration forms will be
available in the immediate future.
Tickets for Cornhole Tournament
NOW AVAILABLE!
Saints Simon and Jude School invites players & non-players
to the SSJ Cornhole Tournament!
When: Saturday, May 14, 2022
Where: School Parking Lot
Time: 4:00pm - 10:30pm (Check-in 4:00pm, 1st round 4:30pm)
Food
Cornhole Tournament
Raffle Baskets
Online Auction
Teacher Experiences
Beer
BYOB
Music
Non-Player Games
Funds raised will benefit the SSJ Annual Fund.
Tickets are on sale now! Space is limited! Max of 32 Cornhole Teams can compete!
Click here to purchase tickets.
Questions? Jen Doran jenniferdoran413@gmail.com
Your help is needed for the Cornhole Tournament. Please see below opportunities. Thank you!
Silent Auction Item Donations
Donate an item to our auction. Click here for more details.
Classroom Raffle Basket $ Donations
Click here to donate funds to help create your child's classroom basket for our silent auction.
Which grade will have the best basket?
From SSJ’s CYO
Registration for the 2nd Annual SSJ CYO Golf Outing is now open! Click here for information regarding registration,
sponsorship opportunities, and dinner. This 2nd Annual SSJ CYO Golf Outing to be held on Monday, June 6th, at Whitford
Country Club.
SAVE THE DATE! The SSJ CYO end of year sports banquet will be held on Saturday, June 4th. More details to follow.
Repeated Information
To find your report for tax purposes for either your CARES or PreK tuition please log into your FACTS account, click on
“View Details” on your home page then “View Payment Summary”. On that report you may select a date range or
calendar year. The report will print with our school name, address and Federal tax ID number. Any questions contact Mary
Kay Lack in the Rectory Office at mklack@simonandjude.org or 610-696-3624.
SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, May 15, 2022 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Priesthood (1982) for Fr. Michael J Gerlach
and Fr. Philip J. Lowe. Join us for the 11:30 AM Mass followed by light refreshments in The Meehan Center.
Spring is in the air and once again it is time for the annual Cub Scout Pack 168 vegetable, herb, and flower sale! Support
Pack 168 of SSJ and St. Max by purchasing your plants, between now and April 22, for pick-up on May 5, which is just in
time for Mother’s Day! These plants are from Wedgewood Nursery and are of great quality! Click here for a flyer for
details!
Hersheypark Discount Ticket Offer! Discount tickets to Hersheypark are available to the friends and families of the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia and SSJ Parish for significant savings.
Gate admission is regularly $77.80; our price is $39.95 (ALL ages 3+).
*ADD-ON discount Hersheypark Meal Tickets at a savings of up to 12% off retail prices - $13.99 each
*ADD-ON Snack Vouchers - $4.50 each
*ADD-ON Parking Pass - $20.00 pre-ordered or pay $25.00 onsite
Tickets purchased in 2022 are valid for any single day of operation throughout the 2022 calendar year, expiring on the
final day of operation, January 1, 2023. Order and payment (cash or check made payable to Saints Simon and Jude)
must be received in the school office no later than Friday, April 29, 2022. Late orders cannot be accepted. Tickets will be
distributed on or before the week of May 23, 2022. Click here for an order form.
The IHM Office of Mission Advancement invites mothers, daughters, sisters and friends to join them for tea, "Sippin' for
the Sisters", to benefit Camilla Hall, the retirement home of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
When: Sunday, May 1, 2022, 2:00 - 4:30PM Where: The Meehan Center, Saints Simon and Jude Parish
For more information and registration go to https://www.ihmimmaculata.org
Villa Maria Academy is hosting girls’ lacrosse training opportunities. Click below links for more details and to register.
Youth Lacrosse Clinic: April 23rd, Grades 4-8th
Girls Summer Camp: June 27th-30th, Grades 2nd-8th
If you have questions, contact Theresa Giunta at tgiunta@vmahs.org.
Prayer Requests
For Mr. Leo Stenson, father of Miss Stenson (room 12), who is ill. May Christ’s healing hand grant him comfort and a
complete recovery.
For Miss Dakota Graham (room 18 teacher) who is ill. May Christ’s healing hand grant her a complete and speedy
recovery.
For Mr. Michael Carroll, grandfather of Hailey (room 15) and Brynn Stanislawczyk (room 1), who is ill. May Christ’s healing
hand grant him a complete and speedy recovery.
For Louis Gentry, father of Sister Barbara Jude, who is ill. May Christ’s healing hand comfort him and restore him to good
health.
For Mr. John Long, brother of Sister Patricia Long, who is sick. May Christ’s healing hand comfort him and grant him a
complete recovery.
For Mrs. Lois McCuen, grandmother of Jimmy Colgan (room 17), who is ill and in the hospital. May Christ’s healing hand
grant her comfort and a quick recovery.
For Mr. Ronald Paiste, grandfather of James Dougherty’s (room 5), who had surgery on March 18. May God grant him a
complete recovery.
For the people of Ukraine that God will protect them and that there will be a peaceful resolution to the war.
For peace and the safety of all the people in the region of Tigray, especially the family of Mrs. Lwam Tesfay, mother of the
Daniel children, Mary (room 3), Biruh (room 11) and Paul (preK 4). May God protect Mrs. Tesfay’s family and keep them
safe.
For Mrs. Kim Wetten who is recovering from surgery. May Christ’s healing hand grant her a complete and speedy
recovery.
For Mrs. Nicole DiDomenico, mother of Tyler (room 15) and Nolan Leonhard (room 2), who is recovering from surgery.
May Christ’s healing hand comfort her and grant her a complete recovery.
We are happy to pray for the needs of our school family. If any family has a prayer request please send it to
srelinich@simonandjude.org.
Glimpse at the Days Ahead
4/8 Living Stations of the Cross, 7 PM, Church
4/9 Mother/Son Bowling Event, 6-8 PM, The Palace in Downingtown
4/11 Stations of the Cross (Grade 4 Leads), 2:15 PM, Church
4/12 Last Day for Rice Bowls & Camilla Hall Lenten Toiletry Collection
4/13 Faculty Retreat – NO SCHOOL for Students
4/14-4/18 Easter Holiday – NO SCHOOL
4/19 Classes Resume
4/20 May/June Pretzel Form E-mailed Home
4/21 Shrek, Jr. Show Preview (students only), 1 PM
4/22-4/24 Shrek, Jr. Performances
March Peacemakers
During the month of March, our peacemakers followed the example of Saint Katharine Drexel. Saint Katharine’s family was
very wealthy and they were known to have donated millions of dollars to help those in need. Her family also opened their
home and invited homeless people in several days of the week. When Katherine was older, she started a home for orphans. In
the year 1883, her step-mother Emma died of cancer. When this happened, she wanted to serve God with all that she had.
She worked with African Americans to help build schools and gave them food and clothing. Later in life, she became a Sister
of Mercy and was a missionary. She helped establish missions for Native Americans all over the United States. Our
peacemakers of the month strived to model teamwork throughout the school day with their classmates and all in the school
community just like St. Katharine Drexel did throughout her life. Congratulations to our peacemakers!
Rm K1 Hudson Phillip Rm K2 Luca Gerhart Rm 1 Stella Tobin Rm 11 Braeden Kirchner
Rm 2 Bobby DelVescovo Rm 12 Charlotte Corliss Rm 3 Colin McCarthy Rm 13 Caden Zimmerman
Rm 4 Liam Reid Rm 14 Evelyn Winkowski Rm 5 Finn Norton Rm 15 Crae McComas
Rm 6 Julianna Cianfrani Rm 16 Christian Reinecker Rm 7 Christian Farrell Rm 17 Alex Hannah
Rm 8 Lily Benek Rm 18 Brady Abate
Tea with Shrek and Friends
Living Stations of the Cross
Saints Simon and Jude middle school students presented Living Stations of the Cross for our school
and parish communities. Thank you to Mrs. Langdon, Mrs. Dryfoos, and Sister Barbara Jude for your
hard work and leadership.
Saints Simon and Jude School – 6 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA 19382 – 610.696.5249 – school.simonandjude.org
2017 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence – 2021 Archdiocese of Philadelphia School of Distinguished Instruction
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