eGazette - March 10, 2010

Principal's Piece

Lent Check-In

Occasionally, I receive requests to share my perspectives on specific topics that are currently affecting the lives of our parents, students or staff, either personally or within our faith family community. I am humbled by these requests and attempt to offer thoughts while open to all of the imperfections of my own humanness. I take my role as a spiritual leader of our children very seriously and seek to learn and grow in faith, along with them. This past week, I received a request to share my thoughts on gossip, a very human and dangerous dynamic that strikes us all in one way or another.

There is a powerful scene in the movie, "Doubt" where Father Flynn, portrayed by Academy Award winner Phillip Seymour Hoffman, delivers a commanding homily to his parishioners on the injurious nature of gossip. He speaks of a woman, guilt-ridden on how she's shared untrue information about a person. Her Priest, confirming that gossip is a sin, assigns her an unusual task: "Take a feather pillow to the roof of your apartment. Cut the pillow open and return to me." She did and returned to her Priest who asked what happened. She replied that feathers had flown everywhere. The Priest instructed her, "I want you to go out and gather up every last feather that flew out into the wind." The woman panicked, "It can't be done! I don't know where they went! The winds took them all over." The Priest proclaimed, "And THAT...is gossip"

The scriptures remind us no to "bear false witness against our neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). Have I spoken unkindly about someone? Have I shared information that may or may not be true about a situation or a person that may or may not involve me? Have I stood by and watch others do this?

Seemingly simplistic, yet loaded with wisdom, consider these quotes about gossip:

- What you don't see with your eyes, don't witness with your mouth. ~Jewish Proverb

- Do not repeat anything you will not sign your name to. ~Author Unknown

- It isn't what they say about you, it's what they whisper. ~Errol Flynn

- Those who gossip to you, will gossip about you. ~Spanish Proverb

- Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip. ~Will Rogers

Unfortunately, even our own school and parish community, a human family, has suffered from time to time due to gossip. In most cases, it is not intentional, but rather happens as a result of not knowing facts and possessing an unwillingness to search for the truth or disregard the rumors because they are not based in creditability. For our children, this is important because we strive to teach them how to search for truth, authoritative sources, and think critically when processing information. For us as adults, it comes down to the importance of modeling appropriate behavior. Our children in so many ways learn from what we do and what we say as opposed what we tell them to understand.

Of more substance is to consider what gossip does to our relationship with God. During Lent, we are called to identify and address any action, behavior or thoughts which push us away from God. Thankfully, we are embraced by God who is all loving and forgiving. For us, that means being willing to ask for that forgiveness. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School offers a communal experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent. On Tuesday, March 23rd, our 3rd through 8th grade students will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at school. On Tuesday evening, March 16th, our parish community is invited to receive this Sacrament. The Sacrament of Reconciliation offers us means to confidentially deal with that that drags us down; to receive forgiveness, freedom, strength and an opportunity to grown closer to God. Farther Gordon articulated this beautifully when he described this Sacrament during his homily last Sunday and offered us a personal invitation to becoming closer with God. While we cannot stuff the feathers back into the pillow once the wind has carried them away, we can take steps to assure that we do not cut into pillows from our rooftops in the future even when it becomes tempting to do so.

I offer my continued prayers to you and ask for yours during this sacred Lenten season.

In Peace,
Nancy Jordan
Principal

The Academic Decathlon Dioceses competition was held Saturday, March 6 at Ursuline High School in Santa Rosa. Our 6th, 7th and 8th grade Academic Decathlon students have been working together since September to prepare in the areas of Logic, Super Quiz and Individual Exams. Team Members competed in the following subjects:

Brandon L.: Mathematics
Ryley D.: Literature
Marisa B.: English
Justin M.: Industrial Revolution
Manet Y.: Current Events
ShannonM.: Religion
Meghan M.: Fine Arts and Music
Caroline S.: Science
Kristina R.: Super Quiz Specialist
Rachel B.: Super Quiz Specialist
Elizabeth S.: Alternate
Adaira G.: Alternate
Ryan V.: Alternate
Conner D.: Alternate
Claudine B.: Alternate

St. John the Baptist Catholic School placed Second in Logic and Third in the overall competition! Individual awards were achieved by Brandon, First Place in Mathematics; Manet, Second in Current Events; and Shannon, Second Place in Religion. The team and alternates demonstrated outstanding teamwork led by Academic Decathlon Coaches Ms. Lee and Mrs. Berube, and parent assistants Mrs. McClure and Mrs. Vlaming. Congratulations to the entire team for working together to represent St. John the Baptist Catholic School!

Thank you to those who have completed registration for the 2010/2011 school year.

We would appreciate parents who have not yet registered to do so right away. A few of our grades have waiting lists for openings, so we need to confirm returning students.

Please contact Stephanie Saunders at 224-8388 x101 or ssaunders@stjohnscatholic.org if you have any questions.

Thank you

See attached.
Lent__Holy_Week_Events_2010.pdf

We will be doing graphic black and white compositions in ink this month in Art Camp. Please join us March 24th from 12:30 to 2:30. Pre-registration is required.

Class cost is $20.

Grades 1-8 welcome.

Please email Sandra@csmdesign.com to sign up.

Spring Pictures are schedule to be taken on Friday, March 26th. This is a FREE DRESS day.

Send no money now. View your portraits before you buy. Your finished portrait package will be sent home for your review. Simply return any un-used portrait sheets wih your payment.

All students will be photographed. Please notify your student's teacher if you do not want an individual portrait taken of your child.

The 4th grade is sponsoring a Used Book Sale on March 24th from 12-1:30 in the school parking lot. Proceeds will go to earthquake victims in Chile and Haiti. Spring is here! Time to clean out your child's bookshelves and donate outgrown, gently used books to the 4th grade. Then, come to the sale on March 24 to fill up the shelves again! For questions, please contact sberube@stjohnscatholic.org

SUNDAY MAY 16, 2010 AT JUSTIN-SIENA HIGH SCHOOL

Please see the attached forms for student registration and parent volunteers.

- Forms and fees are due in one week - Wednesday, March 17th in the School Office.

- First practice will be Friday, March 19th at St. John's Lutheran School: 3521 Linda Vista Avenue, Napa

- To make sure you are on the track email list, please email Paula Vlaming.

- SAVE the DATE: May 7th at 7pm - an evening track meet is being organized to take place at Justin-Siena High School.

Thank you to all who are signing up to help with Track & Field. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Paula Vlaming, 707-363-1046 or paula@focus501.com, for more information.
2010_CSL_Track_Info_Reg.pdf

Do you use Facebook? Myspace? Twitter? or YouTube?
Do you use a digital camera, cellphone, webcamera, or do you text message?

St. John the Baptist Catholic School invites you to attend a digital technology event -

Attending this event will make you part of the rapidly growing number of "2.1Certified" individuals guaranteed to receive the information necessary to understand how to proactively avoid making a life altering mistake with any form of current or future digital technology.

Event presenter, Richard Guerry, warns that your activity with any digital device is Public and Permanent. Poor digital judgement often leads to immediate, life altering and irreversible consequences. You are responsible for all of your actions when using digital technology.

Event Information:

For: All Community Members (Adults Only - students in grades 5-8 will be given an age appropriate presentation on Tuesday, 4/13, in their classroom.)

When: Monday, April 12, 2010

Where: Justin-Siena High School

Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm

See flyer attached.
IROC2_CONCERT_POSTER_St__John_Baptist_Catholic_School_Community.pdf

Plans are underway for an exciting evening to celebrate the achievements and ongoing efforts of the many St. John the Baptist Catholic School students who are developing talents in the fine arts. The event will take place on Friday, April 30, 2010 in St. John's Hall from 6-9pm and will consist of an exhibit of visual arts, a reception and a 60 - 90 minute program of polished recital pieces.

We request that student performances be limited to 3 minutes in length. Musical performances may be instrumental (piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, flute, etc.) or vocal. It would be wonderful if students worked together to prepare ensemble performances (duets, trios, quartets). We request that all dancers work together and choreograph group performances of 3 or more dancers. Family members and/or music teachers are welcome to accompany their student(s) in their performance when appropriate.

In addition, Mrs. Jordan will direct a vocal ensemble for interested students. Please note that these will require rehearsal outside of the school day.

Visual art displays might include, but are not limited to, drawings, paintings, photography, ceramics, textile work (sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet, weaving, etc.), sculpting, carving, etc.

You must submit the "Intent to Participate" to the school office by
Monday, March 15, 2010, in order to be included in the performance.
Inclusion of late applicants will be at the discretion of the organizing committee.

We also would love to hear from any parents who are interested in volunteering. This is a great way to support and honor our students’ hard work.

If you have any further questions about the event please contact us.

Mrs. Jordan, Principal
Sabine Hirsohn, Parent Volunteer
Debbie Zeller, Parent Volunteer

We look forward to a wonderful evening celebrating the fine arts
and the awesome students of St. John The Baptist Catholic School!

Si usted tiene pregutas o necesita ayuda en Espanol por favor de llamar Gloria o Dulce a la rectoria (226-9379).

2010_Fine_Arts_Intent_to_Participate.pdf

See attached.
School_Council_Meeting_Agenda_3_10_10.pdf

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!! WE HAVE A WINNER FOR FEBRUARY BOXTOPS:
The class with the most box tops was FIFTH GRADE!!! WITH 103 BOXTOPS.
WAY TO GO FIFTH GRADE!!

A couple of announcements: There are new products that carry boxtops now. They are:
Baking
Betty Crocker Cake Mix

Beverages
Nestle Juicy Juice Sparkling Fruit Juice (4-pack)
Nestle Juicy Juice Bottles (6-pack)

Cereal
Chocolate Cheerios Cereal
Wheaties Fuel Cereal

Meals & Sides
Progresso Soup Cans:
-Chicken Noodle Soup
-Northeast Clam Chowder
-Hearty Chicken Rotini
-Rich & Hearty Chicken & Homestyle Noodles
-Rich & Hearty Beef Pot Roast
-Rich & Hearty Chicken Corn Chowder

School & Office Supplies
Avery Label Pads
Avery NoteTabs
Avery PocketTabs
Avery Protect & Store Binders

Refrigerated & Dairy
Yoplait Simply...Go-GURT Yogurt

Websites that help our school with box tops are:
www.thebigclip.com
www.boxtops4education.com
Both of these sites either have contests for extra box tops, recipes, and links to shopping online which will benefit our school.

Your Box-Top Coordinators,
Lee Tatsuguchi
Rebecca Griffin

Brother Richard Moratto will be offering evening classes in English-one on Scripture and one on the History of the Roman Catholic Church. Brother Richard is a Christian Brother, outstanding teacher, terrific presenter and spiritual director. For an update in faith and spirituality, for anyone interested in learning about God's great love for us.

In light of Lent the Topic will be "The Ten Commandments Plus One" = a presentation and discussion on the current issues relative to the Commandments. Classes take place every Monday 7-8PM beginning March 8, in the Narthex (front gathering room in the church) - Come as you are - there will hand-outs and a lively discussion.

The scholarship and academic programs of Justin-Siena High School will be the beneficiaries of the "Starry Night Gala," slated to be held at the historic Carriage House of Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena on Saturday, March 27th, 2010.

Whether one's wishes are routinely granted with entreaties to Ursa Major or Cassiopeia in the night sky above, attendees can ensure that the wish for a memorable evening comes true at the "Starry Night Gala!" Stellar elements of this year's Gala include: a 5 p.m. celebration V.I.P. gathering before the event in honor of star football coach, Rich Cotruvo who was selected as 2009 North Coast Section Honor Coach of the Year; dinner prepared by television luminary, Executive Chef James Aptakin, Food Network Challenge Champion; a glowing preview selection by Justin-Siena theatre students of their spring production of The Music Man; and an exciting car raffle drawing for the glittering 2010 Chevy Malibu provided by Napa's Jimmy Vasser to cap off the evening at 10 p.m.

The auction lots are just as radiant this year, with a range of vacation trips, collectible wines, home improvement packages, delectable gourmet dinners and extraordinary events. Included in the constellation of Live Auction items are: use of a private villa in Portugal to spend an idyllic two-week stay north of Porto exploring Old World port vineyards of the Douro region; a NASCAR adventure for four at Infineon Raceway with passes to Pit Row; a one hundred-year-old heritage olive tree to create an instant Tuscan landscape; a commissioned child's portrait hand-painted by celebrated portraitist and Justin-Siena alumna, Sandra Cassayre Moore; a set of three 5.0 liter jerobaums of Vin Perdu ('05, '06, '07) by winemaker and Justin-Siena alumna, Heidi Barrett; and dinner for eight at Nickel & Nickel winery's beautifully restored Sullenger Family Home, hosted by winery Chairman, Dirk Hampson, Justin-Siena President Robert Jordan, and their wives. These are but a few of the "superstars" assembled to entice bidders with their limitless potential!

Auctioneer Steve Turner will be presiding, having worked with Butterfields, one of the nation's largest and most prestigious auction houses. At Butterfields, he created a monthly seminar series on art, antiques and collecting, and was a frequent speaker for the company. For three seasons, Turner appeared regularly on "Appraise It," the national cable television show on HGTV, which then went to syndication. He has also been a frequent guest appraiser on the Channel 4 network "Morning News" show in San Francisco on KRON. Turner was a guest appraiser in San Francisco for the noted PBS television program, "Antiques Roadshow." He is also a frequent guest speaker on collecting art and antiques at San Francisco's Commonwealth Club, the Harvard Club, Learning Annex, and numerous appraisal fairs and professional and social organizations in the Bay Area.

Tickets for the "Starry Night Gala" Auction and Dinner are $100 per person, or $150 V.I.P. which includes the pre-event party honoring Coach Rich Cotruvo. Tickets for the Cotruvo pre-event gathering only are $50 per person. Chevy Malibu car raffle tickets are $20 per ticket. Reservations can be made on-line at www.justin-siena.org, and click on the link to "Starry Night Gala." Reservations can also be made by phone by calling (707)255-0950 ext. 606.

Justin-Siena is the only Catholic college preparatory high school in Napa County serving students from Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties. It is part of the worldwide network of schools sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. The school is located at 4026 Maher Street, Napa, California 94558.

©St Johns the Baptist Catholic School - 983 Napa St. Napa, CA 94559
(707) 224-8388 - www.stjohnscatholic.org
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