ST. JOHN LALANDE NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 20, 2014 UPCOMING EVENTS February 24, Monday Open Registration for 2014-15 begins February 26, Wednesday H&SA Meeting, 6:30 February 28, Friday 5 th Grade Vocations Day Mardi Gras set up day March 1, Saturday Mardi Gras March 3, Monday Sign up for Awesome Race March 3-7, Mon-Fri. ITBS Testing March 4, Tuesday School Board Meeting, 7pm March 5, Wednesday Ash Wednesday All School Mass Awesome Race begins March 6, Thursday No school Mass March 7, Friday Spirit Day 50 Popcorn Day March 8, Saturday POPS Choir at Competition in Liberty March 11, Tuesday Lenten reconciliation service, 7pm Randy Nadler Presentation (rescheduled) March 13, Thursday NOON DISMISSAL End of 3 rd Quarter Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences Report Cards Kids Club open Cinnamon Roll Day March 14, Friday NO SCHOOL/NO KIDS CLUB Staff Ministry Formation Day March 15-16, Sat./Sun Mass Greeters: 3 rd Grade March 17-21 SPRING BREAK NO SCHOOL/NO KIDS CLUB March 24, Monday Classes resume 1
BIOGRAPHY OF THE WEEK Jennie Gaffney, 3 rd Grade Mrs. Gaffney has been teaching at St. John LaLande since 2002; she took a four year hiatus to stay home with her young children from 2007 2010. She currently teaches 3 rd grade. She has taught middle school English and writing and 3 rd grade. Mrs. Gaffney holds a Bachelor s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Mrs. Gaffney is married and has three children who attend St. John LaLande School and are actively involved in many SJL extracurricular activities. Mrs. Gaffney teaches at St. John LaLande because she believes God has called her to teach children; she began her career teaching children and will end her career teaching children. Mrs. Gaffney is well aware of what a gift it is to teach at a school with such caring families and wonderful children; she feels blessed to work at her dream job each and every day. Mrs. Gaffney enjoys reading and running in her spare time. STUDENT REFLECTIONS Because my parents send me to St. John s, I know they want me to be holy. Connor D. 2 nd grade I think people should know that at St. John s there are small class sizes so everyone gets attention. Sarah B. 4 th grade I believe my relationship with Jesus is better because I go to St. John s. I can put his teachings into action. We serve others by doing service projects. I get to receive Him at Mass every Thursday, and I learn more about Him in Religion class. Adrian S. 6 th grade 2
BROWN ENVELOPES COMING HOME TODAY WITH REGISTRATION FORMS AND INFORMATION CONCERNING 2014-2015 REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL AID. CATHOLIC SCHOOL WEEK During Catholic School Week, our students participated in a service project for the Sisters of Saint Francis, collecting money for their mission project. We had almost 100% participation. Our students are the best; they give from their hearts (and their piggy banks.). Thank you. FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE THANK YOU to everyone who helped make the SJL 2014 Father Daughter Dance a success. Moms thank you for getting your daughters ready, Dads thanks for participating, a HUGE THANKS to the dads that quickly rolled up their sleeves and helped clean up, and the SJL Athletic Association for their donations. The event could not have been possible without the creative minds, the amazing energy, and the generous women in the Home & School Association. I think St John's has just started a new tradition. 3
H&SA Ladies, during our next meeting, in addition to going over our agenda we would like to say THANK YOU for all your hard work and energy you give to the H&SA events. As always this meeting is open to everyone so please feel free to invite someone new or someone that has not been to a meeting in awhile. See the details below... Who: HSA Parents (Adults only) What: HSA Meeting/Thank You Party When: Wed, Feb 26th @ 6:30 Where: School Cafeteria Why: Go over upcoming school events and say thank you for all your hard work. Meet your new H&SA board. RSVP - sjlhsa@gmail.com Notes: We will be serving pizza and everyone is to bring a drink to share or have for themselves. Many Blessings, Trish Totta President MARDI GRAS Mardi Gras is the fundraising event undertaken by the 8 th grade class. Monies raised are used for graduation expenses. The 8 th Grade Class is requesting 2-liter bottles of soda and bags of individually wrapped candy for Mardi Gras. Please leave any donations for the Mardi Gras in the school office. HEALTH AND NUTRITION The February Health and Nutrition Newsletter is attached. Ask your child what they ve learned about good fats and bad fats at school. Next time you come to lunch be sure to notice the great information our cafeteria staff is sharing about school lunch nutrition every week! DISCOVER THE RICHES OF THE MASS Our parish will be running a fascinating 5-part service on the Mass, entitled A Biblical Walk Through the Mass. In this study, you will come to know and understand the Mass like never before. The series will be on Saturday evenings, March 15 through April 12. See attached flyer for details. SJL ALUM IN THE NEWS St. John LaLande graduates of the class of 2010 were well represented at Rockhurst University's Competitive Scholars Day. High School Seniors Stephanie Best, Sam Bryant, Corbett McKinney and Rachel Mead were recognized for their outstanding high school achievement and are competing for full ride scholarships at Rockhurst University. The Archbishop O'Hara High School Court Warming King and Queen are SJLL Alumni Corbett McKinney and Arielle Alaiwat! It was a wonderful, fun night and great that SLJ Alumni were honored together. 4
"Son of God" Join fellow parishioners as we see the motion picture that follows the life of Jesus. Blue Springs 8 Theater will hold a special showing of "Son of God" for St. John LaLande on Sunday 3/2/2014 at 4:30pm. By purchasing your advance ticket you will receive an admission, small popcorn and small drink for just $10.00. This savings is courtesy of Blue Springs 8 Theater who continue to support St. John LaLande Catholic Church and School with commitments and donations like these. These advance purchase tickets will be available after all weekend masses from now until 3/2/2014. We look forward to joining together as a Christian Community to view this film and look forward to seeing you there. Please visit www.sonofgodmovie.com to see the official movie trailer. ARCHBISHOP O'HARA HIGH SCHOOL AUCTION AND DINNER Archbishop O'Hara High School is holding its 8th Annual Evening of Celtic Pride Dinner & Auction on Saturday, March 1st, 2014, honoring our Founding Religious Orders: The Brothers of the Christian Schools & Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tickets are $50 each, if purchased in advance, and $60 each at the door. Proceeds from the auction help to support the Catholic Education of our students. The evening begins at 5:30 PM with Check-in, Silent Auctions and Raffle Sales. A New Orleans themed dinner is served at 6 PM and is being provided by Cosentino's Catering. The live auction, featuring trips, various sporting packages, golf packages, dinners, etc... will begin at 8:30 PM. We hope to see you there! For questions, please contact the Laurie Taylor at 816-763-4800 or ltaylor@oharahs.org. WINE TOUR We would like to invite you to join us for a wine tour at Arcadian Moon Vineyards & Winery in Higginsville on Sunday, March 30, 2014 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. This was an item that was at the 2013 Holiday auction. We have 14 seats still available. We are taking the next 14 people at a cost of $40 per person. The bus will leave St. John's parking lot at 11 a.m. A light lunch will be provided by Little Italy. Please email Jill Pace at kjpace@sbcglobal.net to confirm your seat by February 21! 5
BIOGRAP HY OF THE MONTH SJL Middle School News February 20, 2014 Mardi Gras Mardi Gras is rapidly approaching, and this year s theme is smart phone apps. The event will take place in the school gym on March 1 and will have something fun for all ages including, including food, games, a raffle, and prizes. Thank you to all the eighth grade students and parents for their hard work. Progress Reports 3 rd quarter is flying by. Progress reports were sent home last Thursday, February 13. Please be sure to sign them and return them to your child s homeroom teacher. ITBS Testing ITBS testing will be held the week of March 3-7. Please make sure to mark your calendars and plan on having your students eat and sleep well so that they can show just how smart they truly are! 6