Back to School Night. It was like The First Day of School 2.0. The halls buzzed with activity, though this time it was with the sounds of parents deciphering schedules, looking for Room 308, trying to unlock lockers, and negotiating the hot and cold food cafes. The main thrust of the evening was to light the spirit of collaboration: a must in any 21st century school. And while student collaboration and the use of new technologies, the installment of a Freshman orientation coordinator and a Library media center director, are all key ingredients, Principal Mayo reminded the assembly that success of any student depends first and foremost on the collaboration and engagement of parents. Find us on: Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire. --Yeats SEPTEMBER the week ahead: 25 Freshman Student Council Speeches 26 Teaching & Learning Professional Development NO SCHOOL Student Ambassador Training 29 Freshman Trip Departs 30 Freshman Trip Returns www.sjcadets.org This Week at St Joseph High School Privilege & Responsibility September 16 - 22 Sports Wrap Up. It was a week for firsts. Boys Cross Country beat stiff competitor Ridgefield for the first time ever at their quad meet. Varsity football showed Wilton a fierceness on the field that took the Wreckers by surprise, in our first home game of the season. The boys prevailed with a 34-0 Victory, the first ever over Wilton on Dalling Field. And if not firsts, then at least a celebration of continued success is due to Girls Varsity Volleyball, racking up another win this week over Central. Follow us on: From My Window-- Bill Fitzgerald, PhD From Faith, For Faith. “To Teach as Jesus Did” is the mission of all Catholic schoolteachers. That is what separates, elevates, Catholic schools from every other. But to grasp the difference, grasp St Francis’ teaching: preach the gospel…use words if necessary. You need to sit in a classroom and witness Catholic schoolteachers at work. Back to School Night was a great chance to do that, and the packed house Thursday evening suggested many were “caught” by the faith of our teachers. Catholic schoolteachers demonstrate the values that undergird our faith. They teach from faith, for faith. More than a task, it is a mission. More than a trade, it is a way of life. They live a way of life that values life. One study identified the reason for the academic success of Catholic schools is the authenticity of our teachers. It is who they are, as much as what they know. It is also true that their work is an extension of the family and parish, all of us engaged in shaping responsible, moral, and faithful young men and women. Watching the parents scurry between classrooms, the teachers busily explaining their goals and methods, and Fr Mike directing traffic in the halls--I kept thinking how blessed we are. Counselors Corner. Did you know? UCONN has been named one of the Top 20 Public Universities and applications are up 131% for the Storrs Campus. Fairfield University was named #2 in the Best Regional University North in the “Best Colleges 2013”. This is the second consecutive year Fairfield University has achieved the #2 position in the “Best Colleges” national ranking. Be sure check page two of TWSJ every week for the listing of colleges and universities that will be visiting St Joe’s in the week to come. College Readiness Evening for Parents. The Guidance department is actively engaged in seeing each child gain entry to the school of his or choice. The way they are going about it is to engage the parents, as well as the teachers and the colleges in encouraging awareness and action. New Director of Counselling, Karrie Sullivan, has extensive experience in the college admissions office as well as college counselling. She worked admissions at Curry College, a school that has made a major impact on college life in Massachusetts, and Quinsigamond Community, where she shepherded the two-year students onto four year schools. She is joined by two new counselors, Ann Branca and Kristina Vaios, both of whom have demonstrated a professional background in high school guidance programs. Monday evening, joined by our senior counselors, Mrs Baird and Mr Nogueira, the department hosted Senior Parent Night where Mrs Sullivan, Ms Branca, Ms Vaios, Mrs Baird, and Mr Nogueira all spoke about the college application process, the importance of recommendations, essays, the Early Action and Decision distinctions and requirements, how to apply for financial aid, schedule for scholarships,the NCAA clearing house for athletes, and the importance of staying in touch with the entire process through the Naviance Family Connection, a program available to all parents. Their final words were: stay in touch, call with your questions, work with your child. The college search process is a family event. Are you involved? St Joseph High School’s prowess in athletics and our dedication to service in the community are no secrets. As we hit the third week of school though, our extra curriculars are up and running in full stride. Already in gear are the Italian Club, Math Club, Guitar Club and even the Ukulele Club. We’ve had the pleasure of hearing the choir and campus ministry perform at our opening liturgy. The fall play will soon be underway as well. St Joseph High School is a community of diverse interests: make sure to take the time to engage yours. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. With over 40 clubs, you have a wealth of choices. Visit www.sjcadets.org/clubs for an overview. Vocations. St John Fisher Seminary will host two High School Discernment Nights for young men, to learn to discern God’s voice. It’s a chance for young men to discover and explore God’s will for their lives. The first night will be on the 9th of October, and an alternate night on December 4. For more information, please contact Father Sam Kachuba, via e-mail: [email protected]