PA Meeting – 11/15/24

Thank you to those who joined our November Parent Association meeting. We were fortunate to have Lauren Exnicios, Co-Chair of the 2025 St. John Auction, join our meeting and talk about all things Auction. See the summary of what was discussed during our meeting below.

 

Oktoberfest Endowment Event: We received positive feedback about the event and reached our fundraising goal. We will aim to repeat something similar next year. Thank you for all your help supporting the event and the Endowment!

 

Parent Education: November is a busy month in our ParentEd Talks series. As a reminder, we are offering these virtual events in partnership with ParentMap. Register for FREE for the next event or the whole series using promo code STJCATHSCH.

We are determining how best to bring conversation about the ParentEd Talks to our St. John community in a more personal way. Look out for more information about future facilitated talks with Principal Mansfield and Assistant Principal Kelley after the new year.

Raising Digital Natives: Solutions for Healthy Screen Time Habits, Delaney Ruston – November 19

Our next event will feature Delaney Ruston, M.D., creator of the Screenagers documentary series. Ruston will share valuable insights on navigating screen usage, fostering communication around negative experiences online, setting meaningful boundaries, and finding a balance between online and offline activities.

  • Tuesday, November 19, 7-8pm
  • Register for the event to watch it live or receive a link to the recording following the event.
  • Use promo code: STJCATHSCH

Level Up: Winning Strategies for Parents of Gamers, Dr. Alok Kanojia

On November 7, Dr. Kanojia shared his experience as a psychiatrist, lifelong gamer, recovered gaming addict, and cofounder of Healthy Gamer. He promoted a no-nonsense approach to navigating the nuances of gaming limits and lessons. Click here for highlights and the full video recording of the event.

 

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities:

  • Volunteer for Grand Day! We are still looking for people to bring sweet treats (no nuts, please) and help with setting up.
    • The event will take place on Wednesday, November 27 in Egan Hall for Intermediate students and their special friends and family. The schedule will be as follows:
      • 3rd Grade: 9-9:45am
      • 4th Grade: 10-10:45am
      • 5th Grade: 11-11:45am
    • Grand Day for Primary students will take place in the Spring.
  • Join the Spirit Day Planning Committee that will host Spirit Lunch as part of Catholic Schools Week on Friday, January 31. Email Parent_Association@st-johnschool.org to join.
  • Join the Spring Family Dance Committee that will plan a family dance event, tentatively scheduled for Friday, February 21. Email Parent_Association@st-johnschool.org to join.

 

2025 Auction: Save the date – Friday, April 4 – and get your best yacht rock outfits ready to Come Sail Away. The Auction is our largest fundraiser and a fun community event benefiting our operating fund. We hope to see you there! Check out this presentation for more information on the Auction, how to help and get involved, and what to expect with the changes to format this year. Email Lauren Exnicios at lmexnicios@st-johnschool.org with any questions.

 

School Updates from our Admin Team

  • Auction: We are excited for the new Auction format this year and are looking forward to seeing our community turn out in a big way in support of St. John.
    • The money raised at the Auction supports our operating fund and we need you to give!
    • We are also looking for more sponsors.
  • Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving Drive: The 6th grade is leading a food and hygiene drive this month. Bring accepted items to school by Tuesday, November 26. Thank you for your generosity!
  • Early Dismissal Dates: Look out for two early dismissals prior to holidays as we wrap up the year.
    • Wednesday, November 27 – Noon Dismissal, Dress uniform
    • Friday, December 20 – Noon Dismissal
  • School Picture Retakes: If your child missed Picture Day, or would like to have their photo retaken, school picture retakes will take place the morning of Tuesday, December 3.
  • Christmas Concerts: Please note there has been a change to the Intermediate Christmas Concert date. Christmas concerts will take place on the following days.
    • Wednesday, December 4 – Preschool AM & Preschool PM Christmas Concerts
    • Thursday, December 12 – Primary Christmas Concert
    • Thursday, December 19 – Band & Intermediate Christmas Concerts
    • Tuesday, December 24, Christmas Vigil Mass & Cantionis

 

PA Survey: Thank you to those who provided feedback on the Fall PA Survey. Generally, the feedback we received was positive. You are loving the PA events and finding meetings useful. We will do our best to incorporate constructive feedback into our work throughout the remainder of this school year and beyond.

 

Any Questions? Reach out to Parent_Association@st-johnschool.org.