Saint James School is collecting new, unwrapped toys for local families in need of a little extra help this Christmas.  Toys will be collected through December 18th and will be donated locally.

Fifth grade students recently read the historical fiction book “The Sign of the Beaver” about a 12-year-old boy befriended by Native American Indians in Maine in 1768.  At the conclusion of the book, students made Native American headbands, painted their faces, and enjoyed a “traditional” feast.  During the feast, which began with a special prayer, students discussed lessons from the book including how the Penobscot Indians were a peaceful and thankful tribe who let nothing go to waste.  Students also enjoyed some traditional Native American games. Below are some pictures from the celebration (click to enlarge).

 

 

As a clarification on yesterday’s e-mail – all Intermediate Band Members, in all instruments, are invited to play.  Additional support is requested from Advance Band members in the following instruments: flute, clarinet, tenor sax, and persuasion.

One of our band parents, Mark Flores, is forming a Pep Band to play during the Saint James Varsity Basketball game this Saturday (12/19) at 2:30pm.  He will be holding two practices: Today (12/16) and Thursday (12/17) from 3:30pm to 4:30pm on the gym stage. This is completely optional for Intermediate band students (all instruments).  Also optional for any Advanced Band students that play Flute, Clarinet, Percussion, or Tenor Sax who would like to join. Please arrive with your instrument and all band songs learned/played this year. Additional music will be handed out and practiced. Contact Mark Flores (markeflores@hotmail.com) if you have any questions.

The Christmas Store returns to the Saint James School Gym tomorrow (Wednesday, December 9th) for one day only.  The store will be open during school hours.  Children will visit the store with their classes and will be able to purchase low cost gifts for those on their Christmas lists.  Gifts will be available for parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, pets, and more.  Please remember to send your child with cash on December 9th if you would like them to make purchases at the Christmas Store.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Christine Pesola-Strickland at christinepesola@hotmail.com or 914-582-7869.

This past weekend, Saint James School 6th graders (and some 7th graders) entered the beautiful Polish Nativity Castles (“Szopka”) they have been working on for their religion studies into a contest sponsored by the Polish Cultural Club in Hartford.  Students, with much guidance from middle school teacher Ms. Oleasz, put a lot of time and effort into making these beautiful palaces depicting the Holy Family and Baby Jesus.

We are excited to announce that Saint James students won first, second, and third place as well as six honorable mentions!  Congratulations to all the students on their beautiful creations and many thanks to Ms. Oleasz for her time and dedication to this project.

Please be sure to visit the St. James Church hall following all masses this weekend to view these beautiful creations. The winners are as follows:

1st Place:  7th graders Angela Gerard & Hannah Trybulski

 

 

 

 

 

 

2nd Place:  6th graders Rachel Donnelly & Alexis Jablonecki

Tie for 3rd Place:  6th graders Peyton Carpenter & Conor Bernier;  Michael Reilly & Thomas Melia

Honorable Mentions went to: Kevin Zaluda;  Nick Guenther, Matt Bulger & AJ Bushnell;  Ajay Ganesh & Sam Famiglietti;  Catharine Marek & Emma St. Jean; Lillian Bluestein;  Soraya Chanterelle & Alice Tyszka.

Below are additional pictures of SJS students with their castles (click to view whole image)