The weather cooperated with us this year.  We were able to get in all the events that were planned for the week.  The students had a great time taking part in the “sock-hop”, the “scavenger hunt”, and all of the other special events.  Thanks to everyone for making this possible.

Luncheon

Once again the “Apple Team” provided a delicious luncheon for the school staff, the daycare staff and also the rectory staff.  We can’t thank this group enough for all the delicious food they provide throughout the year.  Thanks to these mom’s for bringing in a dish for the luncheon:  Joann Okoniewski, chairperson, Amy Rumschlag, Ann Marie Smith, Sharolyn Faurote, Dee Coyne, MaryBeth Irwin, Lisa Gable, Teresa Schell, Stacey Hammond, Tracy Noetzel, Chastity Binegar, Michelle Laughlin, Dena Loshe, Jennifer Bleke, Jennifer Brown, Jennifer Voglewede, Mary Kobs and Janel Lengerich.  Thank you to E.F. Gass Salon for donating the candle.  

Breakfast

If you didn’t make it to the “Pancake & Sausage Breakfast” on Sunday, you sure missed some good food.  The 8th grade parents and students did a great job.  It is always exciting to see all the St. Mary’s parishioners and members of the Decatur Community visiting our school.

Special Thank You

The parents and students of the 8th grade class would like to thank Rex & Bea Brewer for heading the Pancake & Sausage Breakfast.  They saw all the time and effort that Rex & Bea put into making the breakfast a success for all of them.  Thanks Brewers!

Teachers & Staff

If it wasn’t for our wonderful staff, all the events throughout CSW wouldn’t happen.  I would like to thank them for all the extra time they spent during the week to make it a special one for the students.  

This week, I would like to highlight our “Distinguished Graduate” recipient, Father Stephen Colchin.  Father graduated from Decatur Catholic High School in 1965.  Some of his fondest memories of Decatur Catholic were attending Sunday Mass in the school auditorium, and making his 1st Holy Communion and Confirmation the same day in the new Church.  Father Steve lived in Decatur until his early college years when he then entered the USAF.  He finished college at West Lafayette and worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers 4½ years.  He went to St. Meinrad Seminary four years and was ordained in our Diocese in June 1984.  Father’s first thoughts of becoming a priest were in the 7th grade.  The idea was put on hold for a number of years and with much discernment, many opportunities at college, 4 years of USAF as a radar operator, and working as an engineer, in Louisville, KY.  At age 33 he decided to check out his dreams of the past and he began studies for the priesthood.  Father is presently pastor at St. Rose, Monroeville as well as St. Louis Besancon.

Father Steve is the 2nd son of Mark & Hillis Colchin.  He has four brothers (Mark, Michael, Fredrich & Paul) and one sister (Rose Marie Schnepp).  All the Colchin children attended St. Joseph School for 8 years and DCHS through 1967.  After DCHS closed its doors, the remaining Colchin children attended Bishop Luers High School.  Father’s dad passed away in July 1982.  His mother celebrated her 90th birthday last October and currently lives across from our church. 

Our 5th grade students are currently reading a book titled “Journey to the Homeland”.  They will be visiting Southeast Elementary School on February 12th to meet the author, 18 year-old Hannah Stahlhut, from Danville, IN.  Miss Stahlhut will explain how she came to write her book and will discuss with them how they too can become authors.  Thank you to the Psi Iota Xi Sorority for making this experience possible for our 5th graders.

Friday, February 5, 2010

We have amended the Friday dress code on February 5th. “Go Team” Wear your Superbowl colors. Support your favorite team!

Monday, February 15, 2010

St. Joe will attend school on Monday, February 15th.  This is a make-up day for the missed day on Friday, January 22nd.

Dress Code Committee – 6:30pm in the school Meeting Room

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Plan to stop by the new gym at 1:00pm to get autographs and pictures of the Notre Dame players.

Friday, February 19, 2010

St. Joe does not have school.  Teachers attend Diocesan ICF in Fort Wayne.

Thursday, March 11, 2010 12:15pm - Dismissal

Students will be dismissed after lunch on the above date! Teachers will attend a diocesan convocation in Fort Wayne.

Lunch will be served! Students will need transportation home.

Friday, April 16, 2010

St. Joe Carnival

Friday, April 23, 2010

HASA Dinner Dance - Join the fun – details are coming soon!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Spring Program – 2:00pm, SJS Auditorium

8th Grade

Students are working on individual projects for music and art. The projects are due the week of February 8th during their music/choir and art classes.

3rd Grade

Students are beginning to work with STOMP rhythms, using clean, non-breakable items. We can always use MORE STUFF. Anything that makes noise is wonderful; keys on a ring, spoons, pots and pans, bolts in a bottle, etc. are great items, as well as anything else YOU can think of. We can always use drum sticks and chop sticks too!

Our Spring Program is Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 2:00pm in the auditorium. Choir members, please plan ahead!

Mad Ants vs. Sioux Falls Skyforce
Sunday, March 14th
Tip Off: 5:00pm – Memorial Coliseum

SHOW YOUR SCHOOL PRIDE

• The school with the most participation will have a special appearance by Mad Ants players. SUPPORT YOUR SCHOOL
• $3 of every ticket will go back to the school

ACT FAST

• Save $2 on each ticket by purchasing through your school ($10 value) SPECIAL RECOGNITION
• Each school will receive special recognition at the Mad Ants game.

You may request an order form for tickets through our school office. All orders are sent in by individual families to the name and address on the order form. They are not processed through our office.