St. James School News
December 2016
20 South Gordon Street
Gouverneur, NY 13642
Phone: 315-287-0130
Fax: 315-287-0606
Principal: Mrs. C. Cummings
Parish Priest: Father Shane Lynch
Parish Deacon: Mr. Henry Leader
www.stjamesk-6.org
In Bethlehem is born our God: Jesus Christ!
There is no room at the inn: He is born in a
stable. His Mother wraps Him in swaddling
clothes and lays Him in a manger.
The Nativity - Third Joyful Mystery
A Message from Mrs. Cummings:
Hurry he’s coming, hurry he’s coming, hurry he’s coming!
This can be a very hectic time of year, but often for the wrong reasons. We are busy getting our lights hung,
decorating our tree, making cookies, buying gifts…frankly getting stressed out over “Christmas traditions” that
leave Christ out of Christmas. Father Shane’s sermon, this past Sunday, reminded us that the song says,
“Come let us ADORE him!” not “Come let us IGNORE him!” At school, this month, we will be preparing our
hearts for the greatest gift given, Jesus. We will hold activities during Advent that help prepare our hearts and
minds for Jesus’ birthday. We invite you, your family, and friends to join us for ALL activities this month. Our
hurrying around will be to NOT IGNORE JESUS!
With love, Mrs. Cummings
Students give back this holiday season!
Instead of exchanging gifts in the classrooms this holiday season we are asking our families to give to
those in need, just like Jesus did. If you are able, please donate to one or both of the following
service projects. If our school’s goal of 50 items for the Ferrick’s and $140 is reached, all of the
students will enjoy a retreat day on Thursday, December 22nd!
50 Items for the Ferrick Family
Drop box in lobby of school.
We are collecting items and money for the
family of Jake Ferrick, our 2nd grade
student that is battling cancer. Jake has a
mom, dad, teenage sister, teenage
brother, dog, and cat. Items could be for
Jake or any members of his family. Jake
loves Pokémon, Pete the Cat, stuffed
animals, McDonald’s, movies, and video
games. Other ideas are gifts cards,
money, magazines, books, music, food,
drink, snacks, treats for their animals, faith
based items, cards, or anything else you
think of! OUR GOAL IS 50 ITEMS!
“Adopt a Student from Nicaragua”
Mark an envelope “Nicaragua” with your child’s donation.
Items
and
money
due by
Wed.
Dec.
21st.
The last three years, SJS collected
enough money to sponsor Kevin’s
education. Kevin lives in Nicaragua and is
only allowed to attend school if he has
enough money to pay for it. St. James
School would like to collect enough
money to pay for his education for
another year. We will collect money
throughout Advent.
OUR GOAL IS $140 COLLECTED!
JClub Book Orders and School Raffle Tickets Due by Friday
All JClub book orders and raffle tickets are due back to school by Friday, Dec. 2nd with the
money. JClub Books and raffle tickets will be on sale at our Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 3rd and
names will be drawn that day for the raffle. Thank you for your continued support!
St. James Tradition – Christmas Musicals – Please join us on stage in the gym for the following:
Grades PreK – 2nd – Wednesday, Dec. 14th at 6:30pm
Grades 3rd -6th-Wednesday, Dec. 21st at 6:30pm
**Students need to report to their classrooms at 6:15pm.
Preschool classes will sing at the Oswegatchie Coffee Co. during December. They will sing on stage
in the Spring!
** Some students need costumes for their part in the musical. The classroom teacher will notify you of what your child
needs. You do not need to spend a lot of time or money on your child’s costume; they can be very basic…the most
important parts of the show are the children and the story. Please let us know if you are unable to provide the appropriate
attire.
The Bishop is coming!!
We are blessed and excited to have Bishop LaValley join us for school mass on
Friday, December 9th at 9:30am, led by our 6th grade students.
If you have never had the opportunity to meet Bishop LaValley or hear him speak, you don’t want to
miss this. You do not need to be Catholic to join us…all are welcome! Bishop LaValley is a joy to be
near. He will celebrate mass with us and then come visit our students in their classrooms. All
school and parish families are invited to the school gym immediately following mass for
coffee, donuts, and time to visit.
Santa’s Workshop for Student Shoppers
Students will be able to shop for their family and friends at our discounted Santa’s Workshop from
December 6th -8th. Thank you to Mrs. Parshley and all her elves for volunteering your time to organize
Santa’s Workshop. Watch for a shopping list to come home with your child!
Christmas Coffee Shop Caroling –Please join us for Christmas Caroling at the Oswegatchie
Coffee Co. Our schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, Dec. 13th – 1st and 6th grades at 9:45am
Tuesday, Dec. 13th – PreK and 2nd grades at 1:30pm
Wednesday, Dec. 14th – K and 5th grades at 9:45am
Thursday, Dec. 15th – 2 day Preschool and 4th grades at 9:45am
Friday, Dec. 16th – 3 day Preschool and 3rd grades at 9:45am
15 Week Progress Reports coming home on December 16th please sign & return envelope to school
by Tuesday, 20th before break.
NO SCHOOL – December 23rd – January 2nd Enjoy your time off! We’ll see you on January 3rd.
St. James Gala will be held on Saturday, February 11th
Reserved tickets are available now in the office or by calling Mrs. LaPierre at 287-0350.
$60 per ticket, which includes
appetizers, soup, salad, filet mignon entrée with sides, dessert bar, and free drink!
Enjoy dinner, dancing, raffles, auctions, and a fun evening out in support of our school!