Saint Sharing

Upper School Social Studies and Math

Lower School Teaching Assistant

First Steps K4

2nd and 3rd Grades

Spanish

Mrs. Johnson (Miss Collins)

Mrs. McMahon (Miss Cheek)

Our school is utilizing the Virtue=Strength program this school year. Each month, we will share a virtue--and then break it down more thoroughly each week. August's virtue is JUSTICE. Be on the lookout for parent resources next month as we focus on the virtue of HUMILITY. Also, consider conversations at the dinner and breakfast table regarding these important words.

Dear School Families,
My name is Fr. Rafael Ghattas, though most simply call me Fr. Rafa. I’ve always had a deep devotion to St. John the Apostle, and when I received the call from the bishop informing me that I would be assigned to St. John Church, my heart was filled with joy. It truly felt like a gift from the Beloved Disciple himself — whom I love dearly — and I am proud to have him as my intercessor, alongside the Holy Family.

A little about me: I was born to an Egyptian father and a French mother, and I am the eldest of five siblings. Among my siblings, two are married, one is a priest, and one is a cloistered nun. I completed my Master of Theology at St. Mary Seminary in Houston, TX. Before becoming a priest, I worked as a mechanical engineer in both France and South Carolina.

For the past four years, I served at St. Gregory the Great in Bluffton — one of the largest Catholic parishes in South Carolina. We had two mission churches and two schools, but what I loved most there were the people. I’ve already heard so much about the love and dedication of the parishioners at St. John, and it makes me all the more excited to join you.

Since receiving the bishop’s call two months ago, I’ve been praying for you all. I truly look forward to meeting each of you and becoming a part of this beautiful community.

Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this new mission — that God may teach me how to be a good shepherd after His own heart.

God bless you all,
Fr. Rafael Ghattas

I was born in Charleston SC and was baptized at St John 71 years ago. Married my beautiful bride August 8th, 1975. We were married for almost 46 years. She passed away 4 years ago, and I am sure she is with God in heaven. We have two boys and five grandchildren. I was ordained June 26, 1993. This June will be 32 years. For a period of 7 years, I worked directly for our bishop. I was the Spiritual Director for the Cursillo Movement of Charleston. I am so happy to be here and pray I can be a service in some small way to the St John Community.

Yours in Christ

Deacon Bob Jones

Looking for information about school policies? Check out our Family Handbook: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1As0fGiwhCLGTugN4ukkgni8ZqHpg_VwuW83lQUbYlZA/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RVwJJ_ETfUFQV_6tPq45s9PIl43UXTtE4YzyOceRSjw/edit?usp=sharing

We have a new website! Make sure to bookmark it for future use. We are thankful for the Diocese of Charleston Stewardship Office for helping!

St. John has a wonderful STREAM center that is named in honor of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Carlo will be cannonized (officially become a saint) on Sunday, September 7.

Saint John Catholic School is working on achieving STEM certification this year through Cognia. Our Leadership Team includes: Mrs. McMahon, Mrs. Pawlowski, Ms. Myer, Mrs. Durand, and Rhett Nettles (STEM Centers of South Carolina).

Certification ensures we are authentically providing a high quality inquiry based approach in our classrooms--in all subject areas.

Lego Robotics is just one way that we encourage our students to problem solve and strive to learn and grow. This year, two of our robotics teams received grants through NIWIC. Our FIRST Knights are a competetive team of 4th-8th graders, and our Squires (non-competitive) are in grades 3rd-5th.

We also plan to have our K/1 class utilize the Lego curriculum as well. The theme this year focuses on archealogy, and provides progressive levels of skill and knowledge at each level.

Do you like being healthy? Do you like setting a goal and achieving it? St. John Running Club may be the perfect fit for you and your child.

Our first meeting is tomorrow, August 22 from 3-3:30. Parents and students are welcome.

*Days: Mondays from 3:30-3:45 beginning after Labor Day) after Walking Club and Fridays from 3-3:30

*all levels are welcome

*set a goal to run a mile, 5K, or 10K

*non-competitive and fun

Our Walking Club is a relaxed way for your child to exercise, spend time with friends, and play. Starting the Monday, September 8, participants will spend 20 minutes walking the playground (all students welcome) and then will get 10 minutes to just play.

Looking for a group of friends to pray with, laugh with, and share parenting triumphs and struggles? Our Moms Group may be just for you. If you are interested in particapating, let Mrs. Durand know. The group is still determining the best day and time to meet.

To make life a bit easier, we have 3 different days of the week (starting after Labor Day) where we have lunch available. This must be ordered in advance, so make sure to check the Wednesday folder for details each week. Hot dog Wednesday forms will go home in the folders next week. Please make sure to send additional side items on Thursday if you order Chick-Fil-A.

Mrs. Feltner will once again lead our Saintly Singers choir. This group sings during school masses and also has other performances throughout the year. Let Mrs. Feltner know if your child is interested (grades K-8). Practices begin after Labor Day and will be on Wednesdays from 3-4:15. Students are encouraged to bring an extra snack for after school.

Is your child artistic? Does he or she love to draw? This year, we are accepting entries for our yearbook cover. We are focusing on Welcome, Worship, and Wonder as the theme.

Entries should be submitted on cardstock (81/2 x 11) and can utilize any form of media (paint, markers, crayons, etc.) See Mrs. Durand or Mrs. Feltner for more information or questions.

Our annual Grandparents Breakfast is fast approaching. This is a chance to celebrate our senior family members and to also increase our library collection.

On September 8 (Lower School) and September 9 (Upper School), grandparents can come in between 7:30 and 8:30 with their grandchildren. A light breakfast will be available, and our library will also be open, providing an opportunity for grandparents to purchse a new book for our library in honor of their grandchild(ren).

On Wednesday, August 27, our school mass will be in Memory of Betty Wallace, Mrs. Deavor's mother. This will also be a teaching mass--which is a wonderful way to learn more about our Catholic faith. Parents are welcome--and encouraged to come. Mass begins at 12:15.

St. John Catholic School turns 76 on August 27. Did you know our church will be 100 years old in 2029?!

September

Virtue Focus: Humility

1 Labor Day/No School

3 Saintly Singers choir practice begins

4 $1 TAG Day for sponsored child

5 No School for K4 Class

7 Happy National Grandparents Day!

8 Grandparent Breakfast Drop-in K4-3 (7:30-8:30)/Mother Mary’s Birthday

Walking Club Begins

9 Grandparent Breakfast Drop-in 4th-8th (7:30-8:30)

10 MAP window opens

11 SAC Meeting 5:30

15 International Dot Day/Wear Polka Dots to school

16 Halfway through Q1

17 Constitution Day

19 Early Release for Teacher Training Day/no aftercare

21 International Day of Peace (Sunday)

22 First Day of Fall

23 4th/5th Trash Pick-up (service day)

Our teachers volunteered at Surfers Healing again this year. This is an annual day of service for our team and provides an opportunity to support children with an autism diagnosis.

We LOVE volunteers! If you are interested in helping, complete the volunteer interest form and also check in with Mrs. Jeannette for the required volunteer paperwork. All school volunteers are required to complete VIRTUS training, have a background screening, and sign the Code of Conduct.