Dear Saint Joseph School Families,

As we embrace the vibrant energy of spring, it's a joy to reflect on the successes that have illuminated our school community in recent weeks. Each achievement, big or small, reflects the essence of our mission statement and embodies the spirit of our student motto:

Accept Jesus in our hearts.

Aim to serve others.

Achieve academic excellence.

Aspire to change the world.

Our middle school students have shown us how to “Accept Jesus in our Hearts” as they led us in their presentation of the Stations of the Cross, which helped us to prepare for the Easter Triduum in a beautiful and prayerful manner. This presentation helped share the Passion story for our younger students who have been learning about this in class.  

This week’s Color Wars, a fun way to blend camaraderie and competition, not only fosters community within our school but also helps raise money for the CRUDEM foundation. When we return from April vacation, our 5-8th grade students will participate in the Packathon, where they will be assembling meals to send to families in need in Haiti. As part of our mission statement, this is one way we are “Aiming to Serve Others.”

Our dedication to “Achieve Academic Excellence” shines brightly both inside and outside the classroom. Our 6th grade country reports are well underway and our science lab is blooming with new growth as students have planted different types of lettuce, flowers, and herbs. Our Speech and Debate team participated in a tournament which included Aksel Roos, Libby Swartz, Mimsey Schack, Anna Cancellieri and Stephanie Reale. Our team claimed first place in the First Panel Debate. Mimsey Shaak, Stephanie Reale, and Anna Canceleri worked together to earn this win. In addition, Stephanie claimed 2nd Place Volte Face Winner and Mimsey claimed 2nd Place Debate Speaker, 6th Place Volte Face Winner, and 5th Place Monologue Winner. Congratulations to all of our orators!  

At the recent National History Day State competition, which Mrs. Coyle has helped our students prepare for, seven of our students showcased their talents and knowledge on the theme Turning Points in History. Their remarkable achievements included:

• 1st place, Junior Individual Performance - Emmett Doherty (Elvis Presley) 
• 2nd place, Junior Individual Exhibit - Paul Gearan (Jackie Robinson)  
• Secretary of the Commonwealth: Outstanding Project in Local History Award - Wesley Friedman 
• USS Constitution Museum Award: Outstanding Project in Maritime History - Jake Fiumara  
• NHD in Massachusetts Founders Award: Outstanding Project in American History - Paul Gearan 
• Congratulations to Mikela Thanos, Connor Plotner and Ethel Nanteza for their great accomplishment of making it to the State Competition
• Emmet Doherty and Paul Gearan will move on to compete in the National Competition in Washington, DC in June!

Last week, our middle school students “Aspired to Change the World” as they shared their gifts and talents in their own rendition of High School Musical, Jr. For two nights, they shared their musical abilities as they danced their way through the story of how we should all work together to foster our differences. The many weeks of practice were certainly worth it as they shared their talents in a way that made us so proud. Our performances, led by Mrs. Pratt and Mrs. Spigelman, always bring back alumni as they recall the plays they were in as a highlight of their time here.  

As we celebrate these accomplishments, let us also recognize the dedication and support of our faculty and staff who nurture and guide our students each day. Together, we are creating a community where faith, service, excellence, and ambition converge to shape young minds and hearts for the betterment of our world.

With gratitude and pride,

Kristen Fiumara

Assistant Head of School | Saint Joseph School