From the Head of School
Saint Joseph’s School Prayer
Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin and Foster-Father of Jesus Christ; obtain for me and all the members of my family, a pure, humble, and charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the Divine Will. Be my guide and model throughout life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Help us, Saint Joseph, in our earthly strife, to fulfill our responsibilities and ever to lead a pure and sinless life. Amen.
“Christ was faithful as a son over His house. We are Christ’s house if we hold firmly to our confidence and the boast of our hope.” Hebrews 3:6
Greetings from all of us at Saint Joseph’s Catholic School!
I hope this letter finds you enjoying the beautiful fall weather we’ve been having lately. It’s a welcome reprieve after Hurricane Helene, from which I know many are still recovering. Please let us know if you or someone you know needs help from the school.
If you’ve been reading Wanda’s and my articles in News & Notes in recent months, you know we’ve been reflecting on & discussing what distinguishes Saint Joseph’s Catholic School from other schools in the community. This work has provoked a desire in us to be even more clear in our promotional materials about who we are and what we offer our students and families. To that end, we’ve developed a new tagline which you will hopefully start seeing in the school’s promotional materials around town and on social media.
Encountering Christ. Inspiring Excellence. Embracing Community. We believe these three brief sentences capture the essence of The Saint Joseph’s Way and what we seek to do for our students every day in every aspect of school life.
Regarding the first and the third phrases “Encountering Christ” and “Embracing Community”: Providentially, I am writing this letter the day after returning from the Kairos Retreat. This annual retreat for juniors is a great example of the opportunity our students have to encounter Christ’s love and mercy through being affirmed and embraced by 17 seniors and teachers who led the retreat and through their classmates themselves who were with them on retreat. Without going into details, which would betray the nature of the experience, the students return from this retreat more certain that they are loved, wanted, valued, and challenged by Christ to pass on that love to others.
The Power of Word of Mouth & A $500 Tuition Rebate Reward
As the 2025-26 admission season kicks into full gear with several upcoming opportunities on the calendar to come and see the school in action, please consider who you know that might like to visit and tour the school. Many parents tell us that the number one reason they first looked at Saint Joseph’s is because of the testimony of a trusted friend or family member with children at the school To say thank you, if one of the families you referred to the school enrolls and identifies you on their application as their reference, Saint Joseph’s will apply a $500 tuition rebate toward your tuition bill next year.
So please give some thought as to who you might invite to the following events:
• November 12 is Bring a Friend to School Day : Prospective middle school students are invited to spend a half-day at school, visiting classes and experiencing what our current students do every day.
• December 3 is Prospective Family Night: Families with prospective middle and high school students are invited to an evening event to tour the school and learn from school administrators, teachers, and fellow students about the exciting things planned for next year and beyond.
Saint Joseph’s Way Center Update
After a couple of months of preparing the site and installing underground utilities, construction began on the new Saint Joseph’s Way Center a few weeks ago with the pouring of footers. Early this month, the slab will be poured and the steel beams will begin to be erected. It won’t be long before you see the outline of the building taking shape.
A hearty Thank You to all who have made this possible through your generosity. I’m convinced the new building will transform how our students experience the school.
Planning for a New Bell Schedule for 2025-2026
Speaking about having a transformative impact on students, we have begun considering options for a new bell schedule for the 2025-26 school year. We solicited the professional assistance of a world-renowned scheduling expert from Independent School Management, Bryan Smyth. Bryan spent several days with us in October interviewing teachers, students, parents, and administrators before coming to the school for onsite half-day workshops with administrators and teachers. The result is that we now have a handful of great options tailored to the needs of our school to consider, all of which will maintain the school’s high academic standards while providing our students with more opportunities for electives, clubs, and community time while lessening day-today stress and providing more free time in the day. The goal is to decide on a new bell schedule in the next few months and communicate it in January at the latest. Like with the new building, I’m convinced the new bell schedule will open up possibilities unimaginable now.
TEAM Meeting, Well-Fed Dads, Father/Son Middle School Retreat in November
Finally, I want to remind you that there are several great opportunities in November for parent engagement that I hope you’ll put on your calendars and consider attending. The Well-Fed Dads Prayer Breakfast this month is on November 13 beginning at 6:45 AM. SJCS Grandfather and board member, Mike McNicholas, will speak about cultivating the virtue of Patience. My son, Jacob, and I are leading a Father/Son overnight retreat for dads and their middle school sons (5th graders are welcome, too) on November 16 and 17. Click HERE for more information. Lastly, the next TEAM Meeting is offered twice, on the evening of November 20 and the following morning November 21. Mrs. Wanda Jaraczewski and I will provide information and lead a discussion on the topic: The Hopes and Fears of Parents and Teachers: Strategies for Strengthening Relationships Between the School and Its Parents.
Thank you for entrusting your sons’ and daughters’ education to our teachers, coaches, and administrators. It’s a privilege to get to know and work with them. There is no better time to be a Saint Joseph’s Knight!
With Love and Prayers,
Keith F. Kiser Head of School
Things You Need To Know
Fall Team Day (12:30 PM Dismissal), November 1
Our Fall Team Day will take place Friday, November 1, the Feast of All Saints, from 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM. We will start the day with an all-school Mass at 8:00 AM (parents are welcome to join), have breakfast in Household, and then participate in games and competitions. Dismissal is at 12:30 PM.
Food Drive Ends November 1
The International Thespian Society is currently collecting non-perishable food items for the "Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat" service initiative. Students should bring non-perishable food donations to their HH on Team Day. All donations will go to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul pantry at OLR. Houses will receive points based on which collects more food. Details can be found HERE
HS Admissions Ambassador Application Opens November 1
St. Joseph’s HS Admissions Ambassadors host prospective students. In addition to being outgoing, talkative, and friendly, Ambassadors must have a clean discipline record and be able to present the school in the best possible light. Interested freshmen are welcome and encouraged to apply. This is a campus leadership role, and serving the school in this capacity could prove helpful when it’s listed on a student’s application for House Leadership, National Honor Society, summer jobs, and college. All freshmen, look for an email on November 1.
NO SCHOOL, November 4 & 5
There will be no school on Monday, November 4 and Tuesday, November 5. The school and school offices will be closed.
Vote for SJCS by November 8
Saint Joseph's Catholic School has been nominated for Kidding Around's KABOOM Awards. Please take a minute to vote. You may vote HERE once a day until voting ends on November 8.
Middle School Shadow Day/Bring A Friend Day, November 12
Do you have (or do you know) a prospective middle school student who would like to see what a day is like at St. Joe’s? Would your current 6th, 7th, or 8th grade SJCS student be willing to host someone on this date? We open up our middle school one day each school year for prospective middle school students to shadow for a half-day of classes and lunch. Current SJCS middle school students are encouraged to invite a friend (currently in grades 5-7) to visit for a half-day. Online registration is now open. Classroom space is limited and we will restrict the number of visitors that day.
How Can You Help?
1) If your SJCS middle school child has a friend who would like to see what St. Joe’s is like, please direct the parents of your child’s friend to register HERE no later than November 5. Registration will close on November 5, and we will limit the number of visitors that day.
2) If your SJCS middle school child is willing to host a student they do not know on this day, please submit your child’s name to Emily Burress in the Admissions Office as soon as possible.
Graduation Supplies & Class Ring Orders, November 12
On Tuesday, November 12, representatives from Herff Jones will be on campus from 11:00 AM-Noon to take orders for class rings, graduation caps and gowns, announcements, and other graduation supplies. A deposit is required for all orders.
Mid-Quarter Progress Update, November 12
An email will be sent to parents at mid-quarter, November 12, as a reminder to check student progress in Blackbaud and contact teachers with any questions or concerns.
Travel to France & Spain in May 2026 Informational Meeting, November 12
Señora Russell will be leading students on a trip to France and Spain May 25-June 3, 2026 (departing the Monday following Commencement). This trip is open to current 8-11th graders. The exciting itinerary leads us from Madrid to Paris, with the Mediterranean Coast in between. Starting in Madrid, we will see the Plaza de España, with its
statue of Don Quixote, the majestic Alcalá Gate, the famous bullring Las Ventas, and the impressive Prado museum. From Madrid, we will travel by train to Barcelona, known for its artistic treasures and fine architecture. Students are sure to delight in all the sites as we discover Barcelona by bike. The highlight of our stay in the south of France will be a Gladiator games workshop and a tour of the Pont du Gard, a 161-foot Roman aqueduct in nearly perfect condition. Finally, we will be whisked away via fast train to Paris. We will visit the most famous landmarks in Paris. If you are interested in providing this opportunity for your child, please attend the interest meeting on Tuesday, November 12 at 6:30 PM in Room B-105. If you are interested but unable to attend, please email Señora Russell or visit the trip website HERE
Next Well-Fed Dad Meeting, November 13
Our next Well-Fed Dad prayer breakfast is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13 beginning at 6:45 AM in the Meeting Room. The speaker is Mike McNicholas and he will be speaking about the virtue of patience. Someone will be at the front office door to let you into the building beginning at 6:35 AM. Please RSVP HERE so we know how many breakfast sandwiches to purchase. All Saint Joseph's fathers and grandfathers are invited and encouraged to attend, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Annual Ladies Knight Out, November 13
The annual SJCS Ladies Knight Out is scheduled for Wednesday, November 13 from 5:30-8:30 PM at the Park View at Hollingsworth (7 Legacy Park Road, Greenville). The event is a casual drop-in social, with tickets $30 per person ($15 for faculty and staff). RSVP HERE by November 6. Questions? Contact Katie Orbon
Spirit Knight at The Slice, November 14
The Parents Guild is sponsoring a Spirit Knight at The Slice in Simpsonville on November 14 from 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM. Mention SJCS when ordering.
Buy a House Shirt, Orders Due November 15
Your students have their House t-shirts, and we'd love for you to wear one too! T-shirts are $20. Sizes run from youth small to adult 3XL, and orders are due November 15. Orders can be placed HERE.
Next Well-Read Mom Meeting, November 19
Well-Read Mom is a program that accompanies women in the reading of great books and spiritual classics to encourage personal growth, friendship, and meaningful conversations in order to explore the human condition and reorient ourselves to what is good, beautiful, and true. We meet the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 – 8:00 PM at Saint Joseph’s. Our next meeting is Tuesday, November 19. For more information, contact Sara Dellinger. There is also a Well-Read Mom group that meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the morning. Please contact Eileen Coffey for more information about time and location.
Next TEAM Parent Meeting, November 20 & 21
Parents are invited to join Head of School, Keith Kiser, and a different member of his staff each month for a presentation and discussion on an important topic regarding the education and formation of teenagers in today’s world. To accommodate parent schedules, each topic will be presented twice, once on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 – 7:00 PM and then the following morning (Thursdays) from 8:00 – 9:00 AM. Each session will last one hour. Please join us on November 20 or 21 for The Hopes & Fears of Parents & Teachers - Strategies for strengthening the relationship between the school and its parents through a better understanding of the hopes and fears of each group. No RSVP is necessary. We hope you’ll be able to attend!
Fall Play, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, November 21-24
Join us at the fall play production of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane! Based on Kate DiCamillo's book, the story introduces Edward Tulane, a porcelain rabbit who has it all. However, he is rather vain and self-absorbed. One day a bit of fate thrusts him onto a miraculous journey, traveling throughout the country, and - ultimatelylearning the meaning of love. To purchase tickets in advance, click HERE. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door. Members of the Jubilate Arts Guild will receive information for discounted online ticket purchasing opportunities if they join by November 8. Click HERE for the Jubilate Arts Guild membership form.
Grandparents Day, November 25
Grandparents Day invitations have been sent out. If your child’s grandparents did not receive an invitation, please contact Katie Orbon, Director of Community and Alumni Relations ASAP. GRANDPARENTS MUST RSVP IN ADVANCE. This is our largest on campus event and it is essential for our planning to know how many people will be attending. This is for grandparents of both middle school and high school students. We look forward to welcoming everyone!
NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break, November 27 - 29
Thanksgiving Break is Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29. The school and school office will be closed.
Prospective Family Night, December 2
Due to Hurricane Helene and the subsequent cancellation of Preview Day, this year we are inviting students to accompany their parents to Prospective Family Night, formerly Prospective Parent Night. The school leadership team will be on hand to present a variety of topics that cover Academics, Athletics, Student Life, Campus Ministry, Fine Arts, scholarships, an d more. Hear from a student panel, and make sure to bring your questions! The event runs from 6:00-7:30 PM. To register, click HERE.
Christmas Concerts, December 10-12
Save the date for the annual Fine Arts Christmas Concerts on December 10, 11, and 12. All concerts will begin at 7:00 PM in the JPII Center. Jubilate Arts Guild members will receive priority seating based on their membership level. Click HERE to join.
Semester Exams & Christmas Travel Reminder, December 16-19
As we near the Christmas Holidays, please remember to book family travel plans for after your student’s scheduled exams. Eighth grade and high school exams are Monday, December 16 through Thursday, December 19. Make-up exams only will take place on Friday, December 20.
Middle School Schedule, December 19
The last day of the first semester for Middle School students will be Wednesday, December 18. There will be NO SCHOOL for Middle School students on Thursday, December 19.
Attention Eighth Grade Parents
1) Eighth Grade Interviews: All parents of eighth graders have received an invitation to attend a private meeting with their student and Head of School, Keith Kiser. This meeting is designed to serve as a halfway checkpoint in your child’s Saint Joseph’s career; students will be invited to share how their middle school experience has been and encouraged to ask questions as they begin to plan for high school. These meetings will be held through February 2025.
2) Eighth Grade High School Shadow Day is Friday, November 22: All SJCS ei ghth graders will have the opportunity to attend a few classes in our high school taught by several ninth grade teachers on Friday, November 22. As our eighth graders look towards high school, it’s important for them to be able to sit in some of our high school classrooms and hear from a few of the outstanding faculty who will be teaching them next year.
3) Eighth Grade Day is Wednesday, January 22: Your eighth grade son or daughter will take our high school scholarship/placement test on Eighth Grade Day on January 22. There are several reasons for completing this test: 1) All SJCS 8th graders will be eligible to compete for one of two academic scholarships awarded each year to two incoming ninth graders, and 2) This test provides us valuable comparison and placement data on our incoming ninth grade students. Please note that this is not a test to get into our high school, as your child is already a Saint Joseph’s student. As with every SJCS student who wishes to re-enroll each year, the re-enrollment contract and the re-enrollment fee, due in January 2025, will secure their spot in the ninth grade class.
Attention All Parents, Tuition Credit Available
Current SJCS families can earn a $500 tuition credit for actively recruiting new families to Saint Joseph’s. When a new family applies for admission, they have the opportunity to name the Saint Joseph’s family on their application who recommended SJCS. After the new student attends school for one quarter, the recruiting family receives a $500 credit on their November tuition bill. For more information, click HERE.
WWI & WWII Trip, Summer 2025
In June of 2025, come walk where heroes have trod, experience a real English high tea, and travel the canals of Amsterdam. Join Mrs. Carr, Mr. Carr, and Coach Nash on a trip that immerses you into WWI and WWII events. Walk in trenches in Belgium, Churchill's War Rooms in London, and the beaches of Normandy. Click HERE to see the full itinerary, price, payment plans, and registration. The trip is open to 8th graders through seniors. Questions? Contact Mrs. Carr
Travel to London (New Travel Dates), Spring Break 2026!
Interested in traveling to England? This trip will include guided walking and sight-seeing tours of London highlights, along with a visit to the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, and visits to Stonehenge, Bath, and Stratford-uponAvon. The trip also includes a backstage tour of the National Theater, a workshop and performance at the Globe, and a West-End production! Trip details (including the itinerary, cost, payment plans, etc.) can be found HERE . The exact travel dates will be posted at the end of this school year (dates currently listed on the itinerary are to begin the trip planning and provide an estimated cost). This trip is open to current 8th grade through 11th grade SJCS students; parents are also welcome to join us. Interested students and parents can register HERE Register by 12/20/24 using the code 26EarlyBird for a $200 scholarship discount!
Cafeteria Service
FLIK Dining Services provides cafeteria service during the school day. The cost for a full lunch is $7.95. Breakfast items are served from 7:30-9:00 AM, lunch is served during MS and HS lunch periods, and snacks are sold at the end of each school day.
Late Stay
Late Stay is available each day after school until 6:00 PM. Any student who remains on campus after dismissal and who is not involved in a supervised after-school activity must report to Late Stay by 3:30 PM. The Registration fee for Late Stay is $30 per family and will be assessed the first day a student uses the Late Stay Program. The hourly rate for Late Stay is $4.50. This amount will not be prorated. Late Stay charges are billed weekly through the Blackbaud Tuition Management system.
Required Community Service Hours
Please encourage students to join the "SJCS Service" Google Classroom. An invitation to join has been sent to all high school students. Opportunities for obtaining volunteer hours will be disseminated periodically. All completed community service hours must be logged in MobileServe using the student's school email address. The requirements by grade level are as follows: Freshmen-10 hours, Sophomores-15 hours, Juniors-20 hours, and Seniors-20 hours. Questions? Contact Greshan Charlton.
Has Your Information Changed?
If you have had a change of address, phone number, or email, please email your updates to Mary Cummings.
Sign Up for Emergency Texts – Text “YES” to 79041
If you have not opted in to receive emergency alerts and other important information from SJCS, please do so today! Text “YES” to 79041 to receive important texts, such as emergency alerts & school closings.
Students Leaving Campus & Walking to QuickTrip
It has come to our attention that students are leaving campus to walk to QuickTrip after school and during sporting events. There is not a safe walking route to do this. We would appreciate your cooperation in asking your child not to do this.
From the Assistant Head of School
“May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to His call, what are the riches of glory in His inheritance among the holy ones.” ~ Ephesians 1:18
With last month’s News & Notes, I began to outline how and why a Saint Joseph’s education is different. I first spoke about our academic and intellectual preparation, recognizing that our work here is not just about helping students get into a college of their choice. Rather, our work is about preparing them for life.
Another essential component of a Saint Joseph’s education is the spiritual development of our students. I had two recent experiences with our students that really verified this experience for me. Just a few weeks ago, Ms. Houmis, one of our high school Theology teachers, invited Mr. Kiser and me to her Biblical Studies class. The students were participating in a Socratic seminar. They were tasked with reflecting on and speaking about answers to questions such as “Are you sure you are aiming in the right di rection,” and “What do you want out of life - comfort or adventure. Explain why.” Other questions included: what terrifies you and why; is humanity the problem or the solution; what sacrifices have you made that you are most proud of? I was fascinated by their honesty and their ability to articulate their ideas and thoughts so seriously and authentically. I was filled with such joy to know that despite their fears and questions, they had a place and a forum within which to talk about these significant life questions - particularly as they prepare to leave our school and their homes and embark on the next segment of their journey. Their remarks suggested a seriousness and thoughtfulness about their life’s meaning and purpose, and I thank God they’ve had the time and space to wrestle with it inside a community of faith.
My second experience came at the end of the girls State swim meet in Columbia on October 17. I had the privilege of being present for the whole meet, and what a thrill it was! In pursuit of a State 3A title - which they achieved!!! - our girls demonstrated incredible tenacity, spirit, and togetherness. As we waited on the pool deck at USC’s Blatt Natatorium for final medals and to accept the championship trophy, I glanced over at the girls who were huddled together with heads bowed. I leaned in to hear them praying together. In all the excitement and noise, they remembered to give praise to the One who blessed them with skill, talent, and all good gifts.
One of my current Christian music likes is a song by Josh Baldwin titled, “Made for More.” The words in verse one are descriptive of how our education is different: “I know who I am ‘cause I know who You are.” Every dayactually multiple times through the day - we place Christ in front of our students. We want them to know Him and love Him, and in doing so we aspire to the words of Ephesians - “that (they) may know what is the hope that belongs to His call.” Through classes, prayer time, service experience, and even our co-curriculars, we invite them to consider an invitation to a deep and lasting relationship with Him.
We know that there is struggle, failing, and even times when the fruits of our labor are seemingly nowhere to be found. I hear the stories and I witness the falls, oftentimes first hand. But we believe He is present even in all the pain, suffering, disappointment, hypocrisy, and anxiety. Despite our imperfections, every day we begin anew, clear in our mission to love our students and love our God. This can’t happen in just any school, and what a gift we’ve been given that it can happen in ours.
With Prayer and Thanksgiving,
Wanda Jaraczewski Assistant Head of School