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catholic schools
February 3, 2015
The Valley Catholic
Bishop McGrath helps celebrate start
of catholic Schools Week
By Liz sullivan
Set amidst the splendor of the
Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, the
Diocese of San Jose kicked off Catholic
Schools Week with a special morning
Mass on January 26.
Representatives -- students, teachers and administrators from all 28 elementary schools and middle schools,
along with the seven high schools in
the Diocese, attended the Mass. The
focus of the Mass was the history of
the Diocese religious, as the Church
is celebrating the Year of Consecrated
Life. Each of the elementary schools
was encouraged to document the history of the religious at their school and
provide the written history during the
Offertory gifts.
In addition, each of the schools presented a copy of their Commitment to
Serve booklets, which they compiled
in the last year and which tell a year’s
story of service. These booklets were
presented as part of the Offertory gifts.
Celebrating the Mass was Diocese
of San Jose Bishop Patrick J. McGrath,
along with Auxiliary Bishop Thomas
Daly, Vicar General Monsignor Francis
Cilia and Vicar General Rev. Brendan
McGuire.
Bishop McGrath began his homily
by asking the assembled students a
question.
“What have you done in service to
others,” he asked. “It is only when we
give everything away that we receive
anything in return. Jesus told his to be
service of others. There is a possibility
that you could be called to the religious
life. Will you listen to God’s call today?
Will you respond courageously and
serve?
Once the Mass concluded, students
turned around in the Cathedral and
had their picture taken for the annual
photograph.
Later, in the evening, a reception
was held at Archbishop Mitty High
School. School superintendent Kathy
Almazol greeted several hundred
people by saying “because of your generosity, your time, talent and treasure,
we continue the tradition of Catholic
education in the Diocese of San Jose.”
For more information regarding
Catholic Schools in the Diocese of San
Jose, visit www.dsj.org.
Presentation high School Opens the Stephens Family Building
The newest building on the Presentation High School campus, the Stephens
Family Building, is now open and ready
to educate our next generation of smart
leaders, creative thinkers, and global
citizens.
The complex houses six new state-ofthe-art classrooms and three new offices
that are bright, light, and tech-centered.
During the course of construction,
teachers collaborated with architects
to make sure the new classrooms are
functional. “These classrooms are more
flexible and dynamic with more whiteboards and multi-media access. It’s more
in line with the way we teach now.These
look like 21st century classrooms,” said
principal Mary Miller.
The new building also marks a
departure from traditional classroom
furniture. Students are now able be to
sit in chairs that swivel and move with
ease. Plus, each desk is outfitted with
iPad platforms, cup holders, and even
a spot to store backpacks.
“The desks will make students much
more comfortable turning to partners
and turning to groups in a much more
natural way,” says Spanish teacher
Caroline Murray. Most importantly, the
desks will allow students to participate
more actively in class.
As social studies teacher Siobhan Ippolito says,“If I can set up a classroom
that’s very flexible, and that allows
greater collaboration, they are all going
to be engaging more and they will also
be learning more.”
Queen of apostles celebrates epiphany
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Become a teacher in the Diocese of San Jose.
Elementary & Jr. High Teaching Positions
The Diocese of San Jose has several openings for Elementary and Jr. High Teachers
for the 2015-2016 school year. These positions are full-time and benefits eligible.
We are looking for energetic, passionate and committed staff members who truly
want to make a difference in the lives of students and uphold the mission of the
school and be part of this rewarding ministry of Catholic education.
Please visit our website to view all open positions.
E-mail cover letter and resume to [email protected].
» Career Opportunities: www.dsj.org/careers
www.valleycatholiconline.com
Students at Queen of Apostles
School returned from Christmas vacation ready to begin a new year. Each
class reflected on the coming of the
Magi and celebrated Jesus’ revelation
to the Gentiles. Father Thuc Si Ho,
pastor, brought the Epiphany blessing
to each classroom, the main office, the
library, and all entrances to the school.
He is pictured blessing the second
grade classroom.
The message above each door
(20+C+M+B+15) is a reminder that
Queen of Apostles is a welcoming
community, dedicated to spreading
God’s word.
St. John Vianney students host
las Posadas procession
As a tradition, for the past 20 years, the eighth grade