Saint John Vianney School Celebrates a Faith-Filled Grandparents ’ Day
Art in the Eye of the Beholder
Saint Francis High School Honors Alum and Fallen Marine with Scholarship Fundraiser
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
March 6 , 2018 | The Valley Catholic
Saint John Vianney School Celebrates a Faith-Filled Grandparents ’ Day
Grandparents and Honored Guests sharing memories . |
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January 31 was a day of sunshine , smiles , and warm hugs as students and grandparents celebrated Grandparents ’ Day at Saint John Vianney School ( SJV ). The theme for the day was “ Grateful for their Love and Faith ,” with students throughout the school demonstrating their gratitude in a myriad of ways . Father Steve Brown began the day with Mass during which he reminded us all of the amazing and influential role grandparents play in children ’ s lives . Attendees were reminded that grandparents |
are the cornerstones of our families , serving as nurturers who provide encouragement and support in both good times and bad .
Following Mass , grandparents visited the school . Students proudly showed their classrooms , projects , artwork , writing , and their teachers ! Together , students and their elders engaged in fun-filled activities . Adoptions took place everywhere , with SJV ’ s honored visitors welcoming and including students whose loved ones were not able to attend .
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The morning ended with grandparents sharing stories and experiences of their days in elementary school . These stories often serve as the glue that hold families together and contribute to a strong , faith-filled family identity . We at SJV are truly blessed to have such a wealth of knowledge and support . The presence and excitement grandparents brought to the SJV school community was a blessing . Grandparents ’ Day was an event to be remembered as all attending thanked God for the opportunity to share the day together . |
“ Art is in the eye of the beholder .” iJava Café and Crema Coffee patrons can experience Saint Leo the Great School ’ s student artwork . Mrs . Criss- Harvey , the school ’ s art teacher , has ensured that the students are proud of their artwork .
Ladia , a fourth grader at Saint Leo , reflected on her artwork being in iJava saying , “ I feel really proud that I made something that will be on display . It ’ s really fun to make work that people can look at .” Allyson , an eighth grader
Art in the Eye of the Beholder
said , “ I think it ’ s cool because it came out of art class and now people can see it daily . They are not just on the school walls , but our work is being seen by a larger audience .”
This is true ; with Crema having two coffee houses on the Alameda many people see the students ’ artwork daily .
In addition to coffee sippers beholding the students ’ artwork , families and children who are staying at or visiting the JW House in Santa Clara can see the Saint Leo students ’ artwork . The
JW House is celebrating 10 years of being a home away from home for families who have terminally ill or ailing children . Tyra , a sixth grader said , “ I think it ’ s nice for people to see something that will make their day better . I feel all warm and fuzzy inside ; I feel like I helped someone , personally , without even seeing them .” This is a true statement , after nine years of the same artwork at the JW House , artwork by students like Tyra are making a difference . Gio Morantes ’ portrait of a monster .
Kinder 4-year-old to 8th Grade
Saint Francis High School Honors Alum and Fallen Marine with Scholarship Fundraiser
OPEN HOUSE Wednesday , March 21 , 6:00-7:30PM
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR
• Kinder 4-year-old and 5-year-old programs
• Strong junior high science program and lab
• Extensive use of integrated technology in the curriculum
• Extended care before and after school
• Sports , music , band , art , choir , chess
• Tuition assistance available
Come visit and see the benefi ts St . Mary School can offer your child !
7900 Church St ., Gilroy • ( 408 ) 842-2827 • stmarygilroy . org
From left : Retired SFHS teacher and coach Dave Osorio , Barry Ivers and Sheila Ivers salute the flag at the Captain Matthew Patrick Manoukian ’ 01 Memorial Crab Feed .
More than 500 alumni and friends came out in force to support the annual crab feed dinner at Saint Francis High School benefitting a scholarship established in the memory of a fallen Marine who was a graduate of Saint Francis .
Captain Matthew Manoukian , class of 2001 , died in the line of duty in Afghanistan in 2012 . Each year , the school , with the Manoukian family , has invited the community to honor Matt ’ s life while raising money for financial aid . Students who are the recipients of his scholarship spoke at the event about the power of attending Saint Francis and receiving financial aid .
“ As a tribute to Matthew as a son , brother , friend and Marine , this scholarship was established so that the school community could celebrate his legacy ,” said Mike Speckman , director of endowment and tuition assistance . “ Through this annual dinner , we can see the impact of his life on our students .”
In addition to the fundraising aspect of the event , the evening was also an opportunity for the family to honor a member of the community for their service in the military . This year , the Manoukian family awarded the Captain Matthew Manoukian Service Award to former Saint Francis teacher and coach Barry Ivers who retired last spring after 43 years . Ivers , a 1964 graduate of the school , saw combat during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart .
Ivers said he is proud of his service and felt humbled by the recognition . “ You serve your country and help others wherever they send you ,” he said . “ I really believe that , and Matt Manoukian believed that .”