Thomas A. KardishPresident  |  Lauren Carr '00Principal

Thursday, January 10, 2019

 
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First Things

Haiti Trip

Before Christmas, several students and staff visited Haiti on a mission trip. They shared an incredible week with the community of Bois de Laurence.

 
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Honor Society Inductions

Congratulations to all students who were inducted into Villa's Honor Societies on Wednesday. Thank you to everyone involved in the event.

 
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Busy Break

While our students enjoyed the Christmas break, Villa's campus was a busy place. Check out the photos from some of the improvements made to the campus over the break.

 
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AHA Update
The AHA Club had a very busy December.  They worked hard to create 185 handmade holiday cards to send to the members of the Athletes Helping Athletes community throughout the state. The Senior club officers and moderator were invited to participate in an international panel hosted by Archbishop Wood High School. At this event, sponsored by the state department, they met with professionals in the field of Special Education and Human Services from the Ukraine, who were looking for innovative ways to provide inclusion for individuals with special needs.  AHA Club presidents, Grace Ridgway '19 and Maeve Coogan '19, along with Vice President, Cassidy Mihalik '19, shared how beneficial the AHA Club Fun Nights are to both themselves and their buddies with special needs.  It was fascinating to hear from professional educators and non-profit workers about the differences in education and socialization options for individuals with special needs in other countries. Interesting to note, the Ukraine just recently mandated that all public schools provide education to children with special needs.  

Many members attended the Archbishop Ryan Christmas party and are well into hosting honorary captains at home basketball games. Thank you to all our AHA Club members who have volunteered to host Brooke and Kenny. Please continue to check our Canvas Club announcements for more hosting opportunities and upcoming Fun Nights.

Our next club meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 7:20 a.m. in the student lounge.  At this meeting, we will be begin planning for our Fun Night, which will be held in our gym on Friday, May 10, 2019. 

 
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Take a Jem to Work Days

During the Christmas break, several students participated in Villa's  Take a Jem to Work Days Program. Through this program, our Alumnae served as mentors to  students interested in pursuing a similar career. Pictured at right is Gabby Perotti '20 who shadowed Christine Frawley Schrack '00 in her first grade classroom. Thank you to all of our participating Alumnae for volunteering their time and providing a valuable, real-world experience for our students.

 
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Sister Mary Balkus, SSC 

 

We are saddened to announce the loss of one of our Sisters of St. Casimir, Sister Mary Balkus.

 

Sister Mary served as Principal of Villa from 1967-1976 and was inducted into Villa's Wall of Fame in 2014.

 

Sister Mary Balkus, SSC, 93, educator, beloved member of the Sisters of St. Casimir for 70 years, died December 26, 2018. Sister Mary taught in elementary schools in Illinois and Maryland. She also was principal at Villa Joseph Marie High School in Holland, Pennsylvania and taught social studies for 35 years at Maria High School in Chicago. Sister Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Konstant and Mary Balkus, her brother Bernard Balkus, and her sisters Lee Balkus and Sister Mary Constance Balkus.

 

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Many of our Alumnae shared their fond memories of Sister Mary on our Facebook page:

 

-So sorry to hear of Sr. Mary's passing. She was an inspiration to me during my years at Villa Joseph Marie.

 

-She was an inspiring, approachable leader and a wise counselor.

 

-So sorry to hear of Sister's passing. She was amazing and a ball of fire, she got things done!

 

-This woman altered the course of my life. What an inspiration and guiding light. Blessed to have known her and grateful for her generosity of spirit and patience. Class of 1977.

 

-A beautiful light leaves our world for a better one. Sr. Mary was amazing, inspiring, and very much who I wanted to be as a person. Thanks, Sister, for your wisdom and kindness. 

Villa on Video

Student Spotlight

Villa Students Participate in Wreaths Across America 

On December 15, six Villa students and their families participated in the national Wreaths Across America program. Before laying the wreaths, they attended a ceremony remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  As a group, they laid wreaths on approximately 30 graves. 

At the ceremony, the group met with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, who expressed his appreciation to the group for taking the time to remember our veterans. Great job!

 
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Senior Name Miss Mayo

Mary Lynskey '19 will represent The Mayo Association of Philadelphia for 2019. Mary, who won her title  on November 3, 2018, was the youngest contestant . 

The Mayo Association is one of the Societies represented by the Commodore John Barry Arts and Cultural Center. Mary will attend a variety of charity events, but most especially she will represent The Mayo Society in the 2019 Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade. Congratulations, Mary!

Annual Fund 2018-2019

Help Us Meet Our Goal This Year!

The Villa Joseph Marie Annual Fund is our yearly giving campaign, which enables us to create an educational culture of excellence, provide access to students of all socioeconomic circumstances, maintain the school's facility and campus, and support the professional development and growth of our faculty. Every dollar given to Villa Joseph Marie builds the foundation of another young woman's future, celebrates the accomplishments of the women who have come before her, and secures continued opportunities for those who will follow her. Won't you join us this year in helping us meet our goal? We'll share our progress toward our goal of $201,900 each week here in "This Week at Villa." Thank you for supporting our Jems!

Construction Corner

 
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Construction Update

Windows are being installed and the brick is going up! 

 
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Athletics News & Notes

Becky Flynn Hensel '99, Athletic Director VJMAthletics@vjmhs.org

Lacrosse

Indoor Lacrosse Clinics will held in the gym on the dates below. This is a great opportunity for new girls with no experience to learn some basic skills before tryouts. Returning players can work on skills and endurance.

 

Tuesday, January  22, 2019 from 3:15-4:30 p.m.

Monday, January 28, 2019  from 3:15-4:30 p.m.

Monday, February  4, 2019 from  3:15-4:30 p.m.

 

Please bring sneakers, goggles, mouth guards, and your stick. We will have extra sticks/goggles available for any first time players. 

Rowing

Be part of the Villa Rowing Team. Practice for the spring season of Villa Rowing began January 2. Training takes place on campus in the sports garage after school at 3:15 p.m.  All Villa students are invited to come by and see what we are all about. We are actively recruiting new rowers. NO EXPERIENCE is required to join the team, as we teach you to row. Villa Rowing had a very successful fall season and is  carrying that momentum into the  spring season as we race crews from all across North America for National Championships. If you play a winter sport, you can always join the team when your season concludes. There will be a spring informational meeting soon. Information to follow. If you have any questions, please contact Head Coach John Musial at john.musial18@gmail.com. We hope to see you with us out on the water this spring representing Villa! 

Winter Track 

New pictures have been added to SmugMug.

 

Recent results:

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Alumnae News & Notes

Alumnae Association Gearing Up

The Leadership Team of the Alumnae Association met this past Sunday to discuss their plans for the upcoming year. While on campus, they took a tour of the auditorium construction. Be on the lookout for exciting news from the Alumnae Association. It's going to be a great year!

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Members of the Leadership Team of the Alumnae Association: Pictured from left to right:  Stephanie Schlegel Shortall '01, Renee Kitchenman McGovern '02, Nicole DiEnna '02, Nicole Prunetti '07, and Jeannine Bradbury '07. (not pictured: Sharon Citak Bell '86, Sara Couch '04, and Andrea Bradbury Sorial '04).

Development News & Notes

Jennifer Drayer-McDonald,  Director of Development | jmcdonald@vjmhs.org

 
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Villa Scrip Program

Check out Villa's Scrip Program! Through ShopWithScrip.com, Villa offers gift cards to hundreds of retailers that provide a direct benefit to you and our school — a percentage of your purchases will be donated to Villa and an equal percentage will be applied to tuition for the following school year for your daughter or another student of your choosing. Click here to learn more!

Guidance News & Notes

Anne Perez,  Director of Guidance | aperez@vjmhs.org

Miss Irish of Bucks County Essay Contest

This essay contest is open to all Bucks County high school junior and senior girls. Submit a short essay about what it means to be Irish. The top three essays from around the county will be chosen by a panel of judges from The Bucks County St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. The winner of the contest will be crowned at the Irishman's Ball and have the honor of wearing her sash and crown at the head of the parade along with her fellow finalists and the Grand Marshall. 

Deadline for submission is February 1, 2019.  

For application and more information click here.

Upcoming College Fairs:

Allentown Regional Fair: Wednesday, March 6, 2019: 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Lancaster Co. Regional Fair: Thursday, March 14, 2019:  8:30-11 a.m.                 
Main Line Regional Fair:  Monday, April 8, 2019: 6:30-9 p.m.
Northeast Regional Fair: Monday April 29, 2019: 8:30-11:30 a.m. & 6-8 p.m.      
Northwest Regional Fair: Tuesday, May 14, 2019: 6:30-8:00 p.m.

 

2019 Spring Regional College Fair Dates

Mission & Ministry News & Notes

Stephanie McCarthy, Director of Mission & Ministry | smccarthy@vjmhs.org

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All Sophomores through Seniors must have 5 of their 10 service hours logged on MobileServe by Thursday, January, 17, 2019. See the MobileServe website to do so!

Junior Retreat

Attention Junior Parents: A letter was mailed home this week regarding the Junior Retreat which will take place on Friday, February, 8, 2019. Your daughters will find out their assigned service site  by Wednesday, January 23, 2019. This will be posted on Ms. Weaver's Canvas page. Questions or concerns, please reach out to Mrs. McCarthy.

Villa's 4th Annual Day of Service
Join Mission and Ministry for Villa's 4th Annual Day of Service on Sunday, March 3, 2019! The interest form is attached below, as well as posted on the Mission and Ministry website. All forms are due to Mrs. McCarthy by January 20, 2019. We look forward to serving with you!

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Parents' Guild News & Notes

Anita Wagner, President | vjmparentsguild@vjmhs.org

Campus Store

The Campus Store (located in our temporary space at Room 211) will be open on Thursdays only, during all lunch periods, in January and February.  Thank you to all those who supported our online Christmas Sale.

School News & Notes

Marissa Brown, Dean of Student Affairs | mbrown@vjmhs.org

Schedule Update: Friday, January 11

Friday January 11 will be a Schedule B for a student assembly.  

NYC Bus Trip

Join your Villa friends for a day of theater and shopping in NYC! Our annual bus trip to New York City will take place on March 16, 2019. This year, we will be seeing FROZEN at the St. James Theatre, 246 West 44th Street. We will depart Villa at 8:30 a.m., and return around 7:30 p.m. Dress is casual (jeans are permitted). To reserve your seat, payment is due by Friday, January 11, 2019! For more information and to register, click here.

Exam Schedule

We will move forward with the NEW Schedule F for Exams. This schedule is as follows:

 

8:03-8:15         sit in block 1 exam for announcements/bathroom/attendance

8:15-8:30         study/prep time

8:30-9:30         Exam 1

9:30-9:45         sit in block 2 exam for announcements/bathroom/attendance

9:45-10:00      study/prep time

10:00-11:00   Exam 2

11:00                  Dismissal

Exam Week Transportation Schedule

 

The following districts will provide 11:00 a.m. early dismissal transportation for exam week (January 14 – January 17): 

 

  • Abington
  • Centennial
  • Council Rock
  • Hatboro- Horsham
  • Lower Moreland
  • New Hope-Solebury
  • Pennsbury
  • Philadelphia
  • Upper Moreland

 

Neshaminy will ONLY provide  transportation for 11:00 a.m. early dismissal on Monday, January 14, Tuesday, January 15, and Wednesday, January 16.  Students residing in Neshaminy District will need to secure transportation for 11:00 a.m. early dismissal on Thursday, January 17.

 

Students residing in Bensalem, Bristol, and  Central Bucks Districts will need to secure 11:00 a.m. early dismissal transportation for ALL exam days.

 

ALL school districts will provide A.M. transportation. 

Annual Fund Incentive Day Off: Monday, February 4 

There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, February 4. Enjoy the day off after the Super Bowl! 

2019 Phillies All-Star Teachers Contest

The Phillies will honor great educators in the region who are making a difference on May 3, 2019, during the 19th annual Teacher Appreciation Night. Now through March 15, 2019 at 4:59 p.m. ET, you can nominate a teacher, past or present, who has positively impacted your life. For more information  or to submit your nomination, click here.

The Week Ahead

This Weekend

 

Friday, January 11

Day 6-1 - Schedule B 

Student Assembly

 

Saturday, January 12

 

Sunday, January 13

Monday, January 14

Schedule F - Dismissal at 11 a.m.

 

Midterm Exams:

Periods 1 & 2

Tuesday, January 15

Schedule F  - Dismissal at 11 a.m.

 

Midterm Exams:

Periods 3 & 4

Course Selection Meeting:

7 p.m.

 

Wednesday, January 16 

Schedule F - Dismissal at 11 a.m.

 

Midterm Exams:

Periods 5 & 6 

 

Course Selection Meeting:

7 p.m.

Thursday, January 17 

Schedule F - Dismissal at 11 a.m.

 

End of 2nd Quarter


Midterm Exams: 

Periods 7 & 8

Friday, January 18 

NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

 

PD Day for Staff 

Saturday, January 19

Winter Formal: 
7 p.m., Gym

Sunday, January 20 

 

Monday, January 21

MLK HOLIDAY - NO SCHOOL

Important Links

 

Parents, share your photos with us! If you post photos from Villa events and activities on Facebook, please tag us at Villa Joseph Marie. Our Alumnae and fellow parents really enjoy seeing the many good things our Jems are up to! (Note: The Facebook account entitled "Villa Joseph Marie High School" is not an official account and is not managed by Villa). Photos also may be emailed to mwalinskas@vjmhs.org

Please forward your submissions for This Week at Villa to Mary Beth Walinskas '96 at mwalinskas@vjmhs.org. Deadline for submissions is 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Submissions may be edited or omitted for space, clarity, or content at the sole discretion of the editor. We also welcome your questions, feedback, and suggestions. Thanks for reading This Week at Villa!

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