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The Bible – The Foundation of Learning at Queen of Apostles
May 17, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The Bible – The Foundation of Learning at Queen of Apostles
May 2015
Queen of Apostles school believes that the Bible has a special place in the academic curriculum of its students. The school has established the bible as a key component of its religious program and uses its guiding principles to mould the children into mature and honest Catholic individuals. Says Marijane Lovell, Vice Principal, “having their own Bibles throughout their Queen of Apostles careers allows the students to grow in love and understanding of God’s word. They use them in class and each week as they prepare for the readings of the coming Sunday. It is a pleasure to see the delighted faces of the fourth graders and the pride in the fifth graders when the Bibles are presented.”
Leading the way, fifth graders prepared a special bookmark for each fourth grader’s Bible. The Bibles were blessed in the church and the teachers presented it to them in a solemn ceremony emphasizing its sacredness and utility for the rest of their time at Queen of Apostles. The fifth grade students taught the new owners how to navigate the bible and cherish it for the beauty and knowledge that it imparts. Studying the Sacraments of the Church will be their first lesson from their new bibles.
Queen of Apostles School 5th Grade Dissection Lab
May 17, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Queen of Apostles School 5th Grade Dissection Lab
April 2015
Queen of Apostles School has always emphasized the successful impact of a hands-on-approach towards education. With this in mind, the 5th grade students dissected a sheep’s heart! One of the most looked forward to science activities all year, the students got to experience what it means to look at and feel a real sheep’s heart.
The 5th grade has been studying the heart as part of their science curriculum and today was an opportunity for them to learn first hand what they had been studying the past couple of days. They were divided into groups, each one led by a parent volunteer to assist. These parents were briefed and well prepared by Mrs. Rehbock, the science teacher. The students, in turn got to explain to the adult in their group what they expected to see and therefore, review the information they had previously gathered from the lessons and chapters. Everyone conducting the procedure was equipped with rubber gloves, safety goggles, etc. The vena cava and pulmonary artery were marked with blue and red straws and the students explored the interior of both sections. They weighed the heart, discussed why some were larger than others and noticed that some were more fatty. They made two cuts to expose the right and left atrium and ventricles. All students were asked to record their observations.
While each student had an expression of wonder mixed with curiosity, their reaction of “This is so cool” and “Wow” said it all!
First Grade Library Field Trip
March 3, 2015 by Leave a Comment
First Grade Library Field Trip
March 2015
The 1st grade class of Queen of Apostles School honored Martin Luther King, Jr. by visiting the library named for him in downtown San Jose. They took a tour of the library, learned about the strategically placed butterflies on each floor of the library, and also learned how to obtain a library card and borrow books. They also saw and learned about the reconstructed Redwood tree trunk that now serves as a series of columns in the library building. The first graders had a wonderful day learning about this wonderful treasure of their city of San Jose!
Queen of Apostles Celebrates Epiphany
February 8, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Queen of Apostles Celebrates Epiphany
February 2015
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.
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.
The 6th Grade Class at Queen of Apostles School Helps United Way Brighten Someone’s Day
January 5, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The 6th Grade Class at Queen of Apostles School Helps United Way Brighten Someone’s Day
January 2015
Each year United Way of Silicon Valley provides a select number of low income elementary school students with a holiday gift from their wish list as well as a book to advance their reading skills.
With volunteer support, United Way is able to add a personalized Christmas card, making the gift much more special for the students. This year, 6th grade students from Queen of Apostles School had the honor to assist United Way by making personalized Christmas cards. In total, the students made 88 cards to go with the gifts. They decorated their cards with colorful drawings, words of encouragement and compliments.
“It’s amazing how a small gesture can be very impactful,” stated Alicia Silva, 6th grade mom volunteer. “I want to thank the students and Mr. Weinstein (6th grade teacher) for coming together to help our surrounding communities.” Says Mrs. Silva.
With volunteer support, United Way is able to add a personalized Christmas card, making the gift much more special for the students. This year, 6th grade students from Queen of Apostles School had the honor to assist United Way by making personalized Christmas cards. In total, the students made 88 cards to go with the gifts. They decorated their cards with colorful drawings, words of encouragement and compliments.
“It’s amazing how a small gesture can be very impactful,” stated Alicia Silva, 6th grade mom volunteer. “I want to thank the students and Mr. Weinstein (6th grade teacher) for coming together to help our surrounding communities.” Says Mrs. Silva.
Queen of Apostles Students get involved in their Community
November 25, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Queen of Apostles Students get involved in their Community
November 2014
The 7th grade students at Queen of Apostles School spent the day helping out at Hope Services.
The mission of Hope Services is to improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. Students rolled up their sleeves alongside the participating Hope members and provided assistance with production services such as labeling, packaging, sorting, assembling and metering.
Students also found that there are similarities between themselves and the participating members. As they chatted with the members, some discovered a common love of Starbucks frapuccinos and animé characters.
One student stated that as he worked making boxes, he and one of the participating members discussed the merits of animé Sailor Moon.
“The opportunity the students are afforded by volunteering at Hope Services is an experience you can’t re-create within a classroom setting. They experience patience, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for the world around them and their ability to be a vital role in it!” Stated 7th grade teacher Brian Yocke.
Queen of Apostles School celebrates 50th Anniversary
September 5, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Queen of Apostles School celebrates 50th Anniversary
September 2014
August 23 wasn’t just an ordinary day at Queen of Apostles Church in San Jose. The campus was bustling with excitement and festivities. Parishioners, alumni and current students and their families came together to celebrate 50 years of quality Catholic education at their beloved school.
The day began with Mass presided by Diocese of San Jose Bishop Patrick J. McGrath. Fathers Thuc Si Ho and Reynaldo Sarmiento were also in attendance. Principal Marty Chargin introduced the liturgy and former principal Marianna Willis proclaimed the first reading. Parent Advisory Council President Bea Scott led the assembly in the responsorial psalm. Deacon Steven Herrera recounted his memories of the school and mentioned pastors who had supported the school. He made special mention of Father Jim Mifsud whose unrelenting support for the school helped shape it into what it is today, a community of caring Christians. Alumni students, Max Amicarelli, Jake Amicarelli, Eric Matsumoto and Lana Talaich read prayers. Students demonstrated their respect and connection with the school by wearing their uniforms to Mass.
The day began with Mass presided by Diocese of San Jose Bishop Patrick J. McGrath. Fathers Thuc Si Ho and Reynaldo Sarmiento were also in attendance. Principal Marty Chargin introduced the liturgy and former principal Marianna Willis proclaimed the first reading. Parent Advisory Council President Bea Scott led the assembly in the responsorial psalm. Deacon Steven Herrera recounted his memories of the school and mentioned pastors who had supported the school. He made special mention of Father Jim Mifsud whose unrelenting support for the school helped shape it into what it is today, a community of caring Christians. Alumni students, Max Amicarelli, Jake Amicarelli, Eric Matsumoto and Lana Talaich read prayers. Students demonstrated their respect and connection with the school by wearing their uniforms to Mass.
The celebration continued immediately following Mass. Guests were invited to lunch in the courtyard where there was a DJ playing music selections past and present. There were entertaining activities for the children throughout the campus. With more than 300 guests in attendance, old and new stories were recounted and discovered. New friends were made and old friendships rekindled.
As Father Thuc recovered from his adventure on one of the Astro Jump slides, he stated “What a way to celebrate and unite people. We should do this every year!”
Queen of Apostles supports empowerment of girls
June 5, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Queen of Apostles supports empowerment of girls
June 2014
In May, a group of Queen of Apostles students from third through fifth grades ran alongside their Principal Martin Chargin in a 5K, sponsored by “Girls On The Run,” a program that uses experience-based curriculum to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident.
The program integrates running, which is in line with the school’s learning expectations to be healthy individuals. Students trained for two months using lessons that encourage positive emotional, social, mental and physical development. They explored and discussed their own beliefs about experiences and challenges girls face at this age and they explored how they can positively connect with and shape the world.
“This program is not only about running, it’s about teaching girls to have positive body images, how to handle peer pressure and how to stand up to bullies,” said Allison Fox, school parent and event organizer.
New ‘face’ of Queen of Apostles School
May 5, 2014 by Leave a Comment
New ‘face’ of Queen of Apostles School
May 2014
Queen of Apostles School, San Jose, continues to celebrate 50 years of Catholic education this year by giving their school logo a new look. “The new logo which replaces the Eagle (the school’s sport mascot) is a better representation of the school and Church’s doctrine,” explained Martin Chargin, principal.
The logo is entitled “The Shield of Faith.” Its four main components include the image of a shield (against evil) encasing a cross (what each person carries for the intentions of the Heavenly Father) and 12 stars (12 Apostles, teachers in Christ). The shield is topped by a crown representing Mother Mary.
The Shield of Faith logo will be transitioned into the school uniform beginning school year 2014-2015.
Queen of Apostles alumni ‘pay it forward’
April 5, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Queen of Apostles alumni ‘pay it forward’
April 2014
The strong sense of community originally inspired by the late Father Jim Mifsud through his leadership and guidance is the glue that keeps families coming back to Queen of Apostles, explained parishioner Barbara Richmond.
That sense of community brings back alumni as teachers including Mrs. Amicarelli, kindergarten teacher, Ms. Nicoletti, fourth grade teacher, and Ms. Usispre, pre-school aide.
Alumni also “pay it forward” by providing volunteer assistance to teachers and coaches. Former students on campus are a common sight. Jonathan Sandau, senior at St. Francis High School, Mtn. View, fixes computers and installs software programs.
Shayna Crawford, freshman at San Jose State University, volunteers to coach eighth grade volleyball. Weekly, several Mitty High School students volunteer as aides in Spanish, second and third grades. Teachers are then able to split the classes into smaller groups as alumni lead one of the smaller groups. This ensures a better grasp of material for the students, according to Richmond.
Mrs. Battiato, third grade teacher, said, “Students are excited to learn from these experienced alumni, and look up to them. It allows me to identify where students need further instruction. We are blessed to have such a strong community.”
