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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.”
Queen of Apostles School launches SLEagles group
March 5, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Queen of Apostles School launches SLEagles group
March 2014
At Queen of Apostles School, SLEagles are selected annually by their homeroom teacher and consist of two student representatives from second through eighth grade.
Students are selected based on their embodiment of the School-Wide Learning Expectations (SLE’s) to be “Caring Christians,” “Active Learners,” “Self-Confident, Responsible and Healthy Individuals.”
A recent SLEagle event included a book drive in which book donations were delivered to Sacred Heart Community Center’s after-school program. Skits illustrating the SLE’s are presented weekly to the entire school at Wednesday prayer services.
Mrs. Maria James, fifth grade teacher and Mr. Brian Yocke, seventh grade teacher, serve as co-moderators for the group. Yocke said, “It has been a blast! We think the kids are really enjoying themselves while learning how to be good Christians.”
Queen of Apostles School celebrates Catholic Schools Week
February 5, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Queen of Apostles School celebrates Catholic Schools Week
February 2014
Queen of Apostles School (San Jose) celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a special Parish/School Mass; Associate Pastor Father Angelo David presided with Pastor Father Thuc Si Ho in the assembly.
Students wore school uniforms to demonstrate school pride and solidarity and served as greeters, ushers, readers, and by singing in the choir. Students also wrote the prayers offered during the Mass which was well attended by parishioners and students.
The school’s Authors and Artists’ Faire and Open House were also held. The Author and Artists Faire is a showcase of student artwork in several media from models to pastels and sculptures.
Original written work is also showcased and includes poetry, essays and short stories. The work is framed/bound and labeled and presented in “art gallery” fashion in the Father Mifsud gym. Over 1,000 original pieces were on display.
Queen of Apostles students engage in community service projects
January 5, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Queen of Apostles students engage in community service projects
January 2014
Queen of Apostles students are involved in community service projects throughout the school year as they demonstrate commitment to being caring Christians. In association with the St. Vincent DePaul Society, they participate in a school-wide food drive which was started by late pastor Father Jim Mifsud.
During November, students and families bring donations of food and supplies to be distributed to people in need.
Students are encouraged to donate items purchased with their own money or work to earn money to provide donations. Families are encouraged to model the spirit of giving with their children. Over 100 families in need were assisted by the food drive during Thanksgiving.
Queen of Apostles school celebrates grandparents
December 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Queen of Apostles school celebrates grandparents
December 2013
At Queen of Apostles School (San Jose), students, grandparents and “special persons” joined in Mass concelebrated by pastor Father Thuc Si Ho and parochial vicar Father Angelo David.
The Mass was dedicated to those special people who are part of a youth support system–grandparents, and teachers, caregivers, friends and confidants. After Mass, the children spent the morning with their special person.
Second graders shared favorite books; sixth graders discovered what life was like for their grandparents, when they were in sixth grade. The day concluded with lunch. A sixth grader said it made her feel special to be able to share her day with her grandparents. “I found out things I didn’t know about them.”
Queen of Apostles School celebrates 50th anniversary
October 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Queen of Apostles School celebrates 50th anniversary
October 2013
Queen of Apostles School is celebrating 50 years of Catholic education with several activities throughout this school year. The school was founded under direction of Father Elwood Geary, first Pastor of Queen of Apostles Parish.
The first three grades opened in September 1964. Each year thereafter another grade was added. The school presently offers preschool through 8th grade.
Former staff recall that during those early days the uniform included red ties for the boys. The school was staffed by Religious of The Sacred Heart of Mary until 1972, when a Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was appointed principal. The staff has been lay since 1976.
In 1985, the Marianist community of priests and Brothers took over pastoral care and administration of the parish. Marianist’ dedication to education and devotion to Mary have since defined the charism of Queen of Apostles School.
The late Father Jim Mifsud, SM, pastor from 1989-2007, provided both spiritual inspiration and financial support for the school. In 2007, the Diocese of San Jose took on parochial administration and appointed Father Michael Carson as pastor. In 2013, Father Thuc Si Ho was appointed pastor.
Former Principal Mariana Willis recalls: “Several improvements have been made throughout the years. In the old days students had to balance their lunches on their laps; now there are designated lunch benches for each grade. “Back then the home-room teacher taught every subject. Now there are specialty teachers for subjects such as Science, Spanish, Music, Math, Art and Religion.”
The first three grades opened in September 1964. Each year thereafter another grade was added. The school presently offers preschool through 8th grade.
Former staff recall that during those early days the uniform included red ties for the boys. The school was staffed by Religious of The Sacred Heart of Mary until 1972, when a Sister of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was appointed principal. The staff has been lay since 1976.
In 1985, the Marianist community of priests and Brothers took over pastoral care and administration of the parish. Marianist’ dedication to education and devotion to Mary have since defined the charism of Queen of Apostles School.
The late Father Jim Mifsud, SM, pastor from 1989-2007, provided both spiritual inspiration and financial support for the school. In 2007, the Diocese of San Jose took on parochial administration and appointed Father Michael Carson as pastor. In 2013, Father Thuc Si Ho was appointed pastor.
Former Principal Mariana Willis recalls: “Several improvements have been made throughout the years. In the old days students had to balance their lunches on their laps; now there are designated lunch benches for each grade. “Back then the home-room teacher taught every subject. Now there are specialty teachers for subjects such as Science, Spanish, Music, Math, Art and Religion.”
The school has undergone many changes in 50 years but the underlying sense of community and dedication to education instilled by its founders has never changed. The “Never Give Up” spirit – motto of Father Jim Mifsud — is alive and well at Queen of Apostles School, according to parishioner Barbara Richmond.
