14. Making Lemonade from Lemons - Summer Fun

Posted by Joanna Vanderhoef

Dear Friends,

As a parent, this summer has been one that is unlike any other. Today, I share with you a couple of ways that our family is “making lemonade from lemons” with the hope that perhaps it might inspire some new ideas for your families.

1. Backyard State ... Read More »

2. What Our Families are Doing During Safer at Home

Posted by Joanna Vanderhoef

My Friends,

No one can doubt that there are challenges to parenting in this new ‘normal.’ Between keeping structure and discipline for younger children, keeping older children engaged in their studies, all while carrying out instructions for daily learning from teachers, and meeting a child’s spiritual and psychological needs ... Read More »

3. Catholic Identity at School and at Home

Posted by Joanna Vanderhoef

My Dear Friends,

As I’m sure you felt it, Easter was just a little bit different this year. I personally grieved the loss of some of the things which make us uniquely Catholic. The tradition, mystery, magic, and sorrow of the Triduum, followed by the great joy of Easter ... Read More »

4. Our Students Are Thankful

Posted by Joanna Vanderhoef

My Dear Friends,

If you’ve ever attended a Friday morning school liturgy at St. Joan of Arc, you have seen one of our favorite liturgical traditions! The students and faculty all gather around the altar for the Eucharistic Prayer and Fr. Mike asks, “Why do we gather around the ... Read More »

5. Distance Learning Art and Music Projects

Posted by Joanna Vanderhoef

As we are well into the second month of distance learning, you can imagine that certain parts of the curriculum have been easier to translate to a distance learning platform than others. One area that has been a challenge but has yielded wonderful results is the arts— Music and ... Read More »

6. School Update

Posted by Joanna Vanderhoef

St. Joan of Arc School Update

As you know, St. Joan of Arc, like all schools across the state, made the switch to distance learning and Governor Evers made the announcement that all public and private school buildings will remain closed for the rest of the school year. There ... Read More »

7. Kindergarten Class of 2020

Posted by Joanna Vanderhoef

8. St. Joan of Arc Class of 2020

Posted by Joanna Vanderhoef

9. Thank you Teachers!

Posted by Joanna Vanderhoef

My Dear Friends,

As we wrap up the school year, I’m reflecting back on what an unusual experience it has been. On our first day of school back in late August, I never imagined we would end the school year in the midst of a global pandemic with our ... Read More »

10. End of the Year Blessing Unlike Any Other

Posted by Joanna Vanderhoef

Hi Friends!

With all the heartache and challenges in the world today, we experienced a bright spot at St. Joan of Arc Parish School. Onthe last day of school every year, Fr. Mike blesses the students into their new grade as only Fr. Mike can do—with a LOT of water!

This is such an important part of the closure of our school year, I was determined to make it happen. Through quite a bit of coordination and the work of many hands, we had an end of the year blessing that was unlike any we’ve done before, but it was so special and unique! Students and parents snaked through our parking lot in one long car parade, each waiting their turn for their blessing as a family from Fr. Mike and Ms. Ellen. Along the way, teachers waited with waves hello and water shooters to add to the ... Read More »