January 29 – February 5, 2012

The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2012 is “Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service.” The annual observance starts the last Sunday in January and runs all week, which in 2012 is January 29 to February 5. St Joseph celebrates Catholic Schools Week with Masses, open houses and activities for students, families, parishioners and the community at large.

CSW is a very special time at St. Joseph School. With our recently awarded National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award, it gives us an opportunity to open our school publicly and recognize that – what used to be the best kept secret in Lockport is now a proud beacon of excellence in Christ-centered education to our community.

Scheduled activities

Sunday January 29 – Each year, St. Joseph school kicks off Catholic Schools Week with introductions after each Sunday mass to invite everyone to our school for an open house. The open house runs from 9am to 1pm with hospitality refreshments. Our student projects are on display on the lower level for the academic and science fair.

Tuesday January 31 – St. Joseph hosts another open house for interested prospective families who would like a guided tour of our school. Please contact us to schedule your appointment. Our current parents are also invited to see their child’s latest work on display throughout the halls as well as sitting in as our students make in-class presentations of their academic projects.

We also hold a student and teacher appreciation days with special events during the week.

About CSW

This year’s theme focuses on three priorities that Catholic schools establish that make them stand out from other educational institutions. Children are taught faith – not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God. Academics, which in Catholic schools are held to very high standards, help each child reach his or her potential. Service, the giving of one’s time and effort to help others, is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship.

Catholic Schools Week is a joint project of NCEA and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. To learn more about Catholic Schools Week, visit the NCEA Web site at:www.ncea.org/news/CatholicSchoolsWeek.asp.

The NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church. NCEA members include elementary schools, high schools, parish religious education programs and seminaries.