Catholic Schools Week

The St. Joseph ELC students kick off Catholic Schools Week with Service Monday were the help to clean the parish church and grounds. Pictured here are some of the staff and students outside of the front of the church after cleaning the inside and out of the parish grounds.

They then go into "Pajama Day" on Tuesday were students get to wear their pajamas to school. Then on "Paniolo Wednesday" students get to dress in their western getup. Thursday for the last day of School Spirit week is "Wear your Faith" day were the children wore faith inspired tees, jewelry and got to make their own cross necklaces. The staff enjoyed having to partake in a virtual mass and workshops with the statewide event.

It is a blessing to work, serve  and learn in a Catholic School setting.

Christmas Country Store

Mahalo to those who participated in our Christmas County Store in December.

Hallow's Eve For Hallow's Eve St. Joseph ELC celebrated a little differently. The students walked to and gathered at our parish graveyard were they
prayed for the souls and Fr. Edison blessed the children he then joined
us for the activities. Our office manager and parents made a wonderful themed maze and fun zones as well as a pumpkin patch that students could
pick out their own pumpkin to take home. The ELC also had a pumpkin carving contest with 18 participants with Fr. Edison as the judge. The winner this year was Marcus Mateo from the Ladybug class. St. Joseph ELC is gearing up for their up coming fundraiser a Christmas Country Store coming up on Dec. 2nd. Thank you to all who worked so hard to make the Hollow's Eve day so memorable

Priesthood Sunday For Priesthood Sunday the students and staff from St. Joseph E.L.C. presented their pastors with banners, lei and songs of Aloha for all that they do for the school and parish. The banners were hung at the entrance of the church for the weekend masses. Fr. Napoleon Andres M.S. was serenaded at the parish rectory and Fr. Edison Pamintuan, M.S. was attending a pilgrimage in the Philippines that weekend,however the
students made sure they greeted him with the banner when he returned on Oct. 2nd in his office.Mahalo to all our parish priest for their sacrifice and Aloha.

2023-24 School Year Orientation
The St. Joseph E.L.C 2023-24 School Year Orientation took place on Aug. 3rd 2023. Each classroom had their own slotted time to visit their homeroom, drop off their school supplies, meet their teachers and join in activities that will bridge home and school. In the photo you see the families and students from the Ladybug class listening the the book "If You Take a Mouse to School" by Laura Numeroff, read by staff members. Parents and children were asked to take an paper lunch box home and decorate it, write a love note and bring it in on the first day of school  family photo to help bridge connection between home and school. It also correlates with the story book to give students something to book forward to on the first days of school. We wish all schools a blessed year.

20234-2024 School Year Orientation - View File

Sexual Assault Awareness Month April was Sexual Assault Awareness month and we have a presenter come in every year, Gabrielle Shabke from Maui Sexual Assault Center. Thank you "Aunty Gabby", as the students affectionately call her,  for sharing the packets, song and presentation with the center. The presentation was well received and covered a gambit of important information in a age appropriate manner. The presentation also fufills the Safe Environment - Child and Youth Protection Charter. In the photo we have the students from The Rainbow Class presenting their thank you card and lei to Gabriell after her presentation.

ELC Ladybug Teacher and Families - St. Joseph Early Learning Center marches into the 2022-23 school year as the Family Orientation event gets under way. Pictured here is Ladybug Class teacher, Miss Cassandra Comer, student Theodore Gusman and his family carrying school supplies to check in for their class gathering. To start off the orientation the teachers read the book "Llama Llama Back at School" by Anna Dewdney. Families got to take home a fun back pack project to create at home and return to school on the first day that related to the book. Students then got to dance the "Hokey Pokey" with their family and got to learn the staff members and their names. It was a fun day on campus and well attened. We wish all families, students, staff and administration a blessed school year.

Parent Orientation - View PDF

New Flags - St. Joseph Early Learning Center student body and staff gathers around the school courtyard flag pole as Fr. Micheal Tolentino blesses the new American and Hawaiian flags. The students normally do the Pledge of Alliance and sing  "God Bless America" and "Hawaii Pono E" at morning group circles indoors in their classrooms but on Tuesday, March 8th 2022 was a special day. They took time to gather outdoors as a student body participated in the blessing and raising of the flag. The school purchased new flags after the old ones were worn and asked "Fr. Mike"  as he is lovingly called by the students, to bless the flags. The old ones where dropped off at the Maui Mayors Office in a drop off box where the flags will be properly retired. It was a great teaching opportunity for the children to learn about special respect and care given to the valued symbol  of our Country and State . God bless our Island Home and Country.

I Love My School Because ... St. Joseph E.L.C. student 'Āle'a Koa from the Butterfly Class draws her response to the question"I love my school because... " She said "I love playing with my friends at school." She is drawing a picture  that will be used on the Catholic Schools Week Poster to be displayed at the entrance of the Parish Church during the week of Jan. 30th -Feb. 5th. In addition to the poster the students made book marks that parishioners can take to commemorate the occasion. The students and staff also look forward to a themed week of service, faith, and excellence as they enjoy community clean up day, pajama day, A.C.C.E Teachers Conference and virtual mass with Most Reverend Bishop Larry Silva . God bless and Happy National Catholic Schools Week to all.

Thanksgiving Prayer Fr. Michael Tolentino joins the student body of St. Joseph ELC for a Thanksgiving Prayer service on Wednesday Nov. 24th, 2021. The students participated in the prayers of the faithful, offertory and they presented a Liturgical Dance to give God thanksgiving for all they have. The preschool students and families also donated over 200 lbs of can food to the Parish Food bank as their mission of giving back to the community. We are so grateful for all  blessings both big and small. Have a blessed Holiday Season.

Pumpkin Contest The Ladybug Class were the winners of our Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest this year. Fr. Michael Tolentio presented them with their prize of a target gift card that they can use to buy cool books for their class.  Fr. Mike chose the winner from a total of 11 entrees. The winning pumpkin was designed after the children's book "Go Away Big Green Monster" by Ed Emberley. The students also enjoyed a costume parade around the central court area  by class bubble  this year. Have a blessed Fall season.

Priesthood Day Students at St. Joseph ELC celebrated Priesthood Sunday with a banner and song for their beloved parish priest Fr. Michael Tolentino. Fr. Michael also is celebrating his 17th Ordination Anniversary on Oct. 2nd so it is a extra special day for him. Pictured are the students of the Ladybug class bubble along with their teacher Miss Cassandra Comer greeting Fr. Michael at this rectory after singing him the song "You are Special". We thank Fr. Michael and all priest for their love, sacrifice and service to God's People and His Kingdom.

School Orientation Families and students check in and do a walk trough at the St. Joseph E.L.C Family Orientation on Thursday, Aug. 5th 2021. Pictured in photo is office manager Sheri Harris receiving school supplies from Josh and Jonelle Davis  parents of student Issac Davis as they practice the safety protocol for the first day of school  planed for Aug. 16th. At the orientation the families and students also participated in home and school bridging activity, story time and song and dace. Each class bubble was given a independent orientation time to maintain social distancing and protocol guidelines and all 29 families participated. The staff are also looking forward to attending the Mass of the Holy Spirit scheduled for Aug. 19th that will bless and kick off the school year uniting all Catholic Schools state wide in prayer. We wish all schools a safe and blessed 2021-22 school year.

School Orientation will take place on Thursday, August 5, 2021 for all three classrooms. The new school year is almost here and we are excited to share with you all that we have planned. Come and join us for an orientation and presentation to help make the year go smoothly. The orientation will be held in the courtyard due to social distancing.

Presentation of Flowers to Honor Mary Students of St. Joseph Early Learning Center honor the month of Mary with celebration and activities all month long. Pictured here is Rainbow Class student Tevai Demello-Orta Kubo presenting flowers to the School's court yard statue of the blessed mother . She and her classmates cleaned and adorned the area with deed and prayer to honor God's chosen and humble servant. In addition to the May celebrations, the students will also be participating in a May Day program virtually and have also honored their mothers with hand made gifts for Mothers Day.

Presenter Gabby S of Maui Child and Family Services St. Joseph E.L.C. students celebrated April, the Month of the Young Child and Sexual Awareness Month with a Safe Environment presentation put on by presenter Gabby Shabke of Maui Child and Family Services. The presentation was done for each classroom bubble outdoors with age appropriate content, visual props, and songs that engaged the children's learning. They also got to take home coloring books and hand outs that reinforce what personal safety tips they have learned to share with their family at home. The presentation is done annually each year and we appreciate the Maui Child and Family Services staff for their kokua to our keiki and their safety.

Parish Lenten Retreat St. Joseph ELC families, staff and school board members joined  the Parish Lenten Retreat facilitated by Fr. Ken Deasy pictured in the photo,on March 2nd and 9th 2021. It was well presented and well received. This two day retreat was entitled " Be Real: Live Lent with Love" it was offered in both in-person or virtual form. The retreat was sponsored by the Pastoral Council, will lead up to the Parish Lenten Penance service then right into Holy Week. Simultaneously the Solemnity of St. Joseph,  will be preceded by a 9 day Novena and mass that will end at the end of the school's Lenten Break on March 19th,. We wish all a Happy Feast Day and a Blessed Easter Season.

Catholic Schools Week Catholic School's Week was a welcomed celebration of fellowship, service, and joyful blessing to all at St. Joseph Early Learning Center. On Monday,Feb. 1st was "Service Day" where the students worked hard to clean and spruce up the church ground and parking lot. Tuesday, Feb. 2nd, the children and staff had fun and fellowship as the came to school right out of bed on "Pajama Day". "Wacky Wednesday" was a time the campus saw strange hairdos, mix matched duds and lots of laughs. Thursday, Feb. 4th , was "Sports Day" were the students participated in an obstacle course in the court area of campus decked out in their favorite team or sport attire. Lastly on Friday, the parish joined in the celebration of Catholic Schools week officiated by Fr. Micheal Tolenteno that coordinated with all Catholic Schools through out the state. After the mass two of the staff members were honored and received awards for their years of work in the Catholic Education field.

Congratulations to Helen Souza for her 20 years of service and Alicia Cordeiro for the 30 years of blessings to our keiki. Following the mass the staff shared in a state wide virtual key note presentation by speaker and Maui raised author Dr. Linda Wheeler. To wrap up the day Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Dr. Llewellyn Young read from a Appreciation Day recognition letter by Governor David Y. Ige to all Catholic Schools thanking all Hawaii Catholic educational institutions for building a strong past, present and future in Hawaii. Pictured are the students of the Butterfly class holding the Catholic School's Week poster they and their school mates created to display in the parish church for the eventful week.

Celebrating Christmas Virtually Pictured here is the Ladybug class as they sing the classic Christmas song "Jingle Bells" while their families watch the performance via Zoom. The school decided to have the classes perform virtually at three separate Zoom meetings keeping safety in mind. This will make the first time a Christmas program was done without a audience but it was appreciated and spirit filled.  The children made their own T-shirts and closed their program outside with a manger scene alongside The Holy Family. Wishing all a Happy and blessed New Year.

Halloween Parade - St. Joseph E.L.C. continued their tradition of a Halloween parade however, this year it was just on campus instead of Makawao town. The students in the Ladybug room pictured here are walking back to their class room after viewing the entrees of the pumpkin carving contest in the background. Congratulations to Rainbow class student Tevai DeMello Orta-Kubo whom won the carving contest as it was judged by Fr. Micheal Tolentino. In addition to the pumpkin contest the students enjoyed fun activities and a special Halloween snack. Happy Holidays to all.

Rainbow Class The students of St. Joseph Early Learning Center are back from Fall break and continuing their first quarter of school. Pictured here are the students of the Rainbow Class together with the Butterfly and Ladybug classes they are gearing up for parent/ teacher conferences and getting excited for the upcoming holidays of Halloween, Thanksgiving right around the corner. We look forward to more learning and blessings on campus.

Retreat Day On Friday, September 18th, the staff of the St. Joseph E.L.C. enjoyed a beautiful retreat day at the neighboring parish of The Kula Catholic Community Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Keokea. To begin the day the staff did a opening meditate prayer on the theme of the day which was "Follow Jesus". Then they watched the movie on DVD "I am Patrick" with a personal reflection on the life and legend of St. Patrick. To round up the day the staff partook in a mass with celebrant Fr. Anton Nyo to end the day. The grounds was so picturesque and beautiful and Fr. Nyo had the staff leave with fresh items from his country garden. A very relaxing and meaningful retreat day for the staff pictured in photo; (front row) Alicia Cordeiro, Helen Souza and Back row Renette Koa and Fr. Anton Nyo. Thank you to Fr. Anton Nyo and the staff of the Kula Catholic Community.

Mass of the Holy Spirit St. Joseph Early Learning Center celebrates the Mass of the Holy Spirit for the 2020-21 school year. Due to the pandemic the recommended distance protocol precautions were taken but, the it did not detour the celebrant and staff from a blessing upon their year. The quaint gathering was held in the convent chapel to share the Word and break the Bread of God with each other. Director Helen Souza also read the Bishops letter addressed to all Catholic schools statewide. The photo shows the participants from left to right Alicia Cordiero, Helen Souza, Renette Koa and Fr. Micheal Tolentino.  Thank you for Fr. Michael and the parish for their support to our preschool and staff. We wish all schools a safe and blessed school year.

St. Joseph Early Learning Center is starting anew... as it gears up for a safe and blessed 2020-21 school year. Seen in the photo we have student Keaumahinaikealani Cabanting-White along with her parents Sanoe and Greg dancing to the song "If You're Happy and You Know It" one of the ice breakers for orientation. The students also got their temperature and wellness check "dry run" for a smother transition onthe first day. They also had their perspective teachers read them the story "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn that is so fitting in this time of heightened hand washing and hygiene yet remembering that a parents love can not be washed away, even with hand sanitizer. The families also brought in a family photo as well as took home a activity that relates to the book mentioned as a bridge between school and home. We wish all schools a safe and blessed school year.

To the students : We miss you all... and love you. Remember to say your prayers. Remember to sing your songs. Remember to take a nap and stay healthy.

To the 'Ohana: Hang in there. We miss you. (see resources listed to help get ideas) Remember to pray. Remember to breath. Remember to rest and stay healthy.