FAQ's

When will we get all the information we need for the start of the school year? 

Financial Aid Award information is mailed by April 30^th to those families who have applied. 

In June/July parents will receive summer reading lists and information about fall sports and physicals needed to participate in interscholastic athletics. A physical card to be completed by a physician is included in this mailing. 

In August parents will receive information on the opening of the school year, which includes advice about the purchase of books and the dress code for the beginning of school. Also included in this mailing are the dates of tryouts for fall sports.

On the first day of orientation in September students will receive the St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Student Handbook and Calendar, which contains the philosophy, rules and regulations of the school. It requires a parent signature and must be returned by the student the first full day of school. 

How do I know what is coming up at school? 

A calendar of important school events for the 2007/2008 school year is included in the Student Handbook. Events are also listed in the parents’ newsletter that parents receive periodically during the year. If parents have any further questions about dates, please refer to this website. 

How often will I meet with my son’s teachers? 

In October, the Parents’ Guild sponsors the “Back to School Night”, an evening during which parents follow their son’s class schedule. This will be an opportunity for parents to meet their son’s teachers and to learn what is expected of their sons in each of his classes. 

In November after the first report cards have been distributed, Parent-Teacher Interviews will be held in the late afternoon and evening. 

In February after semester report cards have been distributed, Parent-Teacher Interviews will be held again. 

If a parent ever needs to contact a teacher, please call the school number (874-4024) and listen to the message for the teacher’s voice mail extension, then just dial direct and leave a message.  There will be a list of the teacher’s voice mail extension numbers in the Family Directory that is given out in the fall, as well as on the school website. The teachers will listen to their voice mail throughout the day and return calls when they are available to do so. 

Aside from those instances listed immediately above, parents may find any of their son’s teachers present during any of the out-of-school opportunities for social interaction – at a game or a concert, or at the Christmas Party sponsored by the Parents’ Guild for faculty and staff. 

Whom do I call when my son is having trouble? 

If a student is having difficulty with a class or an extracurricular activity, the first step should be to call the teacher or head of the activity. 

Other persons parents may wish to contact include:  

For disciplinary problems:  Br. Christopher Bellman, Vice Principal for Student Affairs (ext. 102) 
For academic problems:  Mr. David Kash (x120) Mrs. Kristin Smith (x122) Mr. Michael Thoin (x121)
Ms. Tracy Cotter (x123) 
For academic or scheduling problems:  Mr. Thomas Zabawa, Vice Principal for Academic Affairs
(ext. 103) 
For athletic information or problems:  Mr. Peter Schneider, Athletic Director (ext. 107) 
For other problems:  Mr. Robert Scott, President/Principal (x101) 

To reach any of these individuals, please call the school at 874-4024. If parents need any general information, speak to the secretaries in the main office -  Mrs. Sue Koller at ext. 104 (Administration), or Mrs. Charlotte Cercone ext. 105, or the Guidance Secretary, Mrs. Pat Kania ext. 108. 

When will my son get advice about college? 

Although specific discussion of college plans will come later, during a student’s freshman and sophomore years, he will be given an opportunity to explore different career paths through a variety of panel presentations, individual personal counseling sessions, and special testing programs in which he will participate. During his junior year, a student will meet with his counselor, who will converse with the student about his goals and then suggest various options for college  At the end of the junior year, the senior counselor will meet with the juniors to describe the entire college application process. Students will receive a very detailed packet describing the college application process at the beginning of his senior year.

Senior parents are invited to a financial aid seminar in November. Students are also informed about scholarships to colleges through the daily bulletin. 

What is the role of extracurricular activities and athletics at St. Joe’s and how does my son get involved? 

St. Joe’s aims to develop well-rounded students. Consequently, participation in extracurricular activities is important to the growth of the students. Extracurriculars reinforce the values and attitudes of St. Joe’s and help to develop self-discipline, commitment, the quest for excellence and success, leadership, and respect for self and others. One other benefit is the friendships, which develop, and are especially important during the transition period of freshman year. 

Parents and their sons will receive information about athletic participation in the August mailing.  Further information will be given to students during the freshman orientation days in September. 

Throughout the school year, announcements about joining activities will be made in the daily bulletin, which is read daily and posted throughout the building, and on signs around the school building. If parents have any questions about a specific activity, call the athletic director’s office or the school for information.  

How is tuition paid? 

The first tuition payment for the upcoming school year is due June 15^th.  Tuition statements are mailed to parents on a quarterly basis during the first week of June, September, December and March.  There are no monthly statements or reminders.  Tuition and fees may be paid annually (one payment), quarterly (four payments), or monthly (ten payments).  Monthly  and quarterly payments of tuition and fees are made using the direct debit method (ACH).  Savings or checking accounts will be automatically debited on the 15^th of each month beginning June through March.  Annual and quarterly payments may be made by cash, check or money order made payable to St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute.  Questions about tuition should be directed to Mrs. Cyndy Allen at 874-0730. 

How and when do I apply for tuition assistance? 

Tuition Assistance applications are available annually, upon request, from the Business Office on February 1^st for the following school year.  A new application must be submitted each year as tuition assistance awards are not automatically renewed.  Completed applications along with a copy of your Federal Income Tax return are returnable no later than April 1^st.  Notification of award is mailed no later than April 30^th.  For further information on tuition and tuition assistance, please visit the financial information page.