May 17, 2022

Dominic, a St. James School seventh grader, was accepted as a junior volunteer fire fighter with the Cochran Hose Company in Sewickley. He will be attending biweekly and other trainings at the fire station; providing support for searches, rescues, brushfires and water supply operations; assisting with clean up at fire scenes; and assisting with community activities at the fire station.

He is looking forward to riding to calls on the fire truck, putting out fires and helping people.

Congratulations, Dominic! 

May 16, 2022

Two students, Grant and Juliet, received high awards for their PJAS Science projects this year at the 2022 PJAS State Meeting.  Grant received 2nd place in Botany and Juliet received 1st place in Chemistry.  Congrats to these two students for their hard work and achievements! 

May 13, 2022

The Emily Jancart Foundation was established in 2013 to honor the memory of Emily Jancart, a St. James School graduate. Each year, an essay contest is held with two $1,000 scholarships awarded to St. James students.  One scholarship is given to a St. James student in grades K-7 to be put toward their St. James tuition for the next school year, and the second $1,000 scholarship is awarded to an 8th grader going to any Catholic high school, to be put toward their 9th grade tuition.  This year's K-7 recipient is Mira M.  Congrats, Mira!

May 2, 2022

Congratulations to fifth grade student, Sadie F., who won third place at the State level of the 2022 Elks Americanism Essay Contest.  Sadie's essay was written in response to this year's prompt: "What Does It Mean to Love Your Country?" The essay contest is an annual program of the Elks' Grand Lodge Fraternal Committee, and is geared towards students in 5th through 8th grades to promote patriotism among young people.  The essay contest was hosted by Ann Barger, Chairperson for Coraopolis Lodge #1090 and Divine Redeemer Parish parishioner. Congratulations, Sadie, on your great achievement!  

March 25, 2022

On March 25th, our students joined their hearts and prayers with those of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and the whole Church, to offer a prayer of Consecration for Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Students dressed in blue and yellow, and our families came together to donate over $3100 to help those affected by the war in Ukraine. All money raised will go to the Knights of Columbus Ukraine Solidarity  Fund. Donations will be presented to the Knights of Columbus Queen of Peace Council, Divine Redeemer Parish, to be included in their donation to the fund. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to all of our families for your outpouring of generosity. We are so amazed at the funds collected for our brothers and sisters in need. If you missed out on donating, but would still like to join us in this cause, donations can be made online at: https://www.kofc.org/secure/en/donate/ukraine.html

March 20, 2022

The St. James School Forensics Team competed in the Finals Competition held at Butler Catholic School.  The team did exceptionally well, earning 1st place medals and 2nd place ribbons in each of their categories.  The team placed 4th out of 12 schools for the season earning a team trophy.  Congratulations to Jude, Lily, Charlotte and Phoebe who participated in the All-Star competition later in the afternoon.  Special recognition goes to Charlotte, who progressed to the final round and finished in the Top 4 overall in the Prose category.
It was a great day for all participants.  We are so proud of our students and all who competed in Forensics this year.

March 6, 2022

Congratulations to the St. James Varsity Girls Basketball Team for finishing their season as the Diocese of Pittsburgh Championship Runner-Up and undefeated Section Champion. We are proud of their determination, hard work, and character both on and off the court.  Congratulations to Savannah, Eva, Kenzie, Lizzie, Ally, Graciela, Aundra, Phoebe, Lily, Charlotte, and Mira on a fantastic season!

March 5, 2022

We are proud to announce that six students from St. James School won the 2022 Americanism Essay Contest sponsored by the Elks Grand Lodge. Thank you to Ann Barger, Lodge & District Chairperson, of the Coraopolis Lodge #1090 for hosting the Americanism contest. Students from 5th grade-Division 1 & 7th grade-Division 2 participated in this special event. Each student wrote an essay consisting of no more than 300 words on this year’s theme “What does it mean to love your country?”

Congratulations to the following local lodge winners who moved onto district level: Elin 5th grade-1st place, Sadie 5th grade-2nd place, Derek 5th grade-3rd place, Ryan 7th grade-1st place, Gracie 7th grade-2nd place, Dominic 7th grade-3rd place.  

Winners from the local level who will now head to States for further judging are Elin, Sadie, Ryan, and Gracie. Best of luck to the four of you!

February 19, 2022

Three St. James Basketball players recently placed 1st in their divisions at the 2022 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Competition at Our Lady of Fatima School. Patrick, Isaac and Declan took top honors and will advance to the western regional championship on March 5th! Congratulations, Cougars, on a job well done!

February 16, 2022

Congratulations to current 8th grade student, Charlotte, for earning her Girl Scout Silver Award for her Buddy Bench project.  The Silver Award is the highest honor a Cadette Girl Scout can earn.  Charlotte initiated her 6-month project back in June 2021 meeting with Mrs. Riley, Father Brian, Mr. Haupt and Mr. Chavez.

Knowing the increasing challenges students and young people have had throughout the past two years with pandemic and school changes, Charlotte recognized a need to help younger students to be able to communicate when they are feeling left out or in need of friends to play with.  She worked to research, fund, and assemble a Buddy Bench outside the SJS School gym to help kids have a place to sit during recess.  She also brought other students on board to produce a teaching video which shared helpful wording kids could use when they feel lonely and in need of a friend.  Charlotte visited each classroom K-8 to educate on this project, as well as donated 5 books to the SJS Library.

She hopes to make a lasting impact and a place that others can “Be A Noticer” for those in need.  Congratulations, Charlotte!

February 11, 2022

Saint James Catholic School continues a long tradition of inspiring meaningful ways to celebrate and showcase faith, excellence, service and the value of Catholic education. We are a community united in faith and prayer and love for our neighbor.

Students in grades 5-8 assembled gift bags that were distributed to first responders and medical professionals at area ambulance service stations, hospitals, and other places within the community. 

One of our SJS parents recently shared this touching experience with us after helping make deliveries:

“I had the honor of distributing some of the goodie bags that were made during Catholic Schools Week. I felt compelled to share with you the joy that I saw in the faces of the hospital workers because of your generous hearts. Although all of the employees at St. Clair Health work tirelessly, the ones in the ER, ICU, our COVID unit and in our COVID testing clinic have been especially hit the hardest. One woman in the ER told me how at the start of the pandemic everyone treated them so kind and with patience. Unfortunately, that is not the case now. However, your treat bags gave them a reason to smile and perserve through a tough day ahead!

I heard many of them saying "These are the best fruit snacks- EVER!", "I love nutty buddies!" "They even wrote us a note in the bag- how sweet!", "I'm eating this granola bar now!" and "Thank you, thank you so much for thinking of us!" Your simple act of kindness brought so much joy and happiness to so many workers who were in desperate need of knowing someone is thinking and praying for them.

This is just one of many reasons why I am so proud to send my children to Catholic schools. It's worth the sacrifice!”