This week we kick off Catholic Schools Week which provides an awesome reason to talk about how incredible our school is! When the merger of the parishes occurred last summer, and the school followed suit with our new name we realized that we have almost 200 years of collective Catholic Education in our tradition, and we are still going strong. This is the first school I have ever been a part of that has that sort of deep roots. It is not uncommon to find a third or fourth generation student, which speaks to the connection people still feel when they walk through the doors. Many of our teachers are also parents of school kids and many more who are parents of alumni, which shows that they stand behind what is going on. My first year here I commented that the school felt more like a family than any other school I had ever entered.
We have also been very blessed to have low teacher turnover, even through the Pandemic. This creates a general feel of consistency which is important especially through the formative years which our students are going through. This year our Pre-K program is being honored at the Archdiocesan benefit dinner as a model of the Early Learning program that the Archdiocese is highlighting this year. Our preschool really sets us apart, not only for its ability to act as a feeder program for our K-8 grades, but also for its level of educational advancement. This year we brought on new staff to help grow the program and now have both a morning and afternoon program for the first time since I came here.
Every week all the students go to daily Mass with the community on Thursdays, including the morning Pre-K group. It is so inspiring to see our 4-year-olds coming forward with their little hands folded. The school choir has continued to improve as the year goes on and last week was one of their strongest showings yet. Our students are also contributing to our outreach and service efforts. The 7th graders make brown bag meals for MercyWatch to distribute, and the 8th graders work in a small garden they have created, we can’t wait for all the COVID restrictions to completely lift so that we can get back to the full strength of all our school service efforts.
I try and make it into the school at least once a day and look forward to my fist bump party as the students exit the church after Thursday Mass. Many of our students are getting excited about their Confirmation coming up on February 4th at the 9 am Mass. They are looking forward to the Holy Spirit descending and filling their hearts and souls. Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate their reception of Confirmation. Our 2nd graders are just finishing up their First Reconciliations in preparation for First Communion in May.
This week the school will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week with a variety of activities including special free dress days and games. Friday is the annual Staff vs 8th grade Volleyball game, something I prepare for all year long. The week concludes next Saturday with the Spaghetti dinner hosted by our School community and supported for years by the Dire Family’s special recipe. I hope many of you have a chance to come to dinner or attend school Mass on a Thursday. We have a strong tradition of Catholic excellence which we hope to continue for years to come and would love to share with everyone!