We are enjoying Catholic Schools Week! Thank you, parents, for the beautiful flowers and appreciation that you are showing the teachers and staff. They deserve it.
This week we have many ‘additional’ Pablos and teachers! The students do fabulous impersonations! I am also very impressed with their other talents: Painting, drawing, gymnastics, archery, ballet, soccer, lacrosse, and hula hoop. Our students play piano, double trumpets, and violin. And they did origami, rapped, sang, and danced. Of course, I loved the Irish dancing! Be sure to watch some of our talented students in action via the 2021 Virtual Talent Show Part 1 and Part 2, and check out St. John Instagram and Facebook pages to see more examples of the artistry, musicality, and athleticism of our students. Apologies if your student’s submission was not featured. Adding to this week’s celebration is the return of our Middle School students to campus next week. Welcome back, Middle Schoolers! Enjoy the St. John Safety Dance video the second graders made especially for you!
Parents, especially parents of Middle School students, remind your children that even though they are back on campus, the school will be different:
- Before Arriving on Campus: Complete the health screening and take your child’s temperature. If your child is sick, has a high temperature (100 degrees or above), or is displaying any COVID-like symptoms (unless it is related to pre-existing conditions like seasonal allergies), keep them at home.
- Upon Arrival to Campus: The student will check-in at one of the two stations on N. 79th St. and have their temperature taken again. We cannot let anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees or above on campus.
- During the School Day: Social distancing is required, especially inside the building. Masks are required at all times, except for lunch, which is in the classroom and all are silent as masks are off. Bring extra masks and a water bottle pre-filled with water.
- Arrival/Dismissal: Please observe the posted arrival and departure times. We are welcoming and dismissing five departments each day. Adhering to our traffic protocols and schedules promotes safety and social distancing.
Now that your children are back on campus, be more proactive with monitoring their social activities. They should not gather outside of their immediate family, and they should not travel outside the state. Following Washington State Department of Health Travel Advisory, any student traveling out-of-state must quarantine for the required time. Questions about re-opening? Review our Re-Opening Plan document, updated 1/28/21.
Catholic Schools Week is a celebration of Catholic education, which includes our teachers, staff, and students, and it also includes you, the parents, our partners in education. The gratitude and esteem that I hold for our teachers and staff are matched by the gratitude and esteem that I hold for you, the parents of St. John. Thank you, and happy Catholic Schools Week!
God Bless,
Bernadette O’Leary
