By now you have probably seen the Governor’s announcement that K-12 schools may reduce the physical distance between students amid the COVID-19 pandemic down to 3 feet from the current 6 feet. What does this mean for St. John? The school has been studying the new guidance from the CDC, re-measuring classroom spaces, and will make a determination as to when we will move beyond our current models. Again, we will need time to prepare and formulate our response to these latest guidelines. A change to another modality is not going to come overnight. You have remained patient with the school during the course of this roller-coaster of a year–for this we are thankful. Discussions have started at the department levels (K-8) for yet another change.
By bringing more students on campus we anticipate scheduling changes and classroom re-arrangements. While the new distancing standard may seem like a return to normal, there are still many safety and mitigation factors we must consider. Some parents have suggested we utilize the gym or cafeteria to create larger classroom spaces; ventilation in the gym is of concern along with the priority of keeping our hot lunch program functioning. On the topic of lunch, CDC recommends in the new guidelines students remain distanced at 6 feet or more once they remove their masks to eat lunch. We will need to further explore how students will safely space themselves for lunch and recess.
Administration notes teachers and students have found their rhythm with the current in-person and hybrid models. We are sensitive to our teachers who have willingly taken on multitudes of modalities and adaptations in the last 12 months. They have been tested this year like no other. And so have you, parents. We will communicate with you once our latest plan is finalized. I thank you for your patience as we approach Holy Week, Easter, and a well-deserved break.
Yesterday, during our reconciliation Service, Fr. Crispin read from the Gospel about how Zacchaeus so longed to see Jesus that he climbed a sycamore tree. Fr. Crispin described how Zacchaeus was a tax collector, working for the Romans, and thus was despised and marginalized by his community. They called him a sinner. But Jesus understood his faith and reached out to him. This Gospel passage and Fr. Crispin’s homily reminded me of the reading shared by the superintendent of the Archdiocese of Seattle Catholic Schools, Kristin Dixon:
Do we recognize Jesus when he approaches us with His grace? C.S. Lewis conjectured that when we meet Jesus after death, we might be surprised to find him appear like people we knew in our daily life. Then we will realize, to our chagrin, that it was Jesus all along, incarnate in our brothers and sisters, and yet we missed him. Jesus is here among us this Lent, accompanying us on our 40-day pilgrimage towards Easter. He accompanies us in the disguise of our family members, friends, and colleagues. He waits for us in the distressing disguise of the poor and the marginalized. He longs for us in the tabernacles of our churches. He speaks to us in the Scriptures and in the words of the liturgy. Will we recognize him? Will our Lenten fasting attune our eyes to see his face breaking through the veil of our world? As we prepare for Holy Week, may we remember that Jesus Christ is in our midst. Let us see and believe.
Thank you, St. John Community, for an incredible Auction – you rock! As reported, preliminary results show the total amount raised through the Auction exceeded $360,000, including over $150,000 in Fund-A-Need donations. Corporate matching funds and additional donations continue to be received. Together we can, and together we did!
Did you miss out on a silent auction item? It’s not too late to contribute. Join Ethan Stowell for a virtual cooking class featuring three of his signature pastas – Gnocchi Telefono, Tonnarelli cacio e Pepe, and Rigatoni with Italian sausage, tomato and marjoram. Guests will receive ingredients to make all three pastas, and will also get to enjoy seasonal mozzarella, little gem salad, cookies and a bottle of wine. (The meal serves two people). Ethan is generously donating these classes to the school – so the school will keep all of the proceeds. Thank you, Ethan!
A wholehearted “thank you” to the entire Auction Team! We are all indebted to the team, including co-chairs, Lauren Exnicios and Kristen Capka. Congratulations and thank you for your success. Thank you also Andrea Marquez for your leadership of our fundraising enterprises!
The excitement doesn’t end with the Auction. Opening Night for the Middle School Musical, the Little Mermaid, Jr., is this Saturday, 3/27 at 7pm. Tickets are on sale now. Join our twenty-six middle school students as they lead you on an amazing and entertaining adventure under the sea! Thank you, Kari Aguila and David Benefiel, for continuing the St. John drama tradition!
And a sincere “thank you” to the teachers! Our capable teachers are helping new teachers grow their skills. Sabrina Roberge is completing her Master’s in Teaching at Seattle University and is interning with us. She writes: “Hello St. John Eagles! My name is Miss Roberge (row-bear-sh), and I am a student teacher in Mrs. Halley’s fourth-grade class. This is my first week here, and I am loving meeting everyone around campus. This week has been such a welcoming and warm introduction into this amazing school even though we have some major changes going on with our current climate. I am looking forward to these next couple of months with all of you. Come say ‘hi’ if you get the chance!” Hello, Miss Roberge; welcome to St. John!
Wishing you a hopeful and heartfelt Holy Week,
Bernadette O’Leary
