It has been a colorful, spirited week at school! We all enjoyed the festive holiday headgear, socks and sweaters, and the faculty and staff are so grateful for the coffee, donuts, cookies, chocolates, and all the treats and gifts!
Yesterday, we learned that one of our faculty members tested positive for COVID. We alerted the impacted grade levels and tested several potential close contacts. All tested negative; masks work!
We are also tracking the news of recent TikTok videos that reference potential threats of violence to schools throughout the nation on December 17. At this time, we are not aware of a specific threat to Washington or Seattle schools, nor is there any direct mention or threat to any specific school. Some of your children may have seen or heard about these videos. We encourage you to have conversations with them about this situation and the impact of social media in general.
Your children may be experiencing fear and anxiety as a result of what they have read or viewed on social media. Over the past few weeks, I have had reports of unkind conversations, gossip, exclusion, and poor choices made on various media and chat sites. Please monitor your child’s online activity, including messaging, browsing habits, and participation in group chats. Know and review this with your child. For guidance and resources, please see the letter from Ms. Shaw, our school counselor.
As we navigate the joys and challenges of the past week, let us look forward to Sunday, as we light the final candle of our Advent journey. The fourth candle marks the final week of prayer as we wait for the birth of Jesus Christ. Often called the Angel’s Candle, it represents peace, as Jesus brings peace to all. It is a good reminder for me – as we tumble headlong into the “Christmas rush” of presents and parties (following DOH guidelines, of course!) – to pause and give thanks to you, our wonderful community. Though we are celebrating another holiday under the shadow of a pandemic, I feel a profound sense of gratitude to our faculty, staff, parents, friends and neighbors who have worked tirelessly to provide our students a safe place to learn, play, create, and grow. Parents, you have supported us, and in turn, we have been able to support our students and offer them comfort in routine and scholarship during this time. I hope that during the Christmas holidays, we all find time to enjoy our family and friends, catch our breath, and ready ourselves for the new year. As I write the last Principal’s Letter for 2021*, I wish you a Merry Christmas, and I wish you a New Year filled with peace, health, and joy.
Happy Holidays,
Bernadette O’Leary
*NewsViews will not be published during the Christmas Holidays; it will resume January 6, 2022.
