Welcome to the first NewsViews of the 2022-2023 school year! This weekly ‘broadcast’ is your go-to for all school news and updates; you can also find these posts on our homepage. The teachers are already here, preparing the classrooms and their opening lessons. The theme and saint of the month this year will focus on the words of St. John the Evangelist, the saint for love, loyalty, and friendship.
The campus was a hive of activity over the summer. The window project is completed with many windows repaired or replaced. The portables have been freshly painted, and the grounds landscaped. Campus security is in the process of being updated with Sonitrol, new door keypads and cameras across the campus. Thanks to your generous Fund-A-Need donations, an updated fire alarm system will be installed in Egan Hall. Unfortunately, the gym upgrade will occur later than we had hoped due to supply issues. Thank you to Paul Kelley, Assistant Principal, Josh Stutzman, Facilities Manager, and the entire Maintenace Team for getting our campus ready to welcome students.
We welcome new and returning members to the staff: Maria Swan is the parent of a St. John alumna. When her daughter was a student here, Mrs. Swan spent many hours volunteering throughout the school and also worked in the Extended Daycare Program to which she is returning. She is also excited to work with the preschool teachers and students. Alicia Kinsey will join us in mid-September. She will assist Mrs. Castillo in the preschool and join the XDC team. Mrs. Kinsey has many years of experience working in early learning and after-school programs. She also loves to teach Spanish! Both Maria Franco and Cara Wakefield will be moving to the ‘big school’ as assistant teachers in kindergarten and first grade.
Our classes are ready for students, but we are still in need of a Playground Supervisor. If you have the flexibility to be on campus during the day, love the enthusiasm of children and are not daunted by the weather, consider applying for the position. Contact Principal O’Leary if you are interested.
Please be alert and aware that COVID is still with us. Per Washington State Department of Health guidance, if your child is sick, please keep them home. Students who test positive for COVID must quarantine for 5 days. If they are symptom-free and fever-free without medicine at the end of 5 days, they can return to campus but must mask for the following 5 days. Volunteers will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test when entering the building. The office will provide a rapid test to unvaccinated volunteers when entering. Supply chain and construction delays mean that our ventilation improvement project will take place later than planned; however, we will continue to prioritize air quality and good hygiene practices for safety. Additional guidance is shared in today’s NewsViews, and we will continue to share updated guidance.
Speaking of the safety of our community, please drop off and pick up safely and courteously! We wish to maintain a positive relationship with each other and with our neighbors. Please read the Traffic Safety and Driver Etiquette post and follow the guidelines.
As we prepare for the 2022-23 school year, we also prepare to celebrate St. John’s 100th year anniversary! Join us at the Back to School BBQ to kick off the new year and the Centennial festivities!
Here’s to a successful school year for all!
Principal O’Leary
