Thank you to all the veterans who have and are serving our country. We honor you, your bravery and your service. The Parish will honor veterans at all three masses this weekend.
This has been a busy week, and I am so thankful to all of you who made it possible. You volunteered at the vaccination clinic and helped school nurse, Dora Hall, run an efficient and caring program. You came to conferences and partnered with your student’s teacher to set goals for your children. You continue to be on the playground, helping us keep your children safe. We depend on you and your willingness to serve. Thank you.
Please keep the families at Ingraham High School in your prayers. Attached is a letter from the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Nicholas Ford, with the Office for Catholic School’s response to the horrible situation.
During November, we think of those who are not as fortunate as we are. Sixth-grade students are leading the school’s Annual Holiday Food Drive, and fourth-grade students are creating ‘Lunches of Love’ to support the St. Vincent de Paul ministry. Eighth-grade students, faculty members and the ‘farm-to-table’ elective students are preparing Thanksgiving dinner for people at the MartinaApartments. Thank you, parents and guardians! You are living the mission!
In faculty news, we are sad to say goodbye to Mrs. Sue Gleason. Mrs. Gleason has been with St. John for a long time, as a parent, parent of alumni and second-grade assistant. She tried to retire once but came back! This time she really is retiring. We will miss the warm, gentle care that she bestowed on the students and the support that she gave the primary team. We wish Mrs. Gleason a happy retirement.
Anna Redmond will be the new second-grade assistant. Ms. Redmond has been a St. John parent, volunteer and parish member since 2015. You may have seen her on the playground, teaching art or taking your photo. Her daughter, Maggie, is a student at St. John. Ms. Redmond has a BFA in painting from Kansas State University and an MFA in Fibers from the University of Washington. For the past 14 years, she has freelanced in the art and design world. We are pleased to share Ms. Redmond will also teach a middle school elective, working with students on an exciting new mural for the school.
One housekeeping item for today: don’t forget to register for Grand Day (formerly Grandparents and Special Friends Day). Students in grades 3, 4 & 5 invite their grandparents and special friends to campus on Tuesday, November 22! There will be music, crafts, treats and wonderful memories. Please RSVP by November 18. Please also consider volunteering at Grand Day to help make it even more special! One last thank you: thank you to seventh-grade families for the gift of pie; the faculty and staff greatly appreciated this sweet treat!
Blessings,
Bernadette O’Leary
