Happy New Year!
St. John Families, I wish you many blessings throughout 2024, including health, happiness, peace and love. We are still in the Christmas season; the Feast of the Epiphany will be celebrated this weekend. As we recall the joy and wonderment of the Three Wise Kings when they realized they were visiting with the Messiah, I pray that we respond in a similar fashion. Let’s resolve to be alert to the goodness of Christ in our lives, to stay strong, and to have the courage to act for the common good.
As it is a time for resolutions and resets, please take some time to review the Family Handbook which applies to supporting the common good. Encourage your children to WEAR their jackets when outside in the rain. Keep the children home when they show symptoms of colds, flu, COVID, RSV or any other contagious illness. Check the Uniform Policy, and remember we have the uniform exchange for your use – thank you, Rula Saleh and Carissa Person-Hurley!
I am happy to share that I have been keeping up with my New Year’s resolutions; I have walked to school every day this week! Are healthy habits part of your New Year’s resolutions? If yes, I invite you to join our Walking School Bus (WSB): Walking Wednesdays, which will start on January 17. Be sure to read about it in this week’s NewsViews. I also invite you to Family Movie Night on Saturday, January 13. Join St. John families for a kid-focused 5pm mass followed by pizza, popcorn and the movie, Super Mario Bros.
This Friday is Purple Reign Day as we show our support of the Huskies. Students may wear University of Washington or St. John sports gear purple tops or hats and their uniform bottoms.
On Thursday, January 11, we welcome back Dr. James Knight for another student assembly. Dr. Knight is an educator, coach/mentor, consultant, author, speaker/teacher, and equity and inclusion strategist. He brings a Catholic perspective to his inclusion work, which revolves around leading with humility. He has a passion for people and sees himself as a servant-leader. His mission is “education+empowerment=elevation,” and his number one goal in everything he does is to elevate those he serves through education and inspiration. He will present to grades 4-8.
Mark your calendars for the State of the School, which will be held virtually on Tuesday, January 23 and in-person on Thursday, January 25 in Egan Hall. Also take a close look at Dates to Note this week; there are updates to the calendar.
Thank you again for the gifts and the cards. You brought all of us many treats and a great deal of joy.
Bernadette O’Leary
