Students in grades 4-8 today attended a presentation by Dr. Knight today. He encouraged our students to, “Be the reason someone feels welcomed, seen, heard, valued, loved and supported.” We also recall how Dr. King would want us to be ‘drum majors for peace’, justice and righteousness. Jesus asks us to love one another as he loves us. These life directives are echoed in our St. John mission statement and the learning expectations: to be Christ-centered, active learners and empowered, courageous disciples. As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this weekend, let’s honor him by living out the St. John mission and act for the common good.
The good news about St. John has spread, and we have many families touring the school these days. Current school families, make sure you marked your calendars for the mandatory State of the School presentation (1/23 or 1/25), after which you will re-enroll for the 2024-25 school year.
Ms. Shaw is back in her office, and thanks to her very attentive and caring substitute, Mrs. Manley, it is a seamless transition. Welcome back, Ms. Shaw, and thank you, Mrs. Manley. Mrs. Manley is now back as an assistant teacher with the fourth and fifth grades. During this second half of the school year, we will also see Mr. Metcalf teaching more lessons in the classroom as he completes his program for his teaching certificate. We are so blessed with this team of teachers.
The Walking School Bus begins next Wednesday, January 17. Thank you so much parent, Anne Gerich, for organizing the effort. We will welcome the “school bus” on Wednesday on the blacktop. You might be tempted to get in the car on these cold morning, but walking will warm you up even faster. Join the movement. As we are still in the dark months of the year, consider putting extra emphasis on snuggling up and reading together with your kids in the evenings. Even if it’s just fifteen to twenty minutes, set down the mobile devices, pick up a book, and enjoy time with each other. Check out the weekly auction emails for book recommendations from our teachers and staff. And don’t forget tomorrow is an auction procurement drop-off day!
And don’t forget about Saturday night’s Family Movie Night sponsored by the Parish. Sign-up here to join St. John families for a kid-focused Mass followed by pizza, popcorn and a movie. The movie will be Super Mario Bros. Good luck to our CYO basketball teams this weekend as they take the court again. And be sure to confirm your student’s volleyball registrations as the portal is open.
Stay warm and safe,
Bernadette O’Leary
