It was so much fun to wear mouse ears yesterday and to reacquaint myself with characters from so many favorite reads. Today, I’m seeing double! There are many students dressed as their teachers and others sharing their future selves in a variety of careers.
In line with our faith formation goals, Fr. Crispin led us in a meaningful and very reverent Eucharistic Procession today. The students processed through the school and into the church where Fr. Crispin shared his calling to the priesthood. It has also been very interesting to hear you talk about your vocations and careers. Participation in Catholic Schools Week has been great! So many of you came to Mass and Open House on Sunday. I am very grateful to all the participants, especially the students. They made us all proud.
Thank you also for your support of the Book Fair, to our librarian, Mrs. Longton for organizing it, and to Phinney Books for partnering with us. If you missed the Book Fair or would like to purchase more books, Phinney Books will honor their discount for another ten days – just let them know you are with St. John when you check out.
Catholic Schools Week culminates tomorrow in the much-beloved Purple and Gold Spirit Day! Students are encouraged to show their St. John pride in purple and gold spirit gear. Thank you, Chef Stephanie, the Kitchen Crew and the Parent Association, for organizing and sponsoring lunch on Spirit Day. Our Parent Association Co-Chair, Rachael Groark will miss the occasion for a very special reason. She and her wife, Kelly, celebrated the birth of their babies today. Micah and Mimi – welcome to the St. John community!
As we end Catholic Schools Week, we begin the month of February honoring Black History Month, in which “we celebrate the vast contributions of Black Americans to our country and recognize that Black history is American history and that Black culture, stories, and triumphs are at the core of who we are as a Nation.“ (President Biden, A Proclamation on National Black History Month, 2024)
Many of you have been asking about our beloved Mrs. Q. Frances Quevedo has been a fixture in the St. John Captain’s chair for the better part of 30 years. She works the phones each morning, tracking attendance, all the while welcoming the latecomers, delivering the forgotten lunches, and prepping the ice bags for recess. Mrs. Q.’s guiding presence in the front office is coupled with her incredible memory of student and parent names, both past and present. She is a master student record keeper/recorder and most importantly, when there is news or information to share, she is a listener. Her caring touch through all students ailments comforted many a child. Mrs. Q’s unwavering presence in the school office was without interruption; she was a stalwart of dependability. Sadly, and without a proper send-off, (yet!), Mrs. Q. shares an update on her health.
Dear Parents,
Many of you have been asking for me and wondering when I’m returning to school. At this time, I am unable to return to work due to the polymyositis diagnosis I’ve been given. This is an inflammation of the muscles and has left me very weak. I know you are praying and sending well wishes my way, and I miss seeing all of you and the students. The cards I’ve been getting touch my heart especially the ones of roosters the students have drawn for me. I look forward to stopping by sometime to say hello when I’m able, but in the meantime, I’m also praying and missing you too.
Love,
Mrs. Q.
Faculty and staff have been supporting Mrs. Q. during her absence. We are delivering meals, making visits and praying for her recovery. We are most grateful to Mrs. Stephanie Wade and Mrs. Michelle Sorrick for standing in for Mrs. Q. during this transition. Please join us in praying for Mrs. Q.’s recovery.
See you tomorrow for Spirit Day. Purple and Gold forever!
Blessings,
Bernadette O’Leary
