As we gather for the Easter Triduum let us recall the many ways we live the life of the Risen Lord. Our students, faculty, and volunteers live the joy of the resurrection in the many ways they contribute to our Parish School community. I hope you will join the Parish this weekend to recognize all the spiritual blessings given to us in Christ.
It was a week of blessings here at St. John School. On Monday, we celebrated the re-dedication of the Officer Jackson Lone Playground with a special ceremony. Our Cantionis Choir opened the ceremony with a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Principal O’Leary, Vice Principal Kelley and Seattle Chief of Police Adrian Diaz honored the legacy of St. John alumnus and Seattle Police Officer Jackson V. Lone, who died in the line of duty 19 years ago.
Thank you to Father Crispin for blessing the playground, to Mrs. Villanueva for leading the choir and to the parents and community, who donated to Fund-a-Need to revitalize this space of fun and play. Thank you also to students, such as Charbel R. (1st) and Meraluce R. (K), who supported this endeavor. Charbel and Meraluce ran a lemonade stand to raise funds for the play pit. A very special thank you to representatives from the Seattle Police Department and the Seattle Police Foundation; we greatly appreciate your attendance.
Thank you to the families who hosted students from Japan this week. Miu, Suzuki, Ami, Sasa, Hiona, Rino and Yuu have spent this week with middle school classes. This morning, even though they are just learning English, they bravely presented to the classes on topics such as Japanese architecture, food, their school day and anime. We wish them well and welcome them back anytime.
If you haven’t done so, please have your student turn in their Rice Bowl tomorrow, Good Friday, March 29 to their homeroom teacher. I hope to see you tonight at Holy Thursday Mass. Otherwise, join us tomorrow as the 7th graders lead the school in a powerful “shadow” Stations of the Cross at 11am. Don’t forget, dismissal is at noon tomorrow, and in accordance with our school tradition and the solemnity of the occasion, we will exit the school and campus in silence. On Easter Sunday, the Parish invites you to stop by the Parish Admin Building after both morning masses. There will be a reception to celebrate the risen Christ, with lots to eat and drink and activities for the youngsters. See you there!
Recall NewsViews will pause during the Easter Holidays and will resume the week of April 8. I know some of you are traveling this Easter break. Please don’t forget to submit an attendance form if your child will be absent. I wish you a restful Easter Holidays.
Bernadette O’Leary
