Principal’s Letter

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…

These words from Ecclesiastes describe my roller-coaster emotions these days. This is the time to hand over the reins. It is time to figure out my next adventure. I have been fortunate to enjoy coming to work, to feel energized by the students, to be nourished by the faculty and supported by you, the parents. For thirteen years, I have been blessed to be among you, in a caring, committed community. Together, we have made St. John the light on the hill. Thank you so much. I am not saying goodbye as I will see you at Mass and around the neighborhood.

Thank you, teachers. Your dedication to the students and commitment to learning is admirable. Thank you, parents, for the countless hours you spent at recess, in the classrooms, on PA and School Commission, providing hospitality, coaching, baking, building community and helping us make St. John accessible to all through the Fair Share program.

In the meantime, enjoy a wonderful summer. Stow the devices and get outside. In the words of Dr. Lisa Damour, get more S.U.N – Sleep, Unplug, Nature.

Before we head out for the summer, parents, you have some housekeeping items to end the year:

  • Textbooks and Library Books: This is the last call to turn in textbooks and library books. You will be charged for the missing books if they are not turned in by tomorrow.
  • Attendance: We take attendance every day, and it is imperative we have an accurate accounting of students on campus, even on the last day of school. If your student will miss school tomorrow, please submit attendance to let us know.
  • Uniform and Spirit Gear Online Store: Order your uniform and spirit gear and NEW customized St. John Duffle Bags by July 1, for an end-of-August delivery, just in time for the start of school! Orders will be available for pick-up on August 29, during the drop-in day.
  • Summer Reading Recommendation: In last week’s Counselor’s Corner, Ms. Shaw urged parents to add The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt to their summer reading list. Haidt reviews the latest research on the impact that technology and media consumption has on youth mental health. You, your tweens and teens may also listen to a 20-minute synopsis of the book, “Jonathan Haidt Explains the Youth Mental Health Crisis” on the Screenagers podcast. 
  • Best in the PNW: Be sure to vote for us in The Seattle Times’ 2024 Best in the PNW contest. Voting closes Friday, June 28, so get those votes in! Vote here.
  • NewsViews: This is the last NewsViews of the school year. It will be on hiatus for the summer holidays and resume in mid-August. Look out for school communication mid-July.

Congratulations to all the students as they Bump Up today!

God Bless,

Bernadette O’Leary