Principal’s Letter
Happy Lunar New Year! The year of the fire horse marks a time of great energy and rapid change, calling us to stand firm in our courage and faith. It is also a year for boundless opportunities, so embrace optimism in this dynamic year.
This week, we enter into the season of Lent. Lent marks the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert, fasting and praying, preparing for what was ahead, and we are encouraged to do the same. It is not meant to be simply a season of deprivation; it is a season of realignment and restoration – we cut away the things that harm us and return to things that are life-giving, choosing what helps us and others thrive.
Throughout Lent, our students will have many opportunities to reflect and reset. Each department will participate in service projects, special daily prayers, and on Fridays, we will gather in the church at 12:45pm for Stations of the Cross. Take a late lunch and join us for this special time of prayer.
Our middle school students have had a big couple of weeks, and we are proud of their hard work, dedication, and persistence. Our Speech Team, led by middle school elective teacher, Sue Pierce, recently competed in the Seattle Prep Speech tournament, resulting in the most wins St. John has ever earned at a single tournament. Multiple students were finalists in their division, and two of our 8th-grade students received scholarships to Seattle Prep! Way to represent! Our middle school drama students are hard at work putting the finishing touches on A Wrinkle in Time – tickets are on sale now for our February 27, 28, and March 1 shows. You will absolutely not want to miss this beautiful story of courage, redemption, and hope. And, after months of working on applications, taking entrance exams, and waiting, our 8th graders have received their high school acceptance letters. We are incredibly proud of this remarkable group of students.
We look forward to moving through this season of Lent together, refocusing on the things that connect us to God, ourselves, and our community. We all have something this world needs. Wishing you good health, good fortune and double happiness.
Principal Mansfield
