Principal’s Letter – Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! As we enter the fourth week of Advent, I have been reflecting on the symbols of this season – hope, peace, joy, and love. Advent calls us to slow down and notice the goodness around us, even during uncertain and challenging times. It is a reminder that the light and hope of Jesus are always present. This Christmas, may we continue to be a community that shares our gifts and surrounds one another with love and comfort, just as the shepherds did for Mary and Joseph at the manger.

It was wonderful to see so many of you earlier this evening as our 2^nd graders shared the story of the Nativity. Reminder, the Christmas Eve Mass here at St. John is at 4pm this year. Our middle school choir will lead us in song throughout the mass, and students in 4^th and 5^th grades are invited to join them at the front of the church as mass begins to lead the congregation in Christmas prelude music. This joy-filled community mass is a highlight of the year; we look forward to seeing you there.

Last Friday, the school received word that the Fulcrum Foundation was gifting us, along with all the schools in the archdiocese, a one-time, unrestricted $10,000 grant, to be used at our discretion this academic year. Fulcrum is such a support to our area Catholic schools, and we are tremendously grateful for their generosity. Additionally, for those of you wishing to take advantage of the Fulcrum Financial Assistance program, the deadline to apply is December 31. More information can be found below in the Parent Action Items section of NewsViews.

We look forward to celebrating our Cozy Christmas Spirit Day with our students tomorrow. Recall, tomorrow is also Early Dismissal (noon). Have a wonderful Christmas break; we will see you in the New Year (note: NewsViews is on hiatus during the Christmas Holiday break)!

We all have something this world needs,

Principal Mansfield