Principal’s Letter

On Wednesday, current second-grade families feted Mrs. Hendrickson with a celebratory drive-by at the St. John School flagpole after she announced that she would not be returning to St. John next year.  Organized by a second-grade parent, students and their families made signs, brought flowers, clapped and cheered to show Mrs. Hendrickson their appreciation and love.

Patricia Hendrickson graduated from Washington State University and began teaching in 1991.  She came to St. John School in 1996.  For 24 years, Mrs. Hendrickson has guided second-grade students to be their best selves.  Loving and firm, knowledgeable and responsive, kind and steadfast, Mrs. Hendrickson has helped her students grow in their education and faith.  Mrs. Hendrickson calls teaching “the love of my life,” and it shows in her interactions with her students, or as she calls them, “my kids.”  No wonder there was such an outpouring of gratitude from students and parents on Wednesday.

It is not possible to celebrate Mrs. Hendrickson – at this time –  in a manner that is befitting her contributions to St. John School.  Rest assured that we will honor her when we are able to come back together as a community.  Until then, please feel free to send her your good wishes to the school address (120 North 79th Street, Seattle, WA 98103).  Mrs. Hendrickson writes, “I love the Catholic community – teachers, staff, parents, and students.  We are all a part of a caring family.”  Mrs. Hendrickson – we love you, and as you have “sweet memories of every child,” we have sweet memories of you.  We are grateful and humbled by your wonderful contributions to our community.  We will miss you!

I also want to thank all of you who are supporting our community in these challenging times: the auction team and you, donors!  The window project will finally be completed!  Thank you, Kindergarten parents, who donated their ‘teacher lunch’ funds to St. Vincent de Paul.  Thank you to all of you who dropped off food for the pantry.  It is all going out fast to our neighbors in need. Thank you, young artists!  Your work cheered up many heroes who are working on the front lines in this pandemic.

Finally, thank you to all who joined us for school Mass this morning.  Although it was lonely in the big church, it warmed our hearts to know that you were at home, praying with us.

God bless,

Bernadette O’Leary