On Sunday we will join Catholic schools here in the United States and elsewhere as we begin Catholic Schools Week. My sister, a teacher in Dublin, and I have been sharing news as we both prepare for this week. What are we celebrating? The defining characteristics of Catholic schools include our Christ-centeredness – that Jesus … Continue Reading »
Thank you all for your attention to the media posts over the past few days. As you know, the weather in Seattle is not the easiest to predict! During our 5:00am discussions, Pablo and I consider the conditions around the school, and your commutes as well as those of the faculty members before we make … Continue Reading »
Welcome back and Happy New Year! “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 Each month of this school year, we have been practicing one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Fruit can only be grown by planting the right seeds and nurturing … Continue Reading »
“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I shall raise up a righteous shoot to David; he shall do what is just and right in the land.” Thus begins today’s first reading (Wednesday), pointing us toward the Birth of Christ, and the hope that He brings. Our Advent prayer services, reconciliation, and the … Continue Reading »
On Monday we celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary at a beautiful school mass. Listening to the children sing is always an uplifting experience. Mrs. Mansfield gave the reflection, describing the fear and confusion Mary must have felt when the angel appeared to her. She told us that God knows us and … Continue Reading »
On Tuesday night, I read Adam Grant’s and Allison Sweet Grant’s article, “Stop Trying to Raise Successful Kids and Start Raising Kind Ones.” According to the authors, more than 90% of parents surveyed said that a top priority of parenting is to raise caring children. However, according to the children who were surveyed, they believed … Continue Reading »
World Kindness Day was such a treat here at St. John! Two first-graders presented me with little notes stating, “You rock!” and “You make me smile!” Students went out of their way to say, “Hi” and “Have a great day!” I bet grandparents and friends will feel just as special when they visit their students … Continue Reading »
This past Sunday, at the 8:30am State of the Parish Mass, Father Crispin remarked, “When we come together, we make a beautiful home” – what a lovely sentiment about our St. John family! Not only does our own community thrive when we donate our “time, talent, and treasure,” we positively affect the community-at-large. It is … Continue Reading »
The preschoolers just came by my office all dressed up in their Halloween costumes! The air is tingling with a mixture of excitement as the primary children anticipate the carnival, and joyful remembrance as the intermediate students partake in Dia de los Muertos. Thank you for your participation in the conferences. We look forward to … Continue Reading »
Wizards, Witches, Cats, and Bats! It is hard to believe that Halloween is almost here. Eighth-grade students are furthering their leadership skills by hosting the primary students at our afternoon Halloween Carnival on Thursday, October 31. The fourth and fifth grades have created masks and sugar skulls and will be celebrating Dia de Los Muertos, … Continue Reading »
