1 April Letter from Mr. Kelly
Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Dear SJS Catholic School Community,
I have been able to give several school tours lately, which I really enjoy. It’s a treat to show off what SJS has to offer. And, the tours remind me of the many blessings we have. I walk the halls and see students working diligently in class to gain new skills. I see staff delivering effective and interesting lessons. I hear Catholic prayers and interactions throughout the school. I see a variety of technology being used by the students. SJS is a special place, and we couldn’t do all this without you. So, thank you parents for all you do and for your continued support. We are always looking to add new students to our mix, to create more disciples, so if you have a friend or neighbor who would be a good fit, please contact the office.
As the weather gets warmer and the days longer it can be difficult for students to remain focused. The teaching staff really wants and needs to cover as much new material as possible as we are an academically rigorous school. Please help the students to keep their focus on school and their effort levels high. Thank you for all you do for our school and students.
If you have allowed your students a cell phone or access to any social media, it is absolutely vital that you monitor its content. Discipline can be administered if a situation occurs on the cell phone or online in which our Catholic values or rules are not adhered too. So, your supervision is a must. If kids know you are monitoring and will be looking at their phone, many problems can be eliminated. There are also a variety of programs you can install that can help block sites and alert you to questionable material. Here at school, every device has Go Guardian loaded on it. This program is highly sensitive and sends the teacher and administration an alert should something questionable arise.
I want to thank the 6th grade students who have endured the cold these winter months to be our school Safety Patrol. Safety Patrol is an important job, and the students have taken it seriously. No matter the temperature or the weather the Safety Patrol is out making sure the students are safe. And, the Safety Patrol is coordinated and organized by Mrs. Clark, which is a big job, and her efforts are much appreciated.
As you make your summer plans there are a few pieces of information that you may find helpful. Our first day of school for 2022-23 will be tentatively planned for August 16th (K-8). School will be dismissed early the 16th and 17th. Welcome Night will be the 15th and Curriculum Night is the 25th of August.
I hope your Lent has been a time of many blessings. The teachers and I have enjoyed this Lenten season as a way to remind students of their Catholic obligations and history. This week we reviewed the Beatitudes. I read recently that Lent calls us to encounter Jesus, and in that encounter we have to face our own sinfulness. We then also hear his invitation to embrace the Good News and make good choices. That encounter with Jesus brings new hope and an invitation to repent.
We have been able to tweak our COVID procedures recently as the numbers are dropping in the school and community. Please keep up your vigilance, particularly over Easter break, as we would like to continue to make further tweaks at the end of the year. Thanks for all you do.
Peace,
William Kelly
Principal
