Congratulations to 8th grader Josie Kinney who won the Northwest Catholic Student Essay Contest. Students in all 74 Catholic schools in Western Washington were asked to write on the question, “What does Mary mean to you?” Judges from Northwest Catholic magazine, the Office for Catholic Schools, and the Fulcrum Foundation chose winning essays for elementary, middle and high school. Josie’s, “A Light in the Darkness” focused on Mary’s comforting presence as her older sister Lauren struggled in the hospital with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Josie was awarded the top middle school essay, receiving a $150 individual award and $500 grant dedicated to a teacher of her choice. Josie selected Ms. Raney, “because Ms. Raney is not only a fantastic literature and writing teacher, but I remember when Lauren was sick, she went to school early each morning to pray the rosary for Lauren”. Ms. Raney and Josie decided to donate the $500 to “Dreams for Orphans”, a non-profit (started by former St. Anne parents) benefitting children in Ghana, Africa.
Thank you to Alitha Regalia, Parent Association chair, and her crew for a marvelous Crab Fest this past weekend. A great event, organized to perfection, featuring all the crab you could eat, cold beverages, music, dancing and a raffle. Alitha has organized many community building events this year and we are so appreciative of her positive, can-do attitude in bringing our community together.
If you or anyone you know is interested in enrolling their child in our PreK or Kindergarten for the 2019-20 school year, please encourage them to attend our PreK and Kindergarten Information Night on Thursday, January 24th at 7:00pm in Banchero Hall. There will be a general overview of our school program and a chance to meet with the teachers to hear specifics of their class.
Also, mark your calendars for the State of the School presentation to take place on Wednesday evening, Jan. 30th at 7:00pm in Banchero Hall or Tuesday morning, Feb. 5th at 8:30am in the Assembly Room of the church. Re-enrollment packets will be distributed. It is expected that parents attend one of the presentations to learn valuable information about progress on our Five-Year Plan, impact of the McCleary Supreme Court ruling on teacher salaries and tuition/budget increases for the 2019-20 school year. Please plan to attend.
On our typical cold, dark winter days, our 6th grade safety patrol and our 5th grade AM Greeters show up to perform their duties despite wind, rain and cold temperature. They arrive early for school and stay late in the afternoon to assure the safety of our students. I am so appreciative of their commitment to this most important task. The very best way for you to show your thanks for their dedication is to follow the rules and always pay attention to their directions. A simple, “Nice job” from you works wonders too. Thanks also goes to their parents who often have to deliver them to school early and return home to gather their siblings for a second trip to school. We really appreciate it!
Finally, just a reminder that next Monday, January 21st is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and we will not be in school in honor of Dr. King.
Have a great week!
