Dear Families:
I recently finished exit interviews with our 8th grade students as they begin the high school application process. It is gratifying to have an opportunity to sit down and talk one-on-one with each of them about their favorite memories, the quality of their education, and their overall opinion of their time at St. Anne School. They have matured into fine young men and women who are reflective and offer constructive input. Common answers about their favorite memories include: Families, Buddies, Field Day, OPI (5th grade Outdoor Education experience), Prayer Assembly and religious traditions (School Masses, Advent Wreath Lighting, Simple Meal etc.) When asked if they feel prepared for high school, they gave overwhelmingly positive responses, often mentioning the preparation, care and concern coming from their teachers. Finally, I asked them what they would change about the school – #1 answer was, “Don’t change anything” followed by, “adding a study hall”, and “a later start time”!
Just a reminder that our parish is in the midst of its annual Stewardship Giving campaign. The parish sets its budget for staffing, programs and operating expenses (including the subsidy to the school) according to how much is pledged by the parishioners each year. Contributions by parishioners are the only source of income; the archdiocese does not subsidize the parish. Every November during the parish Stewardship campaign we are asked to reflect and re-evaluate our financial gift (Sunday offering) to be used for parish operations. Please review the materials that were sent to you from the parish last week and prayerfully consider your financial gift. It can be pledged weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly or via electronic funds transfer (EFT). All families who receive in-parish tuition must have a new card on file each year.
In-parish tuition offers a significant savings—$8635 per year, per child, when compared with the out-of-parish tuition of $10,825. We would hope that a family receiving the benefit of in-parish tuition would make a minimum pledge of $30-$35 per week. While this level of giving is not a requirement, it is an expectation that we consider a fair amount for families benefiting from in-parish tuition. Those who are able to commit to more are asked to do so, to help the parish and school meet their needs. Last year’s pledge expires on 12/31/19. If you have not already done so, please fill out your Stewardship pledge card and return it to the parish or school office. You can also go online to sign-up or update an Electronic Funds Transfer. Go to www.stanneseattle.org and click on the “Stewardship of Treasure” button. This is a great community and we want to assure our parish and school have sufficient funds so we can continue to thrive and grow.
Finally, congratulations to our St. Anne Speech team. They did very well at the Archbishop Murphy High School tournament this weekend. All participants made it into the finals and winners included: 1st place in oratory – Emani Burkhart, 2nd place in expository – Olivia Rodrigo, and 2nd place in Dramatic Interpretation and 2nd place in Oratory – Regina De Villasante. Nice job!
Have a great week!
