Dear Families:
This week we celebrate our wonderful teachers. Due to the timing of the auction, we move the national observance of Teacher Appreciation Week to the third week in May.
Our staff is remarkable. What they have endured these past two Covid years, was never part of their teacher training! They have pivoted at every point, adjusted to multiple scenarios and adapted at every turn, always focusing on the success of their students. It has not always been easy, but with the determination and grit that is a solid characteristic of each one of them, St. Anne School has survived and is thriving. It is due to the love of their students and a spirit of dedication. I could not be prouder to be working with such an exceptional group of educators.
Congratulations to our 2nd, 7th and 8th graders who received Sacraments of Initiation this past week. On Thursday, Bishop Frank Schuster Confirmed 46 of our young parishioners including some of our students, as well as many of our alums. On Sunday, 23 young people (including 21 of our second graders) received their first Eucharist. Both were beautiful ceremonies, and we are very honored to be a part of these students’ faith journey.
Good progress is being made by our Parish/School Facilities Task Force on the project involving the remodel of the Convent to accommodate a licensed PreK, after-care space and a gathering room for parish use. Proposals to architectural firms went out late last month and two finalists have been chosen. This coming Friday, the committee will hear presentations from both firms and a final choice will be made by the end of May. Special thanks to Kelly Kemp, chair and task force members: John Pangrazio-(grandfather of Sophie and Finn Wingert), Lori Roozen, Jean Hushebeck-(Pastoral Council chair), Jeff Christianson, Sean Matt, Gerry Scully, Fr. Colin, Heidi Austin and me.
As the weather starts to warm-up (we can only hope!) and we head toward the end of the year, it is easy to become complacent about some of our safety procedures. More students walk to school and parents often find more time to socialize with one another either before or after-school. Our safety patrol came to Ms. Raney with some concerns. They include:
- People on phones/devices in car line not looking up, moving forward into crosswalks because they aren’t looking or hearing the kids call out to them.
- Parents (of Littles) with Littles walking in on the side of the Big Toy then blowing off the patrol person who has asked them to come back on the other side for safety.
- People cutting through the crosswalks or on the sides.
The sixth grade Safety Patrol gives their time before and after school to serve our families. Please, stay off devices and pay close attention to their directions. The safety of our students is our number one priority!
Have a great week!
Mary