Jesus, I Trust in You!

 As Fr. Dermot said in his homily today, this is the final day we can say Happy Easter as it is the 8th day of celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord.  So today, I wish you all a very Happy Easter and I hope that this past week allowed you to rest and gear up for the final stretch.  Today is also Divine Mercy Sunday and as we skate through these final weeks, make this your prayer... Jesus, I Trust in You!

As we are wrapping up this year, I am already preparing for next year.  You will find all the events I am currently aware of on the school's Google calendar.  Please remember that ALL teacher requested events and class/NJHS/Student Council/etc. fundraising, MUST be in school dude by April 30.  Requests may not be honored next year if they do not make it on the calendar now.  If you need help, please send the details to Flo and she will put them in school dude.  Be sure to send her all the details she needs. Keep in mind that she will need time to do this, therefore, if sending to Flo, be sure she gets it by Wednesday morning.  

Gina and I will both be out on Friday at the Bethany Center.  Gina will be there in the morning and I will be there in the afternoon.  I will be at school in the morning and we both can be reached by phone.  

Tuesday we will be administering the ARK test to grades 2-8 and i-Ready testing starts later in the week.  I did not tell parents about the ARK test yet because I did not want anyone stressing this.  I am going to send an email today asking that parents ensure students arrive on time.  When you talk to the students that morning, ask them to do their best to show how much they have learned about their faith.  Explain that this information will help us develop our Religion program next year.  Also, let them know that Part II, which is more personal, will be anonymous.  

Thank you and have a wonderful week!

Palm Sunday

 This morning I sat and listen to the Gospel reading and thanked our Lord for the sacrifice he made so that we may be saved.  I was also reminded how insignificant my own crosses are in comparison to what Jesus was made to bare for our salvation.  Later in the day I learned that one of our own, Brian Laxton, a former instructional assistant at St. Stephen, was called home to be with our Lord.  He was a young man of about 26 years old and my heart goes out to his family for the cross they are called to carry as then mourn the loss of this kind, beautiful soul.  Please keep the Laxton family in your prayers.  His funeral is April 20 at 11 am in St. Stephen church.  

This Thursday during our retreat, you will all be amazed at how awesome our 7th graders and 6th grade choir members are when they present the living stations of the cross.  I had so many compliments Friday night after their presentation.  Thank you to all who played a part in it.  

Please be sure to check the calendar for other events this week.  The faculty meeting tomorrow will just be for all K-8 homeroom teachers and ESE support personnel (if you could all stay that would be great) to go over administering the ARK test.  It should be a brief meeting. If you have any questions about the retreat, let me know.  I wish you all a WONDERFUL and much deserved Easter Break!

Best April Fools Day Ever!!

 

Thank you to everyone who made April 1 a great April Fool's Day!  Yes, it was time we all got Julie back, but all of the shenanigans that were going on were a lot of fun. 

 
There is a lot going on this week with field trips and field day.  The Gabie Bus will be here on Thursday morning.  They will arrive at approximately 7:45 am to set up.  The participation schedule is:

8:15 - 9:15     -   PK 4 & K

9:30 - 10:45   -   1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grades

Please be outside in front of the school at your scheduled time.  I will have them park close to the Angel's Wing gate.  

Field Day is also on Thursday and the schedule is:

9:30 - 11:00 am  -  Grades 5-8

1:00 - 2:30 pm    -  Grades K-4

The fun continues on Thursday with the Sunshine Committee Game Night at 4 pm at Leaven Brewing, 11238 Boyette Rd., Riverview. 

Friday is the last Fish Fry followed by Living Stations of the Cross presented by our 7th graders.  I hope many of you will be able to join us for this presentation.  

The Lent Retreat is finished and I will share the folder with everything you need for it by tomorrow (Sunday).  

The faculty meeting on Monday is a business meeting and the main topic of conversation will be Clubs/Electives for next year.  Bring your thoughts.

Finally, the payroll budget for next year is set.  While we are not ready to sign agreements, everyone is welcome to stop by my office to see what you will earn next year.  The 6% increase in tuition for next year has allowed me to give wage increases that are more substantial than in the past and I'm hoping everyone will be pleased.  

Have a wonderful week!