It is so lovely to walk through the rain, wind and intermittent sunshine to the warm classrooms at St. John!  Let us pray that we will not lose any more days and remember, you may have to pray on both knees because the children are also praying!  To make up our days, we will open for school on February 17th and March 23rd.   Please mark your calendars.  I am aware that some of you may have already made plans for those long weekends, but making up the days mid-year is more educationally beneficial than adding them to the end of the year. 

On Sunday, Catholic Schools Week begins.  This national celebration reminds us of what makes Catholic education distinctive and exceptional.  This year the theme is "Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service", expressing three priorities that identify Catholic schools.  Thank you, parents, teachers, volunteers, parishioners, and benefactors.   Your commitment and stewardship on behalf of the students are what really make our schools exceptional. 

During the White House acknowledgment of Catholic Schools, our very own Joe Womac, of the Fulcrum Foundation was honored for his service.  Read on:

January 23, 2012

White House Highlights Leaders in Catholic Education as "Champions of Change" For Helping to Prepare America

WASHINGTON, DC - On Wednesday, January 25th, the White House will honor nine leaders in Catholic education from across the country as Champions of Change for their service to their communities and our nation. These extraordinary individuals have made a significant impact on the students, families, and educators through Catholic schools and universities throughout America. Their innovative ideas and dedication to students and to the wider community, demonstrate the strong commitment to ensuring that every child has an opportunity for greatness.

"We are thrilled to recognize these extraordinary Champions in Catholic Education at the White House. Each of these nine leaders embody the values of education, innovation and service through their stellar contributions to Catholic schools and the communities they serve," said Alexia Kelley, Senior Policy Advisor, White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. "These Champions, like their colleagues in Catholic education across the country, inspire all of us to build up our communities and our nation's young people."

The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama's Winning the Future initiative. Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.  

Joseph Womac (Seattle, WA)

As the Executive Director of the Fulcrum Foundation for the past eight years, Joe Womac has worked tirelessly on behalf of at risk students and Catholic schools in jeopardy of closing. Under his leadership, the Fulcrum Foundation has raised $60 million, which has led to over 10,000 low income students being sent to tremendous Catholic schools in western Washington State. Thanks in large part to Joe's efforts and Fulcrum's programs, Seattle is among the largest regions in the country that has not closed any Catholic schools and instead has opened schools during the past decade. Last year, every single high school senior supported by the Fulcrum Foundation graduated. Of those, 99% are now attending college.

On behalf of St. John School, I congratulate Joe Womac and thank him for his commitment, hard work and dedication.

We will open our Catholic Schools Week celebration on Sunday at the 10:30 Mass.  We ask that all students attend and proudly wear their St. John dress uniforms. 

Please see the attached schedule for the remainder of the week.

Beannacht - God Bless,