Bernadette O'Leary, James (Jimmy) Nguyen, and Lauren Martin 

Message From the Principal  

Dear Families,

What a grand event our Endowment Dinner was!  Our alumni, Jimmy Nguyen and Lauren Martin spoke so eloquently of their experiences at St. John.  Mrs. Jacobson added her memories. They made us feel very proud to be Eagles!  The videos enhanced the stories of compassion and commitment to excellence.  Cantionis singers raised their voices and sang like angels.  These talents are just a few that were shared as we enjoyed a lovely evening.  Under the leadership of Michele Thornquist, a team of creative volunteers designed, directed and organized a very enjoyable evening all for the benefit of St. John School.  Thank you, Michele and team!

Meanwhile, back at school, students are experiencing the benefits of your stewardship.  The other day, a teacher told me that every child in her class had all their spellings correct!  She reported that the new "Words Their Way" program was very effective.  We also have the additional support of the new assistants.  

Thank you for doing your "Second Step" homework with your children.  We are using this program at all grade levels. Students are learning behavior and communication skills, such as listening and respecting others' ideas.  They are learning to identify feelings and to apply empathy skills.  The more involved you are with us and with the program, the better it will succeed.  I have received positive feedback from many of you about the conversations you are having at home as you do the homework.

Keep up your great work.  Your partnership, and your generosity to the Annual Fund, the Magazine Sale and the Auction help make St. John School a school of excellence.

As you read this, I am landing in Nashville where I will tour Belmont University with my daughter.  See you next week!

Bernadette O'Leary  

 

Pope Benedict XVI has declared a special Year of Faith. It begins October 11, 2012 and concludes November 24, 2013. The Year of Faith coincides with the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Ecumenical Vatican Council (1962), the twentieth year since publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992), and the upcoming Synod on the New Evangelization in October, 2012.

The upcoming Year of Faith is a "summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the One Savior of the world" (Porta Fidei). In other words, the Year of Faith is an opportunity for Catholics to experience a conversion - to turn back to Jesus and enter into a deeper relationship with him. The "door of faith" is opened at one's baptism, but during this year Catholics are called to open it again, walk through it and rediscover and renew their relationship with Christ and his Church. ~ USCCB

More than 150 guests enjoyed a beautiful sunset at the Shilshole Bay Beach Club last Friday evening at the Purple & Gold Dinner.  The event was a huge success generating more than $35,000 for the fund.  Matching gift money is still coming in so the number should continue to rise.  Guests enjoyed hearing the inspirational stories of St. John graduates James Nguyen and Lauren Martin.  Agnes Jacobson, former principal was gratefully recognized with the Eagle Award for her many accomplishments in her 12 years at St. John.  We were entertained by our own Cantionis choir directed by Becky Kelly. The evening ended with a dessert bar, music, and more socializing.   

Be sure to mark your calendars for October 18, 2013.  In celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the school, the Purple & Gold Dinner will be celebrated at Fremont Studios with a dinner and dance.  Live music will be performed by the St. John Dad's Band, The Kids Are Alright.  We wish to thank Mike and Shoshanna Osterfeld and Suzie Burke for the generous donation of venue space, and Brian Burke, Ian Kerrigan, Athan Tramountanas, and Todd Martin for the gift of their time and musical talent.

Grandparents' & Friends' Day for grades 2 through 5 is November 15.  Mark your calendars and follow this link to make reservations for your guest(s).

St. Al/John Cross Country Report

Wow!  The PK-3rd Grade runners were awesome at the CYO Ribbon Run races.  The team had 131 runners race over a .4 mile course.  It was by far the largest group of St. Al/John PK-3rd Grade runners to compete in the Ribbon Run.  There were over 1200 runners (45 schools) at the event and for the 6th or 7th year in a row the St. Al/John PK-3rd program has led the pack.  We are very proud of how each runner tried their best and each contributed to the team's success.

The Grade Championship for grades 4-8 will be held this Sunday at 1pm in Woodland Park.  The St. Al/John program has 120 runners qualified for the event.  The team is trying to create a little school history and be the first St. Al/John team to win a CYO Championship for the three years in a row.  Come on out! 

Parents and guardians of 7th and 8th grade students currently enrolled in St. John School are invited to an informal evening

hosted by Antonio DeSapio, President of Bishop Blanchet High School.  Also in attendance will be BBHS Principal, Admissions Associate, Athletics Director, Drama Director, and student leaders.

The evening will be held at the home of Paul and Sue Gleeson, parents of St. John School graduates currently attending Bishop Blanchet High School.   

Where:  2121 NW 99th Street in Seattle. 

When:  Thursday, October 25, 2012, 7-8:30pm

RSVP/questions:    Sue Gleeson - 206-257-0296 or paulsueg@yahoo.com

Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided, along with an opportunity to mingle with BBHS and St. John

parents.