This picture of the Crowning of Mary, Mother of God, is fitting as I wish all you moms a very happy Mother's Day! We recognize that many of you are also 'mothers' to our community here at St. John! You nourish us monthly, you support us in the classroom and in our fundraisers, you bake cookies and give us hugs. You pray with us. We appreciate you, Moms.

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the departure of two faculty members from the Primary Department. Mrs. Lisa Teschner and Mrs. Samantha Phillips are both moving from Seattle. Mrs. Teschner is moving back to Illinois. She has been teaching second grade here since 2010.   I have always enjoyed visiting Mrs. Teschner's classroom and I know I speak for many of you when I say that I will miss her positive friendly spirit. Mrs. Phillips, Kindergarten Assistant in Miss Barry's classroom is moving to Minnesota at the end of this month.  Mrs. Phillips has offered tremendous support, not only in the classroom, but also in the lunchroom, at recess and beyond. She has touched the lives of many students and teachers and we will all be sad to see her and Mrs. Teschner leave. On a brighter note, Flat Stanley will have new places to visit!

Yesterday, about 135 students and their parents rode their bikes for Bike to School day! Fr. Crispin, assisted by preschoolers and 8th graders, blessed the bikes. We encourage you to continue cycling to school!  Seņor Pablo challenges the students to bike to school throughout the month of May!

Students in the intermediate and middle grades have been studying the Family Life program and learning about making moral, ethical choices. Our primary grades and seventh grade students learn about Talking about Touching and Safe Environment. These are lifelong lessons and we ask you to follow up at home. Remind your children both about stranger danger and to talk to you if someone they know does or says something that makes them uncomfortable. As the weather grows warmer and sunnier, encourage the children to stay alert on the streets and in the parks and not to engage in conversations with strangers.

This evening we have the Spring Concert for students in grades 3 through 5. On Friday afternoon the 4th graders will have the kickball party for those students who purchased it at the auction, and later on at 5:00 the Middle School auction dodge ball party will take place.