Dear Families, 

Tomorrow, we will gather for our final prayer assembly for the year. Seventh grade students will lead us in prayer.

"Our school year is drawing to a close and we can see in ourselves so much growth! With each passing day, God worked through each person to make a new creation. Together let us thank our Creator for the many blessed memories we've shared in our time together."

We will pray for you, parents and thank you for your support and stewardship throughout the year.   We will pray for the grandparents, parishioners and neighbors who attended the various school events throughout the year. We will pray for all the students that they go forth to new adventures, cherishing the love they have shared this year and remembering that we walk in the Image of God.

We will also pray for the teachers and assistants who are leaving us to go on to new adventures. As you know, Mrs. Teschner is going back to Chicago. Students, staff and teachers have been celebrating Mrs. Teschner's time at St. John. I have always enjoyed visiting her classroom, especially on math problem solving days. Those students could be solving the nation's economic problems! I thank Mrs. Teschner for her commitment to making every child feel successful! See below for more greetings.

Mrs. Marcey Flood is also off on a new adventure, but she's not going as far! Mrs. Flood has been a very nurturing presence on our XDC and preschool programs.   When she wasn't taking care of the children here, Mrs. Flood was pursuing teaching and early education classes. Come September, she will be teaching preschool at St. George Parish School, leading her very own classroom. Congratulations, Mrs. Flood! We will miss you!   

We also say goodbye to Mrs. Shirley Briones.  She has decided to focus her great energy in more of a full-time capacity at St. Benedict School, where she also teaches.  Our intermediate students will miss her spirit, but we know they will continue to value her lessons on the importance of physical fitness.     

Following prayer tomorrow morning, we will continue our celebration of a great year with the awards assembly. We will present the Eagle Award for the third trimester to students in grades four through eight. This award goes to students who strive to live the St. John mission by demonstrating Christian Social qualities and completing all their homework. The winner of the John Wall Award will be announced. This award is presented to a seventh grade student who, in the eyes of his or her peers and teachers, has made the greatest strides toward achieving the mission of St. John School:  Exemplifying Christian leadership for the church and society; pursuit of academic excellence; upholding the dignity and freedom of all persons; and, active service to the wider community.  Math Olympiad winners will receive awards and the Mile Run certificates will be presented.    

One of our teachers will be receiving a big award, just not here. Congratulations to Mrs. Becky Kelly who has earned her Master's Degree and will be at graduation at SPU tomorrow, and congratulations to our Kindergarteners who will be graduating tonight! 

We received news of alumni success stories! Read on below!

Many of our students in the intermediate and middle school expressed their interest in the World Cup by making flags of the participating countries. These flags will be decorating the Phinney Ridge Neighborhood Center, where you can go and enjoy the games. See the picture below. They will be showing the games on the big screen and families are welcome!

Where in the world is Sao Paulo?   How many countries are qualified for the World Cup? The countries participating in the World Cup and the news of the games are great sources of reading material as the summer break begins.   Take the children to the library and help them locate and learn some interesting facts about the countries.

May your days be filled with the love of God. May you enjoy a safe, healthy, fun-filled summer!   Practice for the Jog-a-thon!

Christine Craig would like to thank all who participated with Parent Association, especially Page Harader for co-chairing PA over the past two years!  Also, thank you to those who were Grade Parents this year.  We are looking for Grade Parents for the 2014/2015 school year -  sign up here!     

Want to thank someone publicly?  Send your "thanks" to Diane Crockett at  dcrockett@stjohnsea.org for publication in NewsViews.