Living our Faith: Today we received news that one of our students, John Tramountanas, in fifth grade, has been selected as the elementary school winner in the Northwest Catholic (Magazine) Student Essay Contest. Read John's delightful essay about how he sees Christ at St. John School.

How I See Christ at St. John School

Christ is everywhere at St. John. If you don't believe me, I will prove it to you. Christ is in the teachers. I see Him in Mrs. Ocampo's smile. Christ is also in my friends. I see Him whenever I have a good time with them. Sometimes I see Christ in the funniest places. Our vice principal, Seņor Pablo, has a very large beard. Our school's fundraiser this year used his beard as the theme. It was called "Fear the Beard." His beard helped our school raise lots of money. I never thought I would see Christ in a beard, but there He was!

Christ is always there for you, especially at St. John School. Sometimes, when I'm sad at school, I notice Christ and it makes me feel better. When I get hurt at recess, Christ is in the kindness of the people who help me. If I get angry, Christ helps me calm down. I also see Him at Mass, and I always see Christ when I pray, which I do every day.

These are some of the ways that you can see Christ at St. John School, but there are many more. If you come to St. John, you may see Him where you least expect it. If you don't believe me, just look in Seņor Pablo's beard!

John's essay describes finding Christlike virtues at St. John. Stewardship is the virtue that we are practicing this month. Stewardship means returning to God the first fruits of our time, talent and treasure. It means helping others, tithing, volunteering, alms-giving, praying for those in need, practicing social justice, living in the image of God. Nancy Alton, parent of two students, presented on Sunday last a very stirring account how she has been impacted by this virtue. Come to Mass on Sunday to hear more about the many opportunities for stewardship. Parish families, remember that you are required to be at the State of the Parish presentation at Mass this weekend. Non-parish families, you are very welcome to attend and celebrate the Sacrament of the Eucharist with us.

November is also the time to recall with gratitude those who have passed away and whose memory is dear to us. We remember family and friends. While we may have sadness in our hearts that they are no longer with us, we trust that we can hand our dear ones over to the eternal Father in whose loving presence they will live forever.

The Intermediate grades remembered their former friends and relatives in a very special way at their Dia de los Muertos celebration. It was also a lovely way to lead into Veterans' Day as so many students spoke about their relatives who served in the Armed Forces. This week the students learn about Veterans' Day and they will pray for all veterans.

A reminder that on Tuesday, November 11, school will not be in session in observance of Veterans' Day.

The teachers report that they had almost full attendance at conferences and that they were very beneficial. If you were unable to attend and haven't done so already, please make an appointment with your child's teacher as soon as possible. Thank you.

Miss Katie Corr is the new part-time preschool assistant. She will be in the morning program in Quigley every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Miss Corr brings with her a love of children and a fine arts background. Today, I watched as children gleefully patted their hands into thick orange colored textured 'gooey stuff' and painted with their hands!   Some of the children didn't want to get 'messy,' but most loved it and were thrilled to introduce me to their new teacher!