Principal’s Corner – July 29, 2022

Principal’s Corner 22-23.2

Dear Parents/Guardians:

As we prepare to begin the 2022-2023 school year I must say, God is so good!!  We are fully staffed for the new year with a talented group of professionals with a wide diversity of experience. You will find our Faculty and Staff Page on our website updated and the majority of our grade level teachers will be at the Blessing of the Backpacks this Sunday July 31st after the 10:15 Mass at St. Johns.  We have added three paraprofessionals to our staff that will provide essential support for our teachers as well.  Please pray for our Staff Spiritual Retreat which will take place on Monday, August 1st.  Sister Florence Bryan, SSJ, and Sister Jane Stoecker, SSJ will lead us in a day of prayer and reflection and therefore the school office will be closed to allow all staff members to participate.  We will begin our day in Mass and you are welcome to join us as we offer ourselves to the Lord in loving service. 

A Few Points of Information:

1. Blessing of the Backpacks Sunday July 31st.  Immediately following the 10:15 mass (at approximately 11:30) we will remain in the Church for a short prayer/worship service to begin the school year for students with prayer and a fellowship breakfast afterwards in the Parish Hall.  The majority of our Grade Level Teachers will be attending and look forward to meeting you.  
2. Supply Drop Off:  Friday August 5th the campus will be open from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm for supply drop off and providing a time for students to meet their teacher and see their new classrooms.  Please plan to arrive no earlier than 1 pm to allow teachers time to make final preparations. 
3. Aftercare Registration:  Please find the registration form for aftercare in an email sent to you on July 22nd.  Mrs. Overfield will be the Aftercare Coordinator and you may reach her at colleen.overfield@sjseagles.org. Students will receive a laminated aftercare pass for their backpack on the first day of school.  Please remember to send afterschool snacks, a sun hat and water bottles each day.  The weather will continue to warm for sometime as we know. 
4. Lunch Options for Students:  Students are welcome to pack their lunch or order from https://www.myhotlunchbox.com.  The site is live and you can begin ordering for the first day of school now.  Tuesday August 9th is the first day of school and will be a full day.  Please remember there is a morning snack time, lunch and a refillable water bottle needed by every student each day. Please label your child’s water bottle and lunch box clearly. 
5. First day of school:  We invite you to walk your child to class on the first day of school OR utilize the car line on 10th Street.  We will begin our first day with prayer at the flagpole and families are invited to participate.  This is a big day for our young ones of course and there will be many hands and warm hearts to offer them comfort throughout the day.  Carline at the end of the day begins at 2:50.  Concierge tags will be available at the school supply drop off OR on the first morning of school in the school office starting on the first day of school. 
6. First School Mass:  Please note that chapel wear is required each Wednesday beginning the first week of school on August 10th.  Boys wear the light blue dress shirt with the school logo, navy or khaki pants, single colored shoes.  Girls wear plaid chapel skirts, blue collared shirt with logo, Kindergarten through 3rd graders have the option of the plaid jumper, and single colored shoes. The chapel wear is a tradition that supports our awareness and recognition that we will be celebrating the Lord’s gift to us on Wednesday’s at mass.  We demonstrate our awareness and gratitude for that gift in an outward expression through our special clothing worn. 
7. COVID Update:  Please find on the school website the current Diocesan Covid protocols.  As you know, there is a highly transmissible variant circulating in Bay County currently so we appreciate your vigilance in monitoring your families possible exposure and/or symptoms.  I am confident we have all learned the necessary precautions and guidelines to contribute to the common good and disclose positive results and abide by quarantine recommendations and return to school policies. 

We are very much looking forward to the new year together.  Please feel free to submit any questions or concerns to office@sjseagles.org and we will do our best to clarify in order to have a smooth beginning of the school year.  As always, please be assured of my prayers and I ask for yours on behalf of the Academy. 

Through Christ our Teacher ~

Sister Grace Ford, Principal

sistergrace@sjseagles.org