Mr. T's Blog @ SKS: June 2017

June 15, 2017

Dear St. Katharine of Siena School Families,

A few weeks ago, at the annual 8th grade parent dinner, I thanked the 8th grade parents for their dedication and support of Catholic education at SKS. Last Friday, at the annual 8th grade trip to Capri Water Ice, I spoke to the forty -four graduates about their time here and I thanked them too. On this coming Friday at morning prayers, I will thank our faculty & staff for their efforts in our Centennial year of school. This blog is my thanks to each of you.

Thank you parents for all that you have done for our school community. Thank you for:

* being a reading circle volunteer or a guest reader.
* helping out at the recess yard, computer lab, library and more.
* serving on a committee such as the H&S Board, Advancement Team, or
chairing an event.
* pitching in at many events like the SK5K, Talent Show, Fashion Show, Spirit Day
Parent Social, Pinewood Derby and literally dozens of other ways too
numerous to mention.

The end of the school year is a like a free -fall jump off a cliff (hopefully with a bungee cord). It comes fast and furious as everyone looks forward to the jump into summer. We need a break from school. The day we go to a twelve month school year, is the day you'll see me applying for a spot at The Beer Yard or Starbucks in Wayne.

It is an often used term, and it is cliche but "it does take a village to raise a child." Our children live in a world where they are bombarded with all kinds of messages through social media, television, and other mediums. Our children are constantly sent the wrong message through these mediums - don't get me started on reality TV.

We need a village where we think, believe, and foster our faith and values - our belief in raising the whole child. Ours students are rooted through their faith, values, academics, and activities outside the classroom. Our students become well - rounded and well -grounded here. They get a solid foundation like a tree with strong roots.

It is my hope that we have been that village and continue to be that place where we work together for the good of each child and family here at SKS.

No place is perfect. Nothing short of heaven will ever be. I make mistakes and hope to learn from them each day. The teachers, and you as primary educators, aren't perfect either, and make mistakes. We learn and grow. The same is true for our students. Each day here is a learning experience spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally in the growth of each student. As co -teachers together, modeling is our best way to teach them what is good and what is righteous. Our partnership is sacred and vital.

It is my hope that as a school, we have met or exceeded your expectations. Any good institution wants to do that for their constituents . You have my pledge that we will continue to work hard. Humbly, I believe this is a very good place, and humbly, I believe there are things we can do better.

Permit me me friendly advice for you and your children through the summer: Expect your children to be helpful and do their fair share at home to help your family:

*They should have chores.
* They should read and be outdoors.
*Their computer /game time/social media should be limited and checked. *Take their phone at night - no questions asked.

We received several 👍 on the The SKS Centennial Video and the Spirit Newsletter. My thanks to Ross Fry and student, Eddie Devine, for his expert drone skill capabilities for the video. Parents, Jake Kelly (for format/editing) and JP Boles (pictures) were instrumental for putting the SKS Spirit Newsletter together. Two wonderful productions that highlight our school. I hope you enjoyed them.

Thanks go to all our Spirit Day volunteers - it was a fun day in the sun. The water games and the shade helped, but not as much as our volunteers!

I wish you and your families a wonderful relaxing summer. Enjoy yourselves. Be well and be safe.

As the song goes,"See you in September!"

Take care,

Bud

SKS Centennial Honors the IHM's at a Special Luncheon