Viking Voice

A Message from Our Principal

Dear Families,

Our first full week is in the books! 

1) Thanks to everyone who has returned the office paperwork from opening day. There are certain things we need to have in the student files. Your quick turnaround on the forms helps us knock out this task.

2) Grade Check Dates. Parents in grades 3 to 8 received info early last week. This is just a reminder to stay on top of those grade checks as we get deeper into the school year. It's one of those things that can easily fall by the wayside. But it makes a difference in keeping two-way communication strong over any grade issues that may arise. 

3) We had our first liturgy practice on Thursday. Last year, I went into classrooms for practice. This year, we are doing it as a full student body at morning gathering. The first session went well! 

The purpose of these sessions is to run through the songs we sing at Mass on Friday. It's also a chance to look at the words in these songs and understand their meaning.

4) In general, morning gathering is an opportunity to begin our day in prayer as an entire student body assembled in one place. We pray, say the pledge, and typically explore a topic that is on theme with our school mission to see Jesus in ourselves and others. 

Last week, we talked about the psalm at Mass on 8/28: "Lord, I love your commands." Who says this? When was the last time you heard someone saying they just love to be bossed around and told what to do? The truth is that when we are living in right relationship with God, we experience His commands as a new kind of freedom. It is an invitation to make God's ways our ways. Our lives belong to Him. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32. 

We said to the students on Monday morning, "If we are to love God's commands, which two commands are we to love above all others? This was their "homework assignment." On Tuesday morning, a bunch of hands went up in the air. "Love God with all your mind, heart, and soul." Correct! "Love your neighbor as yourself." Correct! 

On Wednesday morning, we recognized all of our students who participated in the county fair this summer. We have A LOT of students involved in the fair. We pointed out what a wonderful thing this is since it teaches the virtues so well. 

Thursday was liturgy practice. 

Friday was praising the students for how well they raise their game for Mass. They know they are coming before the tabernacle. They are coming before the altar. A higher standard prevails in this sacred space. They know what it looks like to show reverence through body language. Telling the students how well they do also serves as a reminder, in the moments before we walk over to church together, to keep their high standard. 

5) Students in grades 4 to 8 are invited to join our student choir. Students in grades 3 to 8 are invited to join Peacemakers and to participate in piano lessons. (There is a fee for piano lessons.) Students in grades 3 to 8 are invited to join our new Mini Vinnies group under the leadership of Mrs. Cheryl Hunt (St. Stephen Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation). Keep scrolling for the signup links. (Mini Vinnies signup info is on a flyer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

6) Parents of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade girls received a recent invitation to join our Girls on the Run group led by Mrs. Kara Olding.  Registration closes soon!

7) Let's get a big turnout for the Run for Your Bones 5K on Saturday, October 17th. We are competing with St. Pete and St. Joe for the biggest team award.

The race is sponsored by Hamilton Junior Women's League. Proceeds from the race go to a crucially important corporal work of mercy: PARACHUTE CASA. This nonprofit trains people to intervene for abused and neglected kids in the juvenile court system.

https://www.parachutecasa.org/

Christ in Self. Christ in Other.

Josh

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