Mr. Gagnon became an aspirant for the diaconate with the Diocese of Green Bay in 2017, was accepted as a full candidate for Ordination to the Diaconate in 2018 and was finally ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Church in May of 2021. Deacon Gagnon treasures the opportunity to serve and support the liturgical and prayer life of students and staff through his role as an ordained minister of the Church.

For nine years directly before coming to the Ledge, Deacon Gagnon served as Coordinator of Faith Formation, Youth Minister, and RCIA Coordinator for St. Bernadette Parish in Appleton. Prior to that he served as Faith Formation Coordinator and Youth Minister for St. Joseph Parish in Grafton for 7 years.

Throughout his career in parish and school ministry, Mr. Gagnon has been an active volunteer. He has served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist in his parish, been a member of the parish Pro-Life Committee, engaged with the Warming Shelter of the Fox Valley, and been a C.O.T.S Shelter meal provider. He has also helped plan many Youth conferences, worship experiences and retreats.

Mr. Gagnon is frequently heard encouraging students to live into their spiritual identity as children of God. An email from Deacon Gagnon to all Ledger's last Lent urged: “Remember Lent means ‘to lengthen’...so stretch yourself by making more time for God, come to Mass on Friday, get to Mass on Sunday. Take time for prayer, attend Monday Adoration in the Chapel, and make a good confession.”

HIGHLIGHTED LEDGER WAY CORE VALUE: COMMUNITY

We foster a welcoming, supportive, engaging and collaborative community that works in unison to overcome challenges and celebrate success. Together we honor our traditions and work in partnership to advance our institution.

How can we live into the ideals of this core value?

From the Student Covenant:

• Build trust and contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, fair learning environment through positive language, relationships and choices.

• Encourage and affirm others, and engage with community events.

• Extend hospitality and goodwill to all people, including visitors.

• Denounce gossip, humiliation, bullying and other damaging habits and behaviors that erode school culture.

From the Parent Covenant:

• Promote solidarity and engage in supporting Springs events

• Extend hospitality and goodwill to all in the Springs community and to visitors

• Contribute to building a safe, productive, and inclusive learning environment

• Ensure that home habits and expectations align with and support school values

• Denounce gossip, humiliation, bullying and other damaging habits and behaviors that erode school culture on-campus and online

From the Employee Covenant:

• Promote solidarity and engage in supporting Springs events

• Extend hospitality and goodwill to all in the Springs community and to visitors

• Contribute to building a safe, productive, and inclusive environment

• Denounce gossip, humiliation, bullying and other damaging habits and behaviors that erode school culture on-campus and online

• Prioritize building positive student relationships, support student interests, and attend after school activities student events as possible

Let us continue to build and develop a life-giving community on the Ledge!

Our Lady of the Ledge, pray for us.

Eamonn O’Keeffe

High School Principal

Student Council Pie Baking for Thanksgiving & Ingredients Contest

It's been a long standing tradition for the High School students to bake pies for the Loaves and Fishes Thanksgiving dinner. In the past, this was an initiative of our Key Club and then picked up by the Student Council. As result of COVID-19 protocol over the past two years we were only allowed to collect pie ingredients and donate them to the Salvation Army food pantry.

This year pie baking is back!!!

The Student Council will be collecting supplies to make pies for Holy Family's Thanksgiving dinner from Monday, November 7th through Friday, November 11th. The ingredients will be collected in the main lobby by the S Couch every day next week before school. Student Council will be making the pies after school on Monday, November 21st. Please help us to make someone’s Thanksgiving extra special.

Homeroom vs. Homeroom vs. Faculty and Staff

• 1 point = canned cherry, blueberry and apple pie filling

• 2 points = boxed or frozen pie crust

• 3 points = frozen deep dish crusts

The leading team after Wednesday will receive a treat! The winning homeroom at the end of the week will get donuts on Monday!

High School Placement Test

The High School Placement Test for the Class of 2027 will be held on Saturday, December 3rd, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The test will be admisistered at SMSA. If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Mueller at kmueller@smsacademy.org.

Scholarship Website for SMSA Seniors

Last year, Mr. Stamatakos created a website that SMSA seniors can use to learn about local scholarship opportunities that they can apply for to help fund their college educations at two and four-year colleges. The website will continue to be updated throughout the coming months as updated applications for the current senior class are received by Mr. Stamatakos. Mr. Stamatakos will also E-mail out applications for these scholarships to the senior class and to parents of seniors as he receives them...so please check your E-mail for these opportunities!

Please visit the website early and often to start learning about scholarship opportunities that you can take advantage of!

Job Opportunities

Fond du Lac Boys & Girls Club

Children's Museum of Fond du Lac

Kohl's Department Store

Ledger Learning Guide