Academics
Principal’s Newsletter June
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St. John of theCross ParishSchool 2012 – 2013Rooted in FaithGrowing inKnowledge |
JUNE NEWSLETTER
PRINCIPAL’S NOTES
As the children and staff look excitedly toward summer vacation, it becomes bittersweet in the field of education. One works side by side with colleagues throughout the contract year. However, June 15th comes along and we say good bye to those people with whom we share the joys and triumphs as well as the trials and tribulations that each year brings. In particular, I refer to my two fellow administrators. I would be remiss if I did not express my deepest gratitude to these two professionals.
Mr. Tom Clausing has earned his stripes. After ten years as a classroom teacher, Mr. Clausing decided to work towards his administrative certification in the fall of 2011. He has worked diligently, meeting the requirements set forth in attaining his administrative certification. At the same time, he entered an administrative academy sponsored by the Archdiocese of Chicago. They recognized his potential in the same way they recognized Mrs. Therese Craig one year ago. After much soul searching and deliberation, Mr. Clausing felt the call to the Principal ranks. We cannot thank him enough for his years of service to the students and families of St. John of the Cross Parish School. He leaves his mark.
On the other side of the spectrum, Miss Zita Wheeler says good bye after forty eight years of Catholic education here at St. John of the Cross Parish School. That is truly remarkable. To put these years in perspective, Miss Wheeler began her career during the turbulent 1960’s. She saw many changes occur not only in education, but within our world as we know it today. One would certainly need to maintain flexibility, a balanced perspective, and a sense of humor. She worked with five different principals. I am sure that each of us presented her with a separate set of challenges. Through it all, she was the utmost professional, confidante, and friend.
How does one capture the essence of one individual’s impact on the people, place, and time? Through Miss Wheeler’s years here, she held firm to her belief that a Catholic faith-based education gave the children the foundation needed to face the world with open arms, ready for any opposition that might come their way. Invariably, it does. Our faith gives us the balance needed during those moments of success and happiness, as well as sadness and turmoil. Miss Wheeler always taught the children that God works through each of us; we are His “instruments of peace.” Much has been said of her coined expression at the end of the morning announcements – “Have a peace-filled day.” If students and staff learn nothing more than to face each day with the grace and peace of God in their daily lives, then they have learned how to undertake life’s moments with hope and goodness.
So, as we prepare to once again hear the infamous Hallelujah song as the children exit SJC for the 51st time, Miss Wheeler exits this June for her 48th and last time. But, I guarantee you, she will be back, not just for hot dog day, but in the faces, smiles, and eyes of every child and adult whose paths crossed hers. Good luck and God bless you Zita in retirement – you deserve it!
Good Bye
We would also like to wish Mrs. Diana Galaty, school secretary, the best in her retirement. Mrs. Galaty gave 23 years to SJC, handling pertinent information day in and day out in our front office. Good luck and God bless you Mrs. Galaty!
At this time, we extend our final good byes to the Class of 2013. They were an energetic and lively group who brightened each day and ignited the halls of SJC with wonder and excitement. Thank you graduates for all you have given SJC. We only hope that you take a part of us with you. Thank you also to your parents for their trust in us each and every day. May God bless you and keep you every day of your life.
MAY HIGHLIGHTS
Many end of the year activities culminated during the month of May. To highlight a few events, they include the beautifully celebrated First Communion liturgies, the May Crowning and Ribbon Ceremony with 1st and 8th grade, the ever fun-filled school play, “Spotlight on SJC” Open House, the lovable Preschool Celebration, the delightful Kindergarten Celebration, the traditional Memorial Games, the Awards Ceremony, and finally, Graduation. Each event in its own way personified St. John of the Cross Parish School – who we are and what we are about. Thank you to all our students, staff, and parents for your role in any or all the events.
JUNE HIGHLIGHTS
Thank you to Mrs. Jackie Paez-Goldman for planning and organizing another fun-filled Celebrate SJC Day on Tuesday, 6/4/13.
School ends on Wednesday, 6/5/13 at 11 AM. If you would like to join us for the final school liturgy, it begins at 9:15 AM on Wednesday, 6/5/13. We will celebrate another successful school year and say good bye to those who will not be returning.
SUMMER REMINDERS TO PARENTS
Registration for the 2013-2014 school year should have been completed. To guarantee your child/ren a place in the classroom, a $75.00 registration fee was due for each child. If you have not yet taken care of it, please do so ASAP. If you are not returning, please contact Mrs. Val Nelson.
If you are returning, be sure to register for Smart Tuition. The code for sign up is contained in the tuition letter sent in April. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Nelson.
Only after you register for Smart Tuition will you be able to complete the online Processing Procedure, found on the SJC website. Again, questions may be directed to Mrs. Nelson. Within the process you will be asked to complete, print, and sign the emergency forms for each of your children. Please submit them to the office before the end of the school year.
After August 14th, once all paperwork is completed, you will receive your child/ren’s classroom assignment via email.
August Dates
Please mark your calendars with the following dates: a meeting for Preschool, Kindergarten, and New Families to SJC on Tuesday, August 20th at 7PM. We will begin in the LRC. Meet the Teacher Night, grades 1-8, takes place on Wednesday, August 21st. School begins for the 2013-2014 school year on Thursday, August 22nd.
Have a wonderful and safe summer to all our students, staff, and families. We look forward to your return in August.
CALENDAR OF KEY JUNE/JULY/AUGUST EVENTS
June
4 Celebrate SJC Day
5 9:15 AM – All School Liturgy
11:00 AM – DISMISSAL
August
20 7 PM – Preschool, Kindergarten, New Parent Meeting in LRC
21 7 PM – Meet the Teacher Night, grades 1-8
22 School Begins
The above poster hangs throughout the building reminding the children of the 3 ‘R’s – Ready, Respectful, Responsible.
Previous News From the Principal
- Principal’s Newsletter June
- Principal’s Newsletter May
- Principal’s Newsletter March
- Principal’s February Newsletter
- Principal’s January Newsletter
- December Principal’s Newsletter
- Principal’s November Newsletter
- Principal’s October Newsletter
- Principal’s September Newsletter
- 2011-2012 Principal’s News
