The first days of school are behind us. We're settling into a routine that brings us back to busy school days and weekends filled with places to go and things to do, all things vying for our time and attention. Next week we welcome our K3 students to St. Mary's!
Last week was a week of in-service for the teachers. The week was filled with welcoming each other back, what we did on our summer vacations, meetings about procedures, curriculum, our goals for this year and many more things that help us prepare for the school year.
This year the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will be celebrating their 175th Anniversary. Our parish also will be celebrating it's 160th anniversary. In this year we will study and reflect on the history of both, teaching about those individuals in the early years and appreciating their faith, determination , and sacrifices.
Along with that, we will concentrate on the Seven Catholic Social Teachings. We will explore with our students, the life and dignity of the human person, the call to family, community, and participation, rights and responsibilities, option for the poor and vulnerable, the dignity of work and the rights of workers, solidarity and care for God's creation. During the next few months I will share with you more on each teaching.
The Archdiocese has asked each teacher to do a "175 Minute Service Challenge" during this anniversary year connected to one of more of these teachings. Catholic Schools proclaim Christ in everything we do and have a rich history of doing their part, through service , to make a difference in the world. The teachers are being asked to submit this to the Arch. At our convention this year, in October, all these works from all the teachers in the archdiocese will be shared with us. Later on in the school year, I will share with you the things our teachers are doing in the "175 Minute Service Challenge."
6
th
-8
th
grade parents, please mark your calendars. We will have an orientation meeting for you on the evening of Tuesday, September 4
th
. We will begin with a short meeting in the school atrium at 6:30. Then you will be going to the classrooms and following your child's schedule and meeting each of their teachers.
For all new families to SMV, you are invited to our New Parent Social on Tuesday, September 18th at 6:30 p.m. Please join us on the school patio for a social to get to know other families.
Just a reminder, there is no school tomorrow or Monday. Enjoy the long weekend!
If you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call. I am happy to help.
