Dear Saint Joseph School Community,

I hope that your summer break is off to a great start! The life of a school, like the Church, is cyclical in nature; there is a season for everything. As we enter this season of rest, reprieve, fun, and family, please know that you will be in my prayers. I hope that the long days of sun and fun help to energize this community for a strong return this fall.

Reflecting on our theme, "Always, we begin again," this was a year of many opportunities, challenges, and successes. How fortunate we are to begin again next school year?! My sincere hope is that we, as a community, will continue to look at each day as a unique opportunity to make the world around us better than it was yesterday. May we always remember that it is never too late to begin again.

I am pleased with all that we accomplished as a community, in and out of the classroom. Please take a few minutes to review the highlights of our successes from this school year:

• Our students ranked amongst the top performing students in the Archdiocese of Boston and the country.
• In Kindergarten and 1^st grade, the measured growth on MAP tests surpassed the projected growth by almost 20%, outperforming both the local and national norms.
• 7 out of 9 grade levels exceeded the projected growth in Math and Reading.
• More than 60% of Saint Joseph students score above the 80^th percentile in both Reading and Writing.
• Our classrooms fall in the 75^th percentile across all subject areas, ranking our classrooms amongst the best in the Archdiocese of Boston.

• We invested more than $200,000 in our buildings and facilities with another $500,000 committed for this summer. Improvements to our essential systems and student learning areas have become evident and will only continue to improve.
• With the dedication of our benefactors and supporters, we raised just under $400,000 to support our teachers, the learning process, and our school.
• We increased our Tuition Assistance to more than $100,000 in scholarships to students in need.
• Student retention hit a 5-year high with 85% retention across all grade levels.
• More than 60 students matriculated or graduated, destined for some of the best schools in the area including: The Roxbury Latin School, Saint Sebastian’s School, Ursuline Academy, Montrose School, Needham High School, Xaverian Brothers High School, Catholic Memorial, Thayer Academy, Nobles and Greenough School, Dana Hall School, The Rivers School, and St. Paul's School (NH)

As my first year as a member of this community comes to an end, I am impressed with all that our students have accomplished. As the leader of this community, I am deeply appreciative for our dedicated team and parent partners who helped make this another successful year, despite all the challenges.

The future of Saint Joseph School is a bright one with endless opportunities within our grasp. My goal for next year is to continue the growth of our school in all domains of our institution - academics, finance, enrollment, development, and faith formation. With the strength of this community, I am confident that we will accomplish whatever goals we set for ourselves. It is my belief that Saint Joseph School provides an unparalleled academic experience in an environment that fosters faith formation, character development, and responsible stewardship in students. Each morning when I greet our students, I know I am greeting the virtuous leaders of tomorrow who will grow to change the world for the better.

As we prepare to return in the fall, please be sure to keep an eye out for opportunities to engage in various projects. Your participation in our growth and development will be essential to our future. In addition, we continue to highly value your feedback. Please take a few minutes to complete our year-end survey linked below.

Have a wonderful summer break!

God Bless,

Ian Snyder

Head of School | Saint Joseph School