August 12, 2019
Dear Christ the King Catholic School Families,
I pray that this communication to begin our school year finds you, your children, and your loved ones safe and rested. In addition, it is my
hope
that your summer was filled with great adventure, and renewal, as we approach a new and exciting school year.
Our theme this school year is the
Holy Spirit
with a sub-theme of
unity
. In our faith we receive the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Saint Paul illustrates with these attributes the kind of love that marks a true Christian life. “But the
fruit
of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law” (
Galatians 5:22-23
).
Further, the
gifts
of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. In this light, we again embark on a wonderful new school year to transform anew. How exciting to journey together in faith, knowledge, and service as we begin school on Monday, August 19
th
. I look forward to seeing you all return and especially look forward to our annual Prayer of Blessing at 9:00 a.m. as planned on our first day back at school.
It is with great honor that I welcome new 2019-2020 faculty and staff members to our school community:
● Richie Aliotti comes to CTK School as a young man with solid Catholic roots and an amazing family background. His education at Saint Peter Martyr Catholic Elementary School, and De La Salle High School have prepared him well. Presently, Richie is a basketball coach with the Prime AAU Program in Walnut Creek, California. Richie’s gifts are immense as he is a solid leader, possessing terrific interpersonal skills and exhibiting a conscientious work ethic. I am proud of the fact that Richie is pursuing a professional clear California teaching credential at Brandman University. Richie will be an instructional assistant in our middle school program. In addition, Richie will coordinate with Mr. Orlina our Garden of Blessing Outdoor Education Program. Further, Richie will flex into Club at the end of each day to support Mr. Doyle and our club staff members in this important ministry.
● Melody Braganza is an amazing mom and community member of Christ the King Catholic School and Church. Melody will be working part-time as our school health room assistant. Melody is blessed to be mentored by Norma Hansen. I admire Melody’s kindness, generosity, and graciousness. Melody and Mr. Braganza are supportive parents who lead by example and with great heart.
● Teresa Halsey comes to us from Gonzaga University. Teresa is a graduate of Saint Francis Catholic Elementary School in Concord, and Carondelet High School. Teresa will be teaching middle school religion, and is our school’s music teacher, along with co-coordinating masses and celebrations. Teresa possesses an amazing voice from God as witnessed by her operatic training. She is incredibly poised and possesses an affable spirit and strong faith. Lastly, Teresa’s musical talents include playing the guitar, piano, and conducting choirs.
● Lynne Jowett is a gifted educator who will be teaching 6
th
grade language arts. Her hometown roots in England have created an optimistic spirit that is grounded in virtue and reflects genuine
intentions of the heart
. Lynne’s strong background in early literacy and reading recovery is truly admirable, as is her ability to meet the needs of her varied learners with positive outcomes leading the way. Lynne’s commitment to joining our stellar faculty and staff continues to build our program of excellence.
Internal faculty and staff changes are as follows:
● Marissa Hernandez is our new kindergarten teacher and we are all so happy for her students, families, and us all. Marissa’s intrinsically kind spirit, bright mind, and energetic ways are a perfect fit as a kindergarten teacher. Marissa has experience teaching early elementary education, and as a reading specialist here at our school. Her strong education from the University of Southern California and solid family background are truly admirable. Marissa can be counted on for her flexible outlook, responsible nature, and generous ways.
● Hollee Maffeo is returning as a reading specialist. Hollee reflects all that is right with our
vocation
as Catholic educators. Her genuine spirit, vast experiential and post graduate studies, and Christocentric ways are a lighthouse of
hope
to us all! I admire Hollee’s commitment to Catholic education and her positivity creates a climate and culture that reflects all that is right with our profession.
● Laura Abel returns this school year as a kindergarten assistant. Laura’s pleasant and professional demeanor, solid teaching experience, and commitment to our school is admirable. Her role in the classroom will be invaluable.
● Natalie Krutilla has accepted the position as second grade homeroom teacher and we are very blessed. To know Natalie is to respect her quiet and strong faith, brilliant and creative mind, and ability to teach at all levels with the highest of gifts possible. Natalie’s experience in curriculum and instruction is a stronghold to our school. Natalie does this with expertise, humility, and kindness. Natalie will lead our students and families through the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion with great care.
● Amy Kemmerer returns to CTK School as our self-contained 5
th
grade homeroom teacher. A very talented and responsible English language arts teacher, Amy is equally gifted at teaching mathematics. Amy’s Catholic educational roots give us wings as a school. How blessed we are to witness Amy’s immense planning and joy for teaching.
● Katie Thornbury is an amazing English language arts teacher and a grace-filled role model. Katie is a graduate of CTK School, Carondelet High School, and Notre Dame University. Katie will teach homeroom seventh grade, and ELA to our seventh/eighth grade students. In addition, I am honored to welcome Katie as vice principal, to our senior leadership team, with our beloved vice principal Jeanne Bucci. Katie’s immense aptitude in communications and literacy, her strong background in technology, and love and natural born gifts toward teaching will be a great source of light to our administrative team.
● Neil Orlina will return to the classroom full-time as his gifts toward teaching science and mathematics, creating amazing projects and experiences for his students, beautiful sincerity of heart, and restorative practices with our middle schoolers are simply irreplaceable to our school’s mission and charism.
● Alyssa Belz will assume the important position as eighth grade homeroom teacher and will continue her teaching assignment as a respected and talented social studies teacher. Alyssa’s natural leadership capacity and conscientious spirit are cornerstone to our program of excellence. We admire Alyssa’s CTK and Carondelet High School roots and know that Ms. Thornbury will be a great mentor in supporting Alyssa in her new role -- toward leading our eighth grade students to high school, infinity, and beyond. 😊
Abundant blessings as we journey together in faith with the Holy Spirit leading every moment of each day this school year,
Mr. Silveira
Principal
Christ the King Catholic School
