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Our Interim Schoolhouse Leadership Team (left to right): Leah Young, Sonya Kedarnath, and Sarah Carroll

The annual Opening Doors Ceremony started our 15th school year with celebration on September 8th. We welcomed 20 new students — 16 4th graders and four transfers — plus 11 new staff members. The energy and excitement on Day One filled us all with joy and hope for the year ahead.

Equally notable, we recognized a trio of veteran St. James leaders who have stepped up into new roles. Sarah Carroll, Sonya Kedarnath, and Leah Young are the Interim Schoolhouse Leadership Team, following the 9-year tenure of Principal Dave McDonough. All three have been promoted to Assistant Head of School.

Anave, a 4th grader, diving right into math lessons on her first day as a St. James School student

Ready for the first lunch: Student Table Captain Jayson and School Chaplain The Rev. Walter Thorne

Sarah, previously Assistant Principal, is leading Curriculum and Instruction. Leah, previously Director of the Wellness Center, is leading Student and Family Engagement. Sonya continues to lead Graduate Support with an expanded role in preparing our young scholars for high school.

“The school is in capable hands and I am excited to pilot this new leadership model,” said President & Head of School Dave Kasievich.

Yesterday, September 17th, the St. James community came together for an Open House Celebration of Service in honor of departing Principal McDonough. Everyone had an opportunity to thank Dave for leading our school through nearly a decade of growth and change.

New members of the St. James community taking part in our August Staff Orientation program

Graduates and families at Staff Orientation sharing stories and ways staff can support students and families

We are grateful to the many friends and supporters who donated school supplies, classroom materials, and backpacks. Thanks to your generosity, our students started the school year fully equipped and ready to learn.



With strong leadership and the support of our community, another year of intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth is underway.

First-Ever Senior Night Brings Laughter and Community Connection

Dining al fresco on the warm August evening we hosted Senior Night

If you were walking along Clearfield Street on August 16, you heard it before you saw it: the sound of laughter filling the air as seniors in our neighborhood enjoyed conversation and a picnic supper during our inaugural Senior Night. The Welcome Table and Community Conversations Group partnered to host this new program.

The idea grew out of Senior Hub, our weekly Thursday gathering where local seniors come together for fellowship, games, and community-building. During conversations, several participants shared that while they love having a safe place to gather during the day, they also longed for opportunities to enjoy a night out close to home.

Pulling up chairs for conversations strengthened connections among neighbors

In addition to a meal and camaraderie, Senior Night offered lively games and a live band that got everyone moving to the music. Guests felt celebrated and safe as they experienced the vibrancy of community life after dark.

Special thanks to leaders Vickie Hatcher, John Mack, Earl Jones, and Faye Davis, whose vision and hard work made this Senior Night a memorable first. They are excited to plan the next one!

Join Us for Two Fun Fall Events

The Welcome Table’s Fall Open House will take place on Saturday, September 20th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, following our popular Farmers Market (pictured), which starts at 9:00 am. Join us on campus for food, fun, and fellowship with neighbors, students, and staff. Contact Paul Barrett with any questions.

St. James will host a Fall Festival on campus Saturday, October 25th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. All ages are invited! Come to learn about the new Master Plan for the St. James campus while you enjoy food and drinks, pumpkins, games, and trick-or-treating! Register here.

St. James School | 215-226-1276 | www.StJamesPhila.org