Rejoice and Be Glad!

Dear Families,

I’ve often wondered what it would be like to have known a Saint. I mean, I am sure I know some future Saints, as a Saint is just someone who has died and is in heaven. But the past ones, what were they like when they were alive? And I’m not talking about their great feats, but more what were they like in the little things? What would you notice when eating breakfast with them? What would it be like to accompany them on their morning commute? 

My best guess is that one would become aware of an unmistakable sense of joy. 

So where does joy come from? It is from a conscious acceptance of God’s grace and plan for our lives. No matter what happens, we are loved. We have been ransomed by our God, we will always be His children. Because of his immense love for us, our reward is an eternity with Him.

Our theme this year is “Rejoice and Be Glad,” taken from Matthew chapter 5, right after Jesus proclaims the Beatitudes. Each Beatitude outlines how a Christian, whether through their trials here on Earth or through their trust in God, will be rewarded mightily in heaven. Immediately upon their pronouncement, the decree is given, “Rejoice and be glad” (Matthew 5:12). The connection is clear: God’s love and commitment to us is the source of joy. 

So, how does a school that is full of joy look? It is a school that knows and understands its purpose of leading children to the kingdom of heaven. Everything else flows from there. A school full of joy is a place where love is obvious, where prayer and faith are central, where triumphs are celebrated, challenges embraced, and where no one walks through difficulty alone. Where teachers and administrators partner with families in what is the best work, that of guiding those under our stewardship toward a lifetime of learning, and an eternity with God. 

Welcome then, to St. Mary’s Visitation School. Soon the 2024/2025 school year will be upon us. Rejoice and be glad!

God Bless,

Siggy Spelter

Principal

School Office Notes

Volunteering at SMV

Parents who would like to volunteer in any capacity (classroom, recess/lunch duty, field trips, coaching, etc...) MUST take a Safe Environment Training session, pass a background check, and sign the Code of Ethical Standards before they may do so. 

Information about these trainings and schedules can be found here .

Anyone with an expired status will not be able to volunteer. If you are unsure as to whether you've done the training, have an expired status, or have any other questions, please contact Chris Kinzy, our Parish Safeguarding Coordinator, at: ckinzy@stmaryeg.org

Lunchtime Playground and Cafeteria Volunteers

Did you set your alarms? The coveted playground and cafeteria signups are set!

Families completing a total of six (6) shifts during the lunchtime, either playground or cafeteria duty, will be credited their $215 deposit (collected with tuition).

Do not sign up for more than a total of six (6) shifts at this time! Signups will open to extra shifts on September 15th.

Playground Signup

Cafeteria Signup

These signups will always be in the Permanent Links section of this newsletter.

New Facility Use Request Form

Our Parish and School host a number of meetings for various organizations, clubs, and athletic events in our buildings. We ask anyone who is interested in using a room or space at the school or parish to please complete and submit this form for such requests. This helps us to avoid conflicts and more efficiently reserve the space needed. Thank you.

Medications

If your child needs to have medication that is to be kept at school, please make sure to fill out the correct forms. Bring the form along with the medication to the School Office. The Prescription and Non-Prescription Authorization forms can be found under the Permanent Links Section of this newsletter.