ALWAYS....REACHING HIGHER
From the Superintendent...
Greetings!

With the official launch of Partners in the Gospel at last week’s convocation and with this weekend’s masses, I have been reflecting on the words of Pierre Teillard de Chardin, SJ, who reminds us in prayer to “above all, trust in the slow work of God.” 

This strategic pastoral planning process will certainly involve trust because, as Teillard de Chardin also observes, “it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability – and that it may take a very long time.” 

In the unknown into which we are embarking, I find consolation in your leadership at the helm of each of our schools and the wisdom and care that you each share with your school and parish communities. For this, I am grateful. 

With gratitude, 
Nicholas 

NICHOLAS FORD |  Superintendent
Office for Catholic Schools | Archdiocese of Seattle

Principal
Morning Meetings
1/24 Principal Morning Meeting 11:00 AM
Budget Priorities, Metrics and Results with John Sullivan
Marshal Memo #969: Three Reasons Not to Try Banning ChatGPT
1/26 Principal Morning Meeting 11:00 AM
2023-2024 Recruitment with Kelly and Pam
Marshall Memo #969: Jennifer Gonzalez and Her Team Pick Their Favorite Tech Apps
ACTION ITEMS (clickable links below)
CALENDAR EVENTS
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
(Click links next to dates for more information)

1/31 High School Leadership Dinner with the Archbishop 5:30 PM

2/1 Catholic Schools Night at Climate Pledge Arena
2/6 High School Choir Festival at Beneroya Hall 7:00 PM
2/7 Executive Principal Meeting at St Patrick Parish 9:00 AM
2/14 High School Leaders Meeting 1:00 PM at Holy Names
2/20 President's Day - Chancery Offices are Closed

3/1 Annual Progress Reports Due no later than March 1st
3/1 Academic Calendars 2023-2024 Due no later than March 1st
3/15 Principal Intent Forms Due no later than March 15th
Inclusion in Action in Catholic Schools Conference
This inclusive education conference is designed for principals, teachers, paraprofessionals and parents who are committed to creating and strengthening K-12 inclusive learning opportunities at their Catholic schools. The conference runs from February 16-17 and there is a virtual option this year. Learn more and register at the following link.
Lenten Preparations
How is your school planning to celebrate Lent this year? Believe it or not, it is not too early to start preparing and planning for a faith-filled Lent with Ash Wednesday a month away! The NCEA resources listed at the following link present some helpful starting points for your preparations. Check out these helpful tools for teachers and families seeking new ways to bring the Lenten season into their classrooms and homes.
Governance & Leadership
Schwartz Newsletter - January 23, 2023
In this week's edition: Information on the equitable services webinar on 2/23 and Private Schools Advocacy Day on 1/24, along with reminders for intent forms and self-assessment submissions.
Educational Leadership Program
Are you interested in administration? Click here for information on our Educational Leadership partner degree programs and open house sessions. Some degree programs have an deadline on Feb. 1. Fulcrum's Educational Leadership Grant Application opens next month.
Academic Excellence
Early Learning Newsletter - January 23, 2023
Weekly Newsletter will cover resources, professional development, upcoming meetings and more!
CCSSCC New Principal (Year 1) Archdiocesan virtual meet up - January 24th at 1pm
At this session we will be discussing Feedback and State of the School. We have useful activities and tools to share with the Year 1 Principals. This is an opportunity to gather new resources and meet with other principals outside of their diocese. 
GRACE Winter Meetings - Fridays in January
Note that our GRACE Winter Workshop took place in three different place on three different Fridays - our third and LAST meeting is this upcoming Friday! Please encourage your GRACE teacher leader to register for our last meeting at Chehalis if they have not had an opportunity to join us for our Winter Workshop yet this month!
REGISTRATION OPEN for PD&C Day 2023
Registration is OPEN for PD&C Day 2023~ February 10th, 2023. Please send this link to all of your teachers if your school is participating in PD&C Day 2023!
2023-2024 Academic Calendar
The OCS has created the recommended academic calendar for the 2023-2024 school year. Please click the link below for more information The calendar should be completed and returned to the OCS office by March 1, 2023.
Operational Vitality
Fulcrum Foundation - Celebration of Light
We are excited to see you on Friday!
Paperless Receipts of Year-end Tax Forms
The attached memo was shared with Payroll Administrators at your location on 12/2/22. Please make sure your staff is alerted to these options.
Timely Review and Approval of Substitute Time Sheets
Substitutes are paid on a semi-monthly basis (from the 1rst to the 15th is paid on the 25th and the 16th through the end of the month is paid on the 10th of the following month). Please make sure that your Primary Payroll Processor reviews and approves the time sheets for days Substitutes work at your school by the first day after the end of these Pay Periods (the 16th and the 1rst). Any time input into Paycom time sheets will be paid even if not approved, but it is important that charges to your School are correct and approved.
Buy your tickets for Catholic Schools Night at Climate Pledge!
Principals, teachers, staff, parent & students...come and celebrate Catholic Schools Week TOGETHER at Climate Pledge Arena on February 1st at 7pm. Games, giveaways, and more! Let's cheer on men's Seattle U teams as they compete against Abilene Christian.
Teacher Recruitment Initiatives
We are about to begin our 2023-24 educator recruiting season. See the link for dates of upcoming fairs and tune in on Thursday's 11:00 for details, tips and policy to support your recruitment and retention.
710 Ninth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104