A Foretaste of Heaven

Good morning, Kristin,


We approach the changing of seasons with confidence because we are prepared. As the weather cools, we ready our homes—putting up storm windows, stowing outdoor furniture, taking sweaters out of storage, and setting aside summer clothes.


But not all change is easy. As the Gospel readings remind us at the end of the liturgical year, we can feel confident even in times of change, knowing that we are loved. We find strength in the relationships and values that endure, and the trust we place in one another grounds us in moments of doubt. Jesus' words in Mark about end times can be unsettling, but ultimately, they remind us to be prepared and trust in God's love. This same trust fills our lives and hearts through all the relationships that bring us joy.


With gratitude, 

NICHOLAS FORD | Superintendent

Office for Catholic Schools | Archdiocese of Seattle

 

OPERATIONS CALENDAR & MONTHLY TASK LIST

Click here & log into mycatholicschool.org

Principal Weekly Meetings

11/21/2024* - Advent Planning & Resources with Connor Geraghty

*John Sullivan will stay on Zoom until noon to help Principals build Finance Calendars and School Budget Plans

11/28/2024 - No Meeting, Happy Thanksgiving!

12/05/2024 - Introducing Seattle U CSTC & PACE Recruitment with Christopher Smith

12/12/2024 - Early Learning Monitoring Visits/Licensing with Dave Mayer

Upcoming Events

 
 

November 19, 2024

Annual Fulcrum School Endowment Meeting

3PM-4:30PM

 

November 20, 2024

OCS Presents PD Series - Mission

3PM-4:30PM

 
 
 

December 10, 2024

BLC Advent

Retreat

8AM-3PM

 
 
 
 

January 10, 2025

GRACE/DLC

Meeting Option 1

 

January 13, 2025

Curriculum Review Committees

 
 
 

January 14, 2025

Executive Principals Meeting

St. Thomas, Tukwila

 
 
View Upcoming Events & PD Opportunities
 

MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY

OCS Presents PD Series #2

Please join us and share this registration link with your teachers for "Supporting and Being Fed by Mission", an OCS Presents PD session led by Matt Barmore on November 20 from 3:30-4:30pm.  

Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration

Join us for the Archdiocese of Seattle's 30th Celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Saturday, December 7 for holy hour, rosary, Mañanitas, procession and Mass at St. James Cathedral. Click here to learn more.

Advent Communications Toolkit for Schools & Parishes

Our goal is to make it easy for you to promote Advent! Please use this communications toolkit to invite your

parishioners and school community to experience Advent in a more meaningful way. These digital assets and

messaging can be used for all your communications channels. Click Here for Toolkit.

 

GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP

Personnel & Policy Notes for the Week of 11/18/24

Information on the Principal Self-Assessment which is to be completed and reviewed with pastors by Christmas break and Pam's new cell number. 

Seattle University's Teaching Program

Seattle University has launched a Catholic Schools Teaching Corps Program (starts Summer 2025). Click the link to connect with CSTC.

University Leadership Programs

Interested in Educational Leadership/principal certification connect with Kelly.surapaneni@seattlearch.org to hear about partnerships and grant opportunities.

PACE Program Virtual Sessions

Do you have individuals who are seeking a Master's in Education? The (PACE) Program has listening sessions beginning this week. 

 

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

NSBECS-aligned teacher evaluations

Teacher Evaluation System for teacher evaluation process 2024-25 aligned with NSBECS 2.0

Curriculum Committees are meeting!

If you have any teachers or administrators interested in participating in Environmental Education or English/Language Arts, join our next meeting on January 13th.

The best schools have a Decathlon team!

It's not too late to join! See more information on this webpage.

Early Learning Weekly Newsletter

Important Resources and Reminders for Early Learning Programs. Click here to read.

 

OPERATIONAL VITALITY

2024/2025 School Budgets

Each School has recently received a request for this from John Sullivan. Please respond this week so he can rebuild his records.

Monthly School Financial Reporting

Please share with John Sullivan this week whether your school receives monthly financial reports and which reports you receive.

Substitute Process

Please make sure that your administration staff, PAA, etc. are aware of the process for hiring a substitute teacher via the sub pool.

 

Fulcrum Foundation News & Updates

 

TODAY! - Annual Fulcrum School Endowment Meeting


Fulcrum provides an annual information session for School's with or interested in Endowments - November 19 @ 3pm - Save the date !

Feature Your School at the Celebration of Light


We are requesting 5 recent photos from each school to share in a slide show at the Celebration of Light on January 31. Instructions for submitting photos will be sent by Amy Hall this week. Please be sure the photos you submit can be shared publicly and online. Thank you!

Fulcrum's Advent Mass

 

Everyone is invited to attend Fulcrum’s Advent Mass with Fr. Rowan and Fr. Magnano on Sunday, December 1, 5pm at Seattle University. We encourage school families, administrators, and teachers to join us. For more information, contact Amy Hall at hall.amy@fulcrumfoundation.org or 206.226.5679.

 

News & Resources

 

2 Cafeteria Tables!

St. Joseph in Seattle has two 12' cafeteria tables to give. Please contact Leslie Bartlett for details.


Subscribe to the Keystone