Finding Meaning in the Ordinary

Good morning, Kristin,


This week, as I went about the usual routines, I was reminded that not every moment needs to be extraordinary to be meaningful. Sometimes, the small, ordinary moments—the quick chats in the hallway, the laughter echoing from the playground, or even a quiet cup of coffee before the day begins—are what truly make an impact.


These little moments remind me that growth and connection often happen in the most unassuming ways. As we move through another week, let’s take a moment to appreciate the ordinary. In doing so, we might just find the extraordinary hidden within.


Wishing you all a week filled with simple joys and meaningful moments.


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

2/20/2025 - Progress Reports and PD&C Day Debrief with Justyna King

2/27/2025 - CANCELLED - All Principal's Meeting - Please watch for scheduling opportunity for regional meetings

3/5/2025 - Hiring Protocols, Policies, and Best Practices with Pam Schwartz

Upcoming Events

 
 

February 26, 2025

NWEA Data Dive

Via Zoom

 

March 1, 2025

Annual Progress Reports Due by 3/1

 
 
 

March 11, 2025

Executive Principal's Meeting

St. Thomas, Tukwila

 
 
 
 

March 17, 2025

Curriculum Review Committee

 

March 26, 2025

OCS Presents PD Series - Inspiration

Via Zoom

 
 
 

March 28, 2025

BLC Lent Retreat

Peace and Spirituality Retreat Center

 
 
View Upcoming Events & PD Opportunities
 

MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY

Care Solace Super Care Heroes

Congratulations to our 2024 Care Solace Super Care Heroes! Please click here to learn about this award and read testimonials about how our leaders are partnering with Care Solace to support the mental health care needs of their communities.  


Preparing for Immigration Enforcement in Your Local Community

Developed by our Archdiocesan Immigrant and Refugee Ministry, this guide offers questions to help you support immigrant communities in the aftermath of local ICE raids, especially children who find themselves suddenly without a parent present.

Season of Service Report Form

We hope that all schools will participate in our Season of Service, record their hours through this form, and submit photos of their service through the email address listed on the form. The form now allows you to submit the totals for individual-based school service hours, so please add those if you require them for your students.

NCEA Inclusive Practices Survey

The National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) is collaborating with the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) to learn more about current approaches to the inclusion of students with disabilities in Catholic schools nationwide. We invite all principals to complete this survey to inform this crucial work.  

March CIC Toolkit

The March CIC Toolkit extends our fall retreat with further prayerful reflection on Jesus' many teachings and leadership lessons from the Gospels.

Access the toolkit here.

Black History Month Resources

Please access, utilize, and share these resources during Black History Month.

 

GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP

Schwartz's Update for the Week of 2/17/25

Included this week: Information regarding snow make-up days and helpful tips for finding moments of relaxation and comfort. 

Click here to read more.

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.

Exciting Leadership Scholarship Opportunities!

Click the link to learn about leadership scholarships from ACE and Shea Family Charities to attend ACE Principal Academy & ALMA formation programs.

Contact Kelly Surapaneni, kelly.surapaneni@seattlearch.org with questions.

Educational Leadership

Are you interested in administration? Here is a link to our partner programs. Be sure to check out the Fulcrum Foundation Educational Leadership Grant.

Creighton's Catalyst Program for Aspires

The Catalyst Program for Aspiring Catholic School Leaders is offered for free to Catholic school teachers and leaders who seek to discern a Catholic school leadership. Contact Kelly Surapaneni, kelly.surapaneni@seattlearch.org with questions.

 

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

2025 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest (High School)

An essay and video contest for high school students in western United States - entries are accepted January 8th through March 7th. Please share with history teachers! Click here for more information.


Early Learning Weekly Newsletter

Click here for important resources and reminders for the Early Learning Program.


MAP Winter Testing PD on 2/26

Katie Doyle will be online from 3:30-4:30pm to discuss how to best read Winter MAP testing results - register today!

 

OPERATIONAL VITALITY

2025/2026 Academic Calendar

The deadline is slowly but surely approaching!

Click on this link for the official academic calendar and the template. Calendars must be turned in in excel format.

Please turn in your academic calendars to ocs@seattlearch.org by March 1 for approval.

 

Job Posting Requirements

Please remember to use the required verbiage regarding salary and benefits in your job postings. Thank you!

Keeping Job Postings Up-to-Date

Recruitment season is here, and picking up fast! With two recruiting opportunities this week (WSU today and St. Martin's on Thursday), please make sure that your job postings are up-to-date. Click here for more information.

2024 Plan Year Lay Pension Bill

Your School's Annual Lay Pension Bill for the year ended 12/31/24 will be charged to your Bank account on 2/24/25. Are you prepared? Read this memo from IPBS and plan accordingly. 

Archdiocese Budget Memo

The annual 2025/2026 Archdiocesan Budget Memo is now prepared and available for your use. Questions? Ask John Sullivan

Monthly School Financial Reporting

Please share with John Sullivan this week whether you as Principal receive monthly financial reports and which reports you receive.

2024/2025 Finance Calendar

We are now half way through our 2024/2025 School Year. Please share the 2024/2025 Finance Calendar you are using with John Sullivan. 

 
 

News & Resources

 

Submissions

Please submit any news and resources you would like to be shared on the newsletter to Ellie Bailey, eleanor.bailey@seattlearch.org.


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