Hidden Possibility

Good morning, Kristin,


In an Advent reflection on his blog last week, Archbishop Etienne wrote: “Advent heightens our awareness of fresh new possibilities still hidden within the Reality and Mystery of God. The grace of Christ awaits to quicken our steps to extend his Kingdom to those trapped in the darkness of their present realities. As the light of the Advent wreath, or the light of breaking dawn, the world awaits the charity of believers.”


His words prompted me to reflect on what new possibilities lie in wait for me to discover. But I was especially encouraged by the reminder that the grace of Christ awaits to quicken our steps. It brought to mind a reflection Fr. Ron Nuzzi once shared with principals at our annual retreat about the beloved disciple—the one who leaned on Jesus at dinner yet also raced ahead of Peter to the empty tomb after Mary of Magdala’s announcement. His step was quickened.


I believe the great hope of our schools and our Church is our opportunity to nurture in our students a desire to uncover the fresh new possibilities, often in themselves, that remain hidden in the Reality of God. What strengthens that hope is the assurance that the grace of Christ awaits to quicken their steps, inspiring them to share those revelations with the world, extending the Kingdom.


This is why I continue to believe in the power of Catholic education. Every day, people like you create learning spaces where God is revealed and shared with the world. I can think of no greater gift.


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

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

12/19/2024 - Advent Prayer Service with Connor Geraghty

12/26/2024 - No Meeting - Merry Christmas (and Happy Boxing Day!)

1/2/2025 - No Meeting - Happy New Year!

Upcoming Events

 
 

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



 

January 17, 2025

GRACE/DLC

Meeting Option 2

 
 
 

January 22, 2025

OCS Presents PD Series - Crucial Conversation

 
 
View Upcoming Events & PD Opportunities
 

MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY

Preparing for Advent Slides

Access these slides for resources to help you support the Advent journeys of your students, staff, and parents.

WSCC Catholic Advocacy Bulletin

Please see the December WSCC Catholic Advocacy Bulletin linked here.

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 the toolkit.

Preparing for the Jubilee Year

Join us on December 11th at 11am for an overview of activities for the Jubilee Year 2025 and ways for parishes to participate locally through pilgrimage, prayer, and service. Register for the Zoom here.

 

GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP

Personnel & Policy Notes for the Week of 12/9/24

No new information this week. Click on the link to access last week's edition with information on the principal self-assessment

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.

ACE Leadership Academy (Notre Dame)

A fellowship opportunity for current principals to deepen your leadership. Contact kelly.surapaneni@seattlearch.org to hear more. Applications are open.

PACE Program Virtual Sessions

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

 

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

NSBECS-Aligned Teacher Evaluations

Teacher Evaluation System for teacher evaluation

process 2024-25 aligned with NSBECS 2.0

LAST CHANCE to Sign Up for Decathlon

December 6th is the final day to sign up!

See more information on this webpage.

Early Learning Weekly Newsletter

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

 

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.

Service Awards!

Deadline is Thursday, 12/19! To reduce cost of shipping, we will only be placing 1 order this year. Click here to learn more.

Monthly School Financial Reporting

Please share with John Sullivan (sullivanj@seattlearch.org) this week about whether your school receives monthly financial reports, and which reports you receive.

 
 

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.


Cristo Rey Mention in Harvard Grad School of Ed Magazine

Take a look at this recent article: Is it Time to Ban Cellphones from Schools? | Harvard Graduate School of Education.

This article addresses some very important educational and social challenges connected to social media and cellphone use-and features the newest high school in the archdiocese!


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