Greetings!


In his Sunday homily, Pope Leo reminded us that Marian devotion always leads us back to Christ: “Marian spirituality, which nourishes our faith, has Jesus as its center.”


Mary’s life teaches us that to remember Jesus is not merely to recall his name, but to allow his Resurrection to change how we live and how we see one another. In her simplicity, Mary reveals what Pope Francis called,  “the revolutionary nature of love and tenderness” (Evangelii Gaudium, 288). Her faith does not protect her from suffering but keeps her close to the cross, where love transforms pain into hope.


For those of us blessed to serve in Catholic education, I think this lesson calls us to remember that every act of service finds its meaning in Christ. That is, to serve students in the spirit of Mary is to see the dignity of each child, especially when that dignity is hidden beneath challenge or struggle. Her example reminds us that the heart of our vocation is not efficiency, but presence.


Our Lady of Seattle, pray for us.


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Please take a moment to register here. A working agenda for the day can be found here.


If you haven't already done so, please personally extend this invitation to your pastor. In addition to this leadership pairing of the pastor and principal, if you would find it helpful, you may choose to extend the invitation to another member of the parish leadership, such as a parochial vicar, a DOO or PAA, or your School Commission Chair.


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

10/16/2025 - Safe Environment Refresh with Pam Schwartz and Cathy Wise

10/23/2025 - Fall Pastor/Principal Meeting - Register Here; Agenda

10/30/2025 - What Is Your School's Financial Management Score? with John Sullivan

11/06/2025 - Intent to Re-Enroll through Finalsite with Kristin Moore

11/13/2025 - ECE Grant with Dave Mayer

Upcoming Events

 
 

October 16, 2025

NWEA MAP Data Analyst/Leader Training

St. Thomas, Tukwila

2 Options:

8:30-11:30am or 12-3pm

Click here for more information.

 

October 17, 2025

Annual Catholic Identity Reflection Due

St. Thomas, Tukwila

Register Here

 
 
 

October 17, 2025

WWU Recruitment Fair

Update your postings! We are onto our 3rd fair this year. If you have questions, contact Synthiea Kaldi (synthiea.kaldi@seattlearch.org)

 
 
 
 

October 23, 2025

Pastor & Principal Fall Meeting

St. Thomas, Tukwila

9am-3:30pm

Register Here

Agenda

 

October 28, 2025

New Employee Orientation

Online

Register Here

(For those who missed orientation in August)

 
 
 

October 31, 2025

Circle of Grace Lessons Due

Schools are required to complete the annual Safe Environment lessons (a.k.a. Circle of Grace) by Halloween.

 
 
 

MISSION & CATHOLIC IDENTITY

25-26 Faith Formation Plan

As a reminder, your 2025-2026 Catholic Identity reflection is due this Friday, October 17. Please contact Connor Geraghty if you have any questions or need help accessing your school's link.

Annual Catholic Youth Convention: Saints in the Making

All high school youth and recent graduates are invited to this year's Catholic Youth Convention, a one-day, faith-filled event on Saturday, November 15, at Saint Martin's University in Lacey. Organize a group of students at your school and register here today.

Caring for Creation Video Series

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace have created a weekly Caring for Creation video series that can be used by teachers, students and families. A short video is released each week with reflection prompts and simple actions, and you can find them all here. You can also sign up on that page to receive the videos directly by email each week.

All Saints Multicultural Mass

We encourage you to invite your students and families to the All Saints Multicultural Mass on Saturday, November 1 at 11am at St. James Cathedral. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about our saints from around the world, our diversity in the local Church and to be part of an important celebration as Catholics. Click here to register students and families to participate in the procession.

CIC Toolkit

Thank you for your participation and engagement at our leadership retreat. The toolkit for your local retreat is located here. Please reach out to Connor Geraghty (connor.geraghty@seattlearch.org) if you have any questions as you adapt the toolkit resources for your local retreat.

GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP

Personnel & Policy Notes for the Week of 10/13/25

Included this week: Immunization info., October employee orientation, Pam OOO

Click here to read more.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

NWEA MAP Training Video and PowerPoint from 10/08

If you missed our online training for reading reports and data diving with Katie Doyle, here are the resources that you need! (Scroll down to Resources from 25-26)

Academic Junior High Decathlon Information - Join Us!

Click here to find more information about starting your own middle school decathlon team

MAP Data Analyst & Leader Trainings

All schools who implement MAP testing are required to send 1-2 data leaders to NWEA training this year - more information can be found on the NWEA page.

GRACE Resources and Drive

Check out our shared Google Drive of GRACE resources from Fall 2025.

Early Learning Newsletter

Important resources and reminders for Early Learning Program. Click here for more information!

 

OPERATIONAL VITALITY

New Teacher Induction Meeting Recording

Thomas Wier and Emily Cornell, two BLC all-stars, put together a toolkit for those inducting new teachers. Click here for toolkit updates and meeting #2 recording.

Cash is King

Your School's Operating Cash Level is very important. If you do not understand what this is or you are not receiving this information monthly, contact John Sullivan (sullivanj@seattlearch.org).

25/26 School Financial Statements

Are you getting regular Financial Statements? Are you getting or have access to the Financial Reports on the attached list? Please email a response to John Sullivan.

Innovative Housing Rooms

Rooms are still available at our Innovative Housing sites in Ballard and Maple Leaf! See the form or contact Kelly Surapaneni. (kelly.surapaneni@seattlearch.org)

New Substitutes

I prioritize new subs who are requested by the schools. Please use the form to request the set-up of a substitute. Thanks!

Filled Job Postings?

If you have filled jobs that are still posted, please close them, or let Synthiea Kaldi (synthiea.kaldi@seattlearch.org) know. Thanks!

Click here for the link.

Principal/Pastor Fall Meeting

The Principal/Pastor Fall Meeting is quickly approaching! To assist us in our planning efforts, please register here.

 

Fulcrum Foundation News & Updates

School Partnership Grant (SPG) Program

The application window for the 2025-2026 SPG Program will open October 15, 2025.


Schools can apply for up to $10,000 in SPG funding for purchases and projects in the following areas:

  • Curriculum and/or technology
  • Fundraising software
  • Safety and security enhancements
  • Enrollment-driving initiatives


The SPG grant may cover:

a. Up to 75% of the total project cost, at a maximum grant of $10,000.

Or

b. Up to 100% of the remaining funding needed to complete a project, at a maximum grant of $10,000, so long as the minimum of 75% of the total funding has already been secured.


Note: Schools are only able to receive funding in either 2024-2025 or 2025-2026. If you are unsure whether your school received a grant in 2024-2025, please contact Susan Ocoma (susan.ocoma@fulcrumfoundation.org) or Josh Jinkens (josh.jinkens@fulcrumfoundation.org).

Celebration of Light - Save the Date!

Please mark your calendars for January 30, 2026, for Fulcrum's 24th annual Celebration of Light. For questions, please contact Senior Advancement Director Amy Hall at hall.amy@fulcrumfoundation.org.

 

News & Resources

 

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month (HMM) is a month-long celebration that recognizes the rich cultural heritage, contributions, and deep faith of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. Observed each year from September 15 to October 15, HHM is an opportunity for Catholic schools to honor the diverse voices within their communities and celebrate how Catholic education helps students pursue their sueños -- their dreams -- with purpose and faith.