As the summer winds down with its whirlwind of camps, sports, and vacations, everyone begins to look forward to the routine of a fresh school year. The excitement of buying new school supplies, getting new schedules, and reconnecting with classmates is something that students look forward to each year. Teachers and parents look forward to settling into a new routine after the hustle and bustle of the summer. Having a thriving parochial school is a huge blessing for our church family and we look forward to the new school year with them and the exciting changes that will be taking place within the walls of the school.
This year’s theme will focus on “the Fruits of the Holy Spirit,” and each month will focus on a particular fruit. Staff will create displays and write about how we as Christians aspire to have that fruit and subsequently use that fruit. Students who embody this fruit of the Spirit will be recognized each month.
The enrollment at the school is continuing to grow. This year, there will be two kindergarten classes which is a big step in the growth of the school itself. The school is also working on starting a lunch program, which would be a big benefit to the students.
“Parents are looking for a small, faithful environment for their children,” says Barbara Kavanagh, Principal. “Walking through our doors are Catholic and non-Catholic students alike. We work to instill the faith in these children. We are working to build something that will sustain them throughout their lives. Without deep roots of faith, it can be hard to face the challenges that life brings. Our ultimate goal with our Catholic education is to encourage our children and, in turn, encourage their families to be deeply rooted in the faith.”
Every morning is started with prayer. The students recite a Bible verse for two weeks and discuss what that verse means. Two of the very talented eighth-grade students illustrate the Bible verse for the school to have as a reminder as they grow in memory and understanding of that particular verse.
There are four new teachers at the school this year — a significant number, as the school typically has had a stable, veteran staff. The excitement of new faces among our staff members is something that everyone looks forward to as we welcome these new teachers to our school and parish community.
A very important part of the school community is the pairing up of the sixth through eighth-grade students with the pre-K3, pre-K, and kindergarten classes. This mutual relationship between the older students and the very youngest is the core of a special program that creates bonding and responsibility between the students. The young children look up to the older students as role models, and the awe and joy that the young ones have is a reminder to the older kids to harness the joy that the little ones have.
The relationship between the school and the parish is a very important part of the community. Our school operates best when supported by the parish community, while the young vibrant nature of the school brings life into the parish.
“It is important for the parishioners to see the school flourishing,” Mrs. Kavanagh says. “It gives us a sense of hope. Through our doors walks the future of this church. Our parish supports us and we are eternally grateful for the spiritual and financial support of the parish. It is important that they see the fruits of what they give us. We work to encourage our families to attend Mass and to be involved in the parish, bringing the two communities together.”
As the new school year starts, we pray together for the students and staff that the Holy Spirit may fill their hearts and minds as they seek the truth and beauty of God through their education.
For more information, please visit our school website, seaspc.org.