Principal's Column, January 21

How quickly the weeks go by! Especially when we have an extra day off—we try to pack as much in as we can during these shortened weeks. We had some special activities to honor Martin Luther King, a positive role-model who lived his life as a peacemaker and proponent of equality among all people. Our Kindergarten students learned the valuable lesson that “we are all different on the outside, but the same on the inside” by comparing white and brown eggs. They may seem different when you look at them, but once they are cracked open—exactly the same! Such a powerful life lesson, no matter what age we are.

Our 4 ^th grade students showed us the meaning of Peace during their prayer service this week. Their words, the readings, and their singing made us think about how each of us can and should be a peacemaker in school, at home, and with our friends. I am so proud of these talented students—not only did we have some beautiful singing, but the whole 4 ^th grade can now play the bell chimes! We are grateful for the time and effort it took them (and Mrs. Courtney and Mr. Kemmey!) to become so proficient on the chimes. The “peace” message was enhanced by the soothing sounds of the chimes.

All grades are competing in “Mrs. Tuohy’s Blue Knight Reading Challenge.” The idea is to read for 360 minutes over the course of the month, and if you do, there will be a special treat at the conclusion of the challenge. Students are documenting their times, and we have some 2 ^nd graders who have already met their goal! I do have some individual challenges too….let’s see if my 4 ^th graders can meet the 6-book challenge!

We are in the final stages of our Catholic Schools Week preparations. Catholic Schools Week, which begins with 11 a.m. mass on January 28, is a celebration of our Catholic identity, and we demonstrate to all how we embrace our Catholicism with open arms! We have daily activities that showcase this identity and celebrate the value of the education received at a Catholic school. More information is to come next week—stay tuned!