Today is our 100th day at school! Our littlest ones celebrated this milestone and our Student Council served donut holes and chocolate milk/hot cocoa to the student body to honor our hard working students! One 8th grader expressed his gratitude for the treats, especially since his class survived a challenging first trimester.
This week, High School recommendations and student records are making their way to Admissions Offices at Archbishop Mitty, Bellarmine, Notre Dame, Presentation and St. Francis. 33 of our 35 students have applied to these high schools and will be receiving their notifications on March 15. We are very proud of them for their efforts and expect that they will continue to work hard until graduation! ;)
We took many opportunities this week to focus on our Mission and to recognize the gift of a Catholic education. Our second graders spent the majority of today in retreat, learning about God's mercy and compassion and connecting with one another in preparation for the First Reconciliation this weekend. We are walking with them on this journey. Please keep them in your prayers as they joyfully receive the grace that the Sacrament of Reconciliation provides. We also pray for their parents, their primary teachers of the faith, as examples and witnesses in deepening their relationship with God. Congratulations to Mrs. Vallarta and Miss Angela for being outstanding examples of faith-filled children of God.
Yesterday, Miss Cherell and I attended a San Jose PD panel presentation for Run, Hide, Defend: An Active Shooter Response session. Although we both have heard the information before, it is still jarring to hear that we have had more campus shooting incidents than school fires. It highlights the importance of protocols and partnerships with law enforcement and emergency response teams. We are so lucky to have a very responsive community including parents who have great expertise in this area. One of the committees from the School Advisory Council is a Campus Safety Committee charged with reviewing our emergency response and safety plans. With their help and with support and education from our community partners, we will continue this important work for the good of all students.
Please enjoy the pictures we have provided for you. If you don't already follow us on Facebook, please look for @stclareschoolsantaclara. We post news and photos there as well. Share this info with your family, alumni and friends of St. Clare. Some of our alumni came "home" this Sunday to enjoy Open House with us and to reminisce about their days here. They heard from us via Facebook by completing the alumni survey so that we can get back in touch with them. I bet you've met at least two St. Clare alums in your daily interactions. We're proud to have been around for 163 years!
We are receiving applications and giving tours to prospective students. Please continue to spread the good news that is St. Clare. We are grateful to you for your part in continuing the important mission here.
DUE TOMORROW: INTENT TO RETURN FORMS
Thank you to those who have returned their forms. Thank you, too, to those who have reached out with questions. If you are still discerning, please return your form marked "MAYBE". Your tuition will be collected as usual and if you decide to register, we will collect the $450 registration fee per child at that time.
Returning your forms on time will help us develop a more accurate financial picture for 2019-20. We appreciate an opportunity to dialog with you regarding your decision to return. Please reach out to me at cecile.mantecon@dsj.org or call the school office 408-246-6797 to make an appointment.
PARENTS AS PARTNERS: WE SEE YOU AND WE APPRECIATE YOU!
We continue to experience your generosity: the response to Open House, Pancake Breakfast, involvement in the preparations for the Annual Benefit, Lunar New Year and St. Clare Festival. Your day-to-day leadership is inspiring. Thank you.
Tomorrow, we will celebrate our teachers and we are grateful to those who have responded to work as Yard Duty so that our teachers can enjoy their lunch. We are very fortunate to have such caring individuals in charge of the formation of your children.
On Monday, teachers will be spending the day learning from other expert teachers in the Drexel Schools. They will be observing best practices in teaching and will be bringing back great tips and methods to help become even better educators. Teaching is lifelong learning!
More importantly, thank you for being inclusive and for enriching our community with your presence.
PLEASE JOIN US IN THANKSGIVING FOR A WONDERFUL WEEK OF COMMUNITY at our school mass, led in ministry by the 8th Graders: 9 A.M. in the church. Let's raise the roof in praise and thanksgiving! Hope to see you tomorrow.
God's blessings always,
Mrs. Cecile Mantecon, Principal
