Dear Parents,

 

This week all of the classes have been working on their Catholic Schools Week door designs. They were tasked with incorporating the theme of Faith, Excellence, and Service into their design. The outcomes are looking amazing. What is even more exciting and heartwarming for me is seeing the students work in groups to bring this project to fruition. They are communicating with one another and learning how to listen to everyone's suggestions and letting each other take turns helping out.

 

As educators, we know how much goes into group work. Time must be spent on establishing the appropriate norms and modeling acceptable group behavior. Melding the opinions of multiple people can be challenging, but it is a very important lesson to learn. On Wednesday afternoon, the teachers and I were in a workshop about differentiated learning, that emphasized ways in which students can work in pairs and small groups, to accomplish tasks. The teachers had to complete various activities themselves in small groups, much like they would facilitate in their classrooms. They too had to consider the opinions of all at the tables and to listen and be able to acknowledge each group member's contribution.

 

Next week's CSW reminds us that we are part of a much bigger entity of Catholic schools throughout the nation. Each of us in our own right are serving the needs of our student population and working to make our communities a better place. Together, we are all changing the world, with the formation of one human at a time.

 

I hope that you will be able to join us next Thursday, to come and bring/eat lunch with your child. We thank you for your continued support and prayers, as you entrust your child to us on a day to day basis.

 

Have a great weekend. I hope to see you on Sunday at Epiphany for the 10:30 am School Mass.

 

Yours In Christ,

 

Rita M. Klenk