Week of December 20th
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Principal’s Note
Dear Families,
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. Philippians 4:6–7
At Saint John Paul II, we strive to keep the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ central to the Advent season. We began Advent three weeks ago hosting a student prayer assembly with Father Brian Gerber and in each class our teachers have been taking the time to focus our children on the true meaning of the season through prayer and reflection. This last week we light the 4th candle of our Advent wreaths which signifies the peace of the Prince of Peace.
As we close out the year I would like to thank our amazing families for joining us in the important role of educating our children. It is a fact that some days are harder than others as we navigate evil in the world, such as last Friday’s nationwide online dare and the fear it caused. We want to thank our families, staff, and law enforcement officers for working hard to make the day as safe and peaceful as possible.
In our churches and homes as we hear familiar hymns and readings this Christmas, we ask for each of your prayers that our school might continue to be a place that “makes way for the Lord” in the hearts of our children and their families.
From my family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
In Christ,
Mr. Michael Muhs
Christmas break
Christmas break will begin Thursday, December 23rd and will last through Monday, January 3rd. Our first day back will be Tuesday, January 4th. During this break, the office will also be closed and there will be no “NEWS YOU CAN USE” during this period.
NUT Pass & Christmas Parties.
This Wednesday the 23rd is the last day of school and will be a free NUT Pass day! this same day is also when the classes will have their Christmas parties. Communications about these parties have already come home from each individual teacher so if you have not heard about this please contact your child’s teacher.
Christmas Program Video
The kiddos did wonderful on recording their Christmas songs, poems, and plays! We are now putting it together in a nice format and hope to release it for viewing this Wednesday so keep your eyes open for an email that day!
52 Club
The drawing of next week during Christmas break (December 27th) will be included in the news you can use for the next week (January 3rd) thank you for your understanding.
Masking policy for week following Christmas break
Following consideration of local health department reports/recommendations, the Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy Council approved a policy of universal masking as a requirement for all inside the school building during school hours beginning January 4th. This requirement will end following the January 7th school day for each K-8 class without known Covid exposure. Exceptions will be made for meals, outside recess, and individuals that present a valid (documented) medical exemption to mask use. Those students unwilling to mask outside of the exemptions listed above are required to stay home/off campus for the week with homework provided at the beginning of the week. As usual, if your child exhibits signs of illness (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) please let us know and keep them home until their symptoms improve. Covid rapid testing is available at the Academy upon parent request.