Student Formation Newsletter: March
Spring has arrived, it is one of my favorite seasons. Often nature has a way of creating loving lessons and reminders about life. Spring represents new beginnings, hope, and renewal after a period of scarcity and even loss. For many of our little ones, they are learning about the transitions that many of their friends will make. Some moving away, others moving to the next educational milestone. We want to send love to the many families that been part of our school, even if it was for a season.
Here are a couple of books to support our little ones processing the change:
The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr
https://youtu.be/vg2cJIrNKGY?feature=shared
Goodbye, Friend! Hello Friend! By Cori Doerrfeld
https://youtu.be/89RLqTklt1w?feature=shared
Inevitably, transitions may foster doubt. However, there has been nothing clearer to me than the decision to actively co-create a space for our children that fosters and nurtures our hopes and values.
Every family who has been drawn to the community of St. Justin were moved by a special hope, idea, or value. I invite you to be the generation that brings those very hopes and dreams to life through your involvement. Each one of you has special talents, unique perspectives, and creative resources to make this school not a replica of the past, but rather one that evolves into one that is even better than what has already been. We stand on the foundation of beautiful traditions, with the opportunity to co-create with other families a community that inspires us.
For this month, in honor of Women’s History Month, I would like to highlight some incredible women in our community who have left an undeniable and inspiring mark in the history of this school:
Elizabeth Powers & Lisa Ballou have been the formidable PAC President and VP leading duo. They have been the compassionate listening ears and the action sheroes of our school. They made it their mission to meet and support almost every family in the school. They keep our St. Justin traditions alive by organizing events, volunteering, and adding their experience and expertise to the school events. They keep Project Cornerstone, our home room parents, and our school event planners and volunteers supported during the year. These ladies need to wear their capes every day!
Jenny Love & Christine Kacirek embody love in action. Since my first day in the school, they were the reason I came to love this school. They made it their mission to include and welcome every family. In their PAC roles in previous years, they demonstrated deep care and commitment to establishing a beautiful foundation for new leaders. They encouraged new ideas and new folks to step into leadership roles to create and add to the beauty of St. Justin. During the pandemic, as home room parents, they made it their mission to keep the children connected through online socials, beautiful and elaborate monthly arts and crafts, and active engagement of other parents. We are so fortunate to have them as teachers at St. Justin.
Josiane Sawaya is a real treasure in St. Justin. Josiane is the reason we have Helping Hands and Project Cornerstone in the school. Josiane has made it her mission to embody the concept of student formation. She has brought activities and programs to the school that have fostered compassionate service. Project Cornerstone provides our kids and families windows into the experiences of others through story telling. As the founding member of Helping Hands, her work encourages youth to believe in the power of using creativity to uplift and serve others in need.
Huge thanks to the 2023-2024 Project Cornerstone Volunteers: Jeni Doblack, Kristin Ajlouny, Maryam Mohammadi, Hirut Seyoum, Julianne Hesterberg, Michelle Spencer, Holly Tran, Alicia Fambrini, Lisa Ballou.
I want to also acknowledge the wonderful parents who led and planned school events during the year. I do not know if you realize that your time and dedication to these events created lifelong memories for our children. You are the reason why St. Justin is worth protecting. Your events have become the place where parents, caregivers, extended family, children, and youth, found and nurtured community and friendship.
Joe Hensley, Golf Tournament
Jenny Love, Believe in the Magic of St. Justin
Kristin Amirault, Family Fun Night
Rebecca Truty, Moveathon
Katie Cunningham, Tea
Christina Santistevan and Bridget McAllister, Boys Basketball
Michelle Rivera, Girls Basketball
Anita Salas, Father Daughter Dance
Dominika Smiech, Mother Son Game Night
Lisa Ballou, Project Cornerstone & Room Parents
Josiane Sawaya, Helping Hands
Room Parents are our lifeline to the school. A “thank you” falls short when considering the amazing love and dedication from our Room Parents who have sprinkled holiday and celebratory joy in our classrooms. Whether you have served in previous year, or doing so now, please know we are grateful for all that you do. You keep us organized, informed, and engage in school events, field trips, and class parties. We are so grateful for the hours of research, creativity, and time dedicated to making each season during the school year feel like a moment to pause and connect with one another. These are the moments that ground us and our children into the year.
A huge thank you to my fellow PAC members, whether it is participating in the finance committee, dutifully planning and supporting school events, facilitating and collaborating to renew and uplift our school community, and filling in gaps in times of need. You are the visionaries, the keepers of tradition, and the voice of inspiration and opportunity.
Every person at the school has a seed to plant at the school. I am just so excited to see what you bring and what you grow. No idea is too small.
If you are interested in bringing new ideas, please reach out by e-mail at drosasatkins@gmail.com and add the subject PAC Student Formation to the subject.
