As we close out Catholic Schools Week, schools across the Archdiocese of Seattle are celebrating. For example, this year St. John School in Seattle honored its students, teachers, and community with long-standing traditions and new activities alike.
“We kicked the week off with a special liturgy featuring the various cultures present in our student body,” said Michele Thornquist, Director of Development & Admissions at St. John. “Families were encouraged to wear costumes and family heirlooms that reflect their culture. Parts of the mass, like the prayers of the faithful, were read in several languages.” Eighth graders at St. John then also hosted a cultural fair featuring their own unique family histories.
Throughout the rest of the week, St. John recognized the parish, community, volunteers, teachers, and students in various ways. A student favorite is the annual “Dress Like a Teacher Day.”
Finally, the week is culminating with a tradition: “Purple & Gold Day,” in which students are honored with a free lunch, encouraged to wear their craziest purple and gold outfits, and a much-anticipated competition between the faculty and eighth graders is hosted.
Principal Bernadette O’Leary sums up the intent of Catholic Schools Week at St. John: “It reminds us that we are blessed to witness the daily commitment of our faculty and staff to care for each child, to celebrate their successes, to collaborate with others when they are struggling, and to encourage them to reach their full potential.”