(we inadvertently published last year’s update in last week's eBulletin. Here’s the *fresh* 2016 update!)
It’s already October and Seton students are moving forward in this new school year! They are busy learning, playing, praying and growing due to the support of their families, the school staff who works hard to provide a challenging, academic and religious education, the parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish who have provided financial support, and our donors who continue to lovingly share their talents and treasure. We are also very fortunate to receive ongoing support from Fr. Matt, Fr. Stasys, and our new priest Fr. Michael.
This past spring we had a successful golf tournament, the annual “Seton Scramble” at the Stanford Golf Course. It was well attended and we raised over $40,000 for our school. We are very grateful to those who attended and supported this important fundraiser.
In the spring, we had interactive projectors installed in all the classrooms in our main building. This was a tremendous addition for grades 1-8, and has proved to be a wonderful tool for our teachers in instructing our students.
Video cameras were also installed outside the Pre-K and Kindergarten building, also known as “The Ark.“ The additional cameras are an extension of our school’s security system.
In the coming months we’ll be making some renovations to our library in order to utilize our available space more efficiently. Our current offices are cramped and we need additional space for the staff, as well as storage. The existing library collection will be moved to the Extended Care facility. The current library will be divided into three areas: two offices and a conference room. I have already reviewed this with Fr. Matt and Chuck Tully as well as a representative from the Diocese of San Jose. The office staff is looking forward to having more space.
As many of you know, we welcomed a new Advancement Director, Carmel Caligaris to Seton in June. Carmel is already getting to know everyone and is working hard to support our school. The faculty continues to update the curriculum, attend professional development in-services, and provide field trip opportunities to extend our student’s foundation for high school.
The 8th graders recently spent five days at the CYO Caritas Creek Environmental Education Program in Sonoma County. I visited the students at camp with our vice principal, Ellen Maguire, and we spent one night with the class and their teacher. The 8th graders were very excited to see us! This five-day experience away from home and school is always life changing for these junior high students.
Our Parent Advisory Committee has been busy planning activities for this school year and will host their first dance for our school parents on Saturday, November 5th. This will be an opportunity for our parents to enjoy an evening as part of the Seton School Community.
We welcome parishioners to visit the school to see our students in action and also invite you to our school masses that are held once a month and on holy days. We are fortunate to have Chris Lundin accompany our school choir at our masses. Don’t hesitate to join us!