Wednesday evening marked the unofficial start to the school year at St. Joseph’s, as students from both grades eight and nine gathered, with parents, to get a sense of what was going to begin in earnest next week.
It was the annual orientation barbecue, hosted by the school, and intent on providing students and parents alike a sense of familiarity and comfort with, what for many, is a new experience in a new school. The event was very well-attended, and opportunities were presented for people to wander about the premises in an effort to get a better picture of the physical layout and environment in which they’re likely to be spending the next several years.
As well, of course, there were opportunities to meet the staff of St. Joe’s, and particularly the staff directly connected to each student, and chat about a variety of topics, especially any last-minute items that may help smooth out the beginning of classes next week.
Mr. Searson and Mr. Trainor were also on hand to lend any assistance that might be needed from the administrative side of things, and both expressed their great satisfaction at the way the evening rolled out and was received by parents and students.
Guests and staff alike were treated to a barbecue to take the edge off any hunger pangs, and to give people an opportunity to mingle in an atmosphere that we’re all very comfortable with.
Classes, of course, begin Tuesday, September 7, 2010, but with the change in bell times, those classes begin at 8:10 AM. Since Tuesday is opening day, students are asked to gather in the gymnasium at the first bell of the morning, where a liturgy will be held to begin the year, followed by some information relevant to that first day, and the orientation of the students with respect to bell times.
As we get closer to that day, we wish to extend our warmest welcome to our students entering St. Joseph’s for the first time, as well as to welcome those students who are returning again to continue their studies. We are all, together, part of a community rich in fabric, purposeful and well-meaning in intent, and welcoming and tolerant of one another. And from all of us already here, we wish to express to you how delighted we are that you’ve chosen to become a part of who we are.
And we’re excited to begin.
