On our first full day of school, I asked the middle school what makes Saint Patrick special. Answers ranged from family dining and athletic teams to caring teachers and our Catholic identity. One student said she loves that they learn to become servant leaders, and another brand new student volunteered that the School feels like a family. Though we may not all agree on a single program or attribute that makes Saint Patrick special, we all agree that everyone here is valued for their unique interests, needs, and talents. I saw examples of this play out again and again during the week.

 

One sunny morning this week, I watched the first grade release butterflies that they and their teacher had nurtured over the summer. Mrs. Musgrove invited me to reach into the basket and allow a butterfly to climb onto my hands for its initial launching. One astute youngster could see from my face that I had some reservations about this process. She gave me a nudge and a smile and promised that no harm would come. She acknowledged she had her own doubts earlier, but she pushed through them. With her encouragement, I too summoned courage and delighted in watching the beautiful creatures sail off my hands.

 

 

Later in the week, I experienced Family Style Dining and all its benefits firsthand! Students take their jobs as servers seriously while others chatter excitedly with tablemates. I arrived late to lunch one day, and not having a specific table assignment, I sat down alone with my thoughts and my lunch. That is until two third grade girls bounded over and invited me to their table. Other students from the table set off to find me an extra chair. Thanks to the warm welcome I received, I immediately felt part of the family.

As I prepared to take the stage for my first Chapel Talk on Wednesday, a first grade student frantically waved me over to him. He announced in his best stage whisper that he felt nervous because he was new and had never experienced Chapel at Saint Patrick. I assured him that I empathized completely and would check in with him later! My first “talk” happened to be on the “cost of discipleship,” not easy material. To make matters worse, we had a small glitch; the scripture on the podium was not the Gospel that our reader and I prepared. Of course, I should have known that I had no cause for alarm! Wolfhounds always rise to unforeseen challenges as the unflappable problem solvers they are. Our eighth grade reader carried on flawlessly reading the scripture he had not seen before, and then just as seamlessly, read a second Gospel reading for which he and I had both prepared. We talked about how hard following Christ’s example of compassionate, courageous servant leadership can feel and why we should push through our fears and challenges. Students listened respectfully, and we concluded with a celebratory ”wave” in honor of our first full Chapel as a school community post Covid.

As students returned to class, I checked back with my young friend. “What did you think?” I asked. 

“Oh, I did not like it at all. Well, except for your speech and that last bit with the wave!” (Very wise young man, I thought to myself.) He skipped off chatting with friends, no worse for wear.

With only one full week of school completed, I have come to expect nothing less than honest feedback, compassionate care, and courageous servant leadership from our students, faculty, and staff. We may all have our favorite aspects of Saint Patrick Catholic School that we value most, but we can agree on one point: Everyone counts here. Our students know that is what makes the School so special.

Wishing you all a labor free Labor Day long weekend to enjoy with family and friends. I return to New Jersey for a visit with a heart full of gratitude and many stories to share with my family and friends about my new Wolfhound community.

With deep appreciation for new beginnings,