Thursday, August 31, 2017

We are ONE

Looking out at the faces gathered in the gym for our welcome assembly on Monday gave me an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm for the adventure - and potential - that lies just ahead.  If we define our school by its people, the good-byes and hellos just behind us have given us a fresh face and a new identity.  From among these many distinct voices and hearts and minds, we have actively begun the work of forging one community of purpose.

In addition to thirty new 4K students, we welcomed new students in every grade level this year - 26 in all - with ten in the middle school alone!  Seven of our new students are also new to the Milwaukee area, including one from Vietnam and one from China.  We have also been blessed with two new students with Down Syndrome and one student who has returned to St. Robert after four years away.

This is a big year for shifts in staffing as well.  In addition to the moves of Chris Stefaniak to third grade, Katie Dahl and Mr. Fedie to 4th grade, and Ann Schroeder to first grade, we welcomed seven new members to our instructional team:

  • 4K: Ms. Byers
  • 1st Grade: Ms. Vogler
  • Middle School: Mrs. Kinateder
  • Reading: Mrs. Lasic
  • Aides: Mrs. Klawien and Ms. (Cat) Schroeder
  • Piano Mr. Donica
Our new students and staff members come to us with their own stories, their own passions and pathways.  Though they will also have their own distinct futures, for this moment in time and space, we are ONE.  And together we will accomplish much that is good and holy.  

Let us give thanks, for God has indeed been good to us!

We thank you for a safe and comfortable school where everyone is known and loved.
We thank you for inspiring teachers who guide us and learn alongside us.
We thank you for a rainbow of friends with many gifts and many stories.
We thank you for learning tools that bring the whole world to our classrooms
We thank you for fresh rooms and shiny floors; for new pencils and new shoes; for hopscotch and kickball and new friends and new beginnings...
Help us to live and work each day in the glory of God
AMEN