Weekly Principal’s Message

This week’s Principal’s Message is the first of 2020.  Yes, it’s the beginning of the third decade of the 21 ^st century!  I can remember the run-up to the new millennium like it was yesterday as I’m sure many of you can too.  It was going to be the “end of the world”, the apocalypse, the meltdown of the entire technological foundation of the planet, and more.  Well, we’re still here and much has happened, both good and bad, over the last 20 years.
 
Unlike the doom’s day predictions of New Year’s Day 2000, the last 19 New Year’s days have been rather typical with most people looking toward the new year with optimism and excitement.  Resolutions are made and then often broken unfortunately, but we still look forward to new opportunities and challenges that will inevitably appear in the months to come.  At times we attempt to “bite off more than we can chew”, while at other times we don’t give ourselves enough credit and “sell ourselves short”, never realizing that we could have achieved much, much more.  We simply need to stay in the Word of God and constantly remind ourselves that our Hope lies in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Once in that frame of mind and heart, we will be the grateful recipient of all that God has in store for us and become the best version of ourselves.
 
Here at Saint Mary School, we look toward to the new year with great anticipation of the things to come.  The last 4+ years have been a time of adjustment and refocus.  It’s been a time of “rallying the troops” to a purpose not necessary in years past.  We’ve had to be better stewards of our finances, plan more realistically, change many of the habits we’d developed in the past, identify areas of strength and weakness, and begin to set a course that will keep Saint Mary School financially viable, academically excellent, and passionately Catholic for generations to come. 
 
I am proud to say that we are on the verge of a “rebirth” of sorts here at SMS.  We’ve developed committees to oversee many of the crucial functions of the school including marketing, technology, advancement, development and planning.  One area we’ve been able to address, although on a limited basis, has been the buildings and grounds.  There have been many small improvements over the last couple years.  Now we are setting our sights on a much more ambitious project.  We’re attempting to redo every classroom with new floor tile, LED lighting, fresh paint, and new window treatments.  In fact, as you read this, some of the room renovations have begun.  If you are able and willing to help, please see our ad in this bulletin and reach out to Cathy Cunning, Development Committee Chairperson.  Your constant support of our great school is always appreciated and seen as a sign of your belief in what we do here at SMS.
Please check our website, Facebook page and the Church bulletin for updates and upcoming events that you can enjoy with us.  Please continue to pray for our school, its staff, students and families, and our clergy as we strive to provide an education that is unapologetically Catholic, family centered, caring to others and respectful to all. 
 
God Bless
Craig Palmer, Principal