“Where there is despair…HOPE” St. Francis of Assisi

Dear St. Mary Families,

It is challenging to watch the suffering all over our world and deal with the uncertainty of the future, however the solidarity and sowing of hope that we observe on a daily basis is a true gift.  Crisis’ have a way of bringing people together.  Since this is a world crisis, our world has the opportunity to come together.  One of my prayers has been that this pandemic will help us realize and accept our interdependence as a human society.  The Kingdom of God is at hand, we just need to accept the invitation.
The Archdiocese has decided that schools will be closed through Monday, April 13th.  Please see the attached letter on this extension.  Please continue to pray that we can open our doors on Tuesday, April 14th.
I have attached a list of virtual Masses throughout the Archdiocese along with spiritual resources offered here at St. Mary’s.  Please continue to pray and take care of your soul as we journey toward the Kingdom of God.
Our incredible 8th grade students have continued to work on our school Yearbook through our St. Mary School distance learning program. The deadline to order your copy of Yearbook 2020 is April 8. Ordering online is easy through the link on our school website yearbook page: https://smsk-8.org/sms-yearbook-2020
Since we are not able to greet you in the school office at this time…your personal messages can be submitted by emailing yearbook@smsk-8.org before April 23. Any other questions about Yearbook may also be sent through this email address.
Today Pope Francis offered an extraordinary blessing to the city and the world (Urbi et Orbi) in light of the coronavirus epidemic.  The blessing comes with the opportunity for a plenary indulgence.  EWTN- TV will rebroadcast at 7pm tonight.
A bit of Catholic trivia during these challenging days—St. Corona was a 2nd century martyr who is the patroness of epidemics and plagues!

We continue to be here for you.  Thank you for all your support as we move forward as the St. Mary Family.

Peace, Kevin Conwell
St. Mary Catholic School

Good Afternoon,
I pray that we are all finding moments of peace to sustain us in our present journey.  The abscence of God's Grace that we receive in the Eucharist can be hard on our souls.  Take care of the health of your soul as well as the health of your body.

St. Mary Catholic School will be closed at least until April 6th.  We will continue to provide meaningful learning in the manner that we have this past week.  As we continue to learn our way through this challenge, please keep in touch and share your success and challenges so that we can work together.

I have attached 2 letters from the Office of Catholic Education that we will also post on our website.  One letter is about our school closing extension and the other on keeping children healthy in this time of increased stress.

This link will take you to NDS sponsored sites for Emergency Food Service http://nutritionaldevelopmentservices.org/covid19/  Any child can visit any of the schools or community agencies listed. You do not have attend a particular school to receive meals from that school.

You remain in my thoughts and prayer.

God Bless!
Peace, Kevin Conwell
St. Mary Catholic School

Good Morning,
First order of business – breathe and pray!
My Lord God, I have no idea where this challenge will take us.  I know that I wish to please you and hope that desire leads me in all my actions.  If I keep this desire in my heart you will lead me to the right road.  I will not fear for you are always with me to face these challenges together. Amen
We are all in this together and one of the most important lessons for us all to be learning is that certain viruses (and bacteria) are our enemy.  We must work together to control their spread and keep our selves healthy and protect all our neighbors.  Please regularly remind your selves and your children of the CDC guidelines on the spread and control of germs.  When we control Covid-19 this challenge does not end, for there will always be new viruses and bacteria’s that challenge our health.
We will be moving forward with “Flexible Instruction” with a goal of achieving meaningful learning.  Homeroom Teachers will contact you through email today and every school day to provide contact, updates and lessons/activities to achieve this goal.  We know that there are many different situations that our families are finding themselves in and that all of us must be patient and flexible as we move through this new way a helping our children learn the essential skills to make them successful in life.  Please be honest with your teachers, communicate your challenges and concerns and we will all do what is necessary to get through this in a way that best meets each situation.

You may come to school today (3/16) and tomorrow (3/17) between 9am and 3pm to pick up anything you need from school, quick in and out with a limit of 6 families at a time in the building.  If you cannot come today or tomorrow, contact me and we will make arrangements to meet.
Be mindful, feel what it is like to breathe, LOOK around, listen, feel your body, reset!
I am here to assist in any way that I can! Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns or challenges.

Yours in the Peace of Christ,
Kevin Conwell

Our Governor has taken unprecedented moves to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus.  For us this means that school will be closed at least until March 30th.
I know the challenge that this presents to all of our families.  First and foremost you are in our most sincere prayers, as is our entire society.  We will keep in touch with you and work to navigate this challenge in the best interest of all.
God Bless us all!
Peace, Kevin Conwell

3/11/2020
Good Morning,
As the COVID-19 situation continues to develop, our primary concern is the safety of our community. At this time, we have decided to cancel the Student Showcase/Open House scheduled for Thursday, March 12th. While a difficult decision to make, we have decided to err on the side of caution. Although we have no current contact with the virus, an Open House creates a greater possibility of introducing it into our building and we do not wish to take that risk.  We appreciate your understanding, support and prayers as we navigate this process. 

Peace, Kevin Conwell
Saint Mary Catholic School

3/10/2020
We at Saint Mary Catholic School continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation. Our primary concern is the safety of our school community. At this time, we will continue business as usual with our regularly scheduled activities; this includes our Student Showcase this Thursday, March 12. Please understand that the situation is fluid and a decision to cancel activities could be made in short notice. We appreciate your understanding, support and prayers as we navigate this process.  Of course if you prefer a less public visit to our school to learn how Saint Mary Catholic School can serve your child, please contact Mrs. Suzette Moyer, Development Director at smoyer@smsk-8.org / 610-287-7757(244). And remember the best way to fight any virus is to properly wash hands, cover your cough/sneeze, and avoid close contact if you are sick.

Thank you, Kevin