As a Catholic, I have always found Holy Week to be the most emotional one of the year. It is a week that begins with Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, enters a time of deep reflection when Jesus spends His "final hours" with His closest friends at the Last Supper (giving directions on how to continue the Faith in His "absence"), and seems to conclude with His death on the cross, only to really "end" with Jesus overcoming death by His Resurrection on Easter. Imagine that... In just a couple of days, to go from utter devastation over the loss of someone so close to you only to find out that the person has been reborn into eternal life. The ultimate gift!!

No time has this laid out more powerfully for me than this year. Last weekend, I lost a close friend and an amazing supporter of our school. Many of you know Darrell Jesse. He is one of the most incredible souls I will ever be blessed to know. While our families go back decades together, as his wife (Anne) and my mom were roommates at Gonzaga, the loss is much more than a personal one. I can say without hesitation that Darrell Jesse is the reason that Holy Rosary School is still in existence. He has been an ardent supporter of this school for many, many years. His belief that every single child deserves the opportunity of a Catholic Education, regardless of their financial circumstances, has led to not only hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship funding, but also the creation of a group of individuals in Pierce County who will continue this cause in his absence. He is, without a doubt, the most generous and amazing person I have ever been blessed to know. While it has been a difficult week facing the loss, I am comforted by the knowledge that death is not the end. There's no more potent reminder than this week that Darrell and all of our loved ones are simply taking the next step in the Journey. This is an incredible journey where pain and loss are no longer. The beauty of Heaven awaits all of us and I know that Darrell is smiling on us from above, watching out, as always, for his beloved Holy Rosary.

Unfortunately, a handful of individuals are experiencing the same Journey this week. I have spoken to a few of our families who have recently lost loved ones. It is my hope that they also experience the comfort in knowing that this loss is temporary, until they are back with their loved one in the next step of this journey.

As for Darrell, in case you are hoping to attend his service, the rosary will be held next Tuesday, April 3rd at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. on that same day and the reception will be immediately following in the school auditorium, as Darrell would want. This will be a huge event, celebrating the life an amazing soul who gave so much to the Archdiocese of Seattle. We are blessed to have both Bishops in attendance, as well as a number of priests. We would be blessed to have you in attendance, as well. If your child can come in their uniform, that would be excellent.

So, please take the time this week to really reflect on the emotional Journey that is Holy Week and know that, as Catholics, we understand that the journey does not end on Good Friday with Jesus's death on the cross. We focus on Easter Sunday, when He overcomes death to give us eternal life. I wish all of you a blessed Easter vacation.

Blessings,

Katie Dempsey

Principal

This Week:

• Thursday, Mar. 29th - Pay 2 Dress ($2 for free dress or Spirit Gear for free).

• Friday, Mar. 30th - Living Stations of the Cross at 10:30 in the auditorium, Noon Dismissal for Good Friday and NO after school EXTENDED CARE. All students MUST be picked up by 12:15pm

Next Week:

School is closed for Easter vacation all week. We will see you back at the school on Monday, April 9th.

Because of this, we have decided to close the gate by 7:55 a.m. each day. We do not believe this will cause congestion as there is a period of time between 7:45 and 8 when almost no cars arrive. If we can get children through the carpool line by 7:55, it will give them a couple of minutes to get in the building, put their items away, prepare for the day, and get seated in their classrooms by the time school begins at 8. Anyone arriving after 7:55 for kids in kindergarten through grade 8 will be required to go through the front doors. If kids cannot get to the classroom by 8, they will still be tardy. Also, please do not enter through the exit gate near the church. This is for exits only.

I know this will be an adjustment for some families, but it really is important. By getting up and going just five minutes earlier, you will not only be allowing your child an easier start to the day, but it will allow other children the opportunity to get going, as well. Thank you for your understanding on this matter! Think of the Easter rebirth as a new opportunity... Like a New Year's resolution! :)

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact Miss Dempsey.

• Pre-K 3 Lead Teacher: Ms. Marseille (Asst teacher TBD)
• Pre-K 4 Teachers: Ms. Juliet and Ms, Patty (Another teacher or asst will be added if needed)
• Kindergarten: Ms. Raquel
• 1st English: TBD
• 1st Spanish: Mrs. Williams
• 2/3 English: Mrs. Silva
• 2/3 Spanish: Ms. Sonia
• 4 & 5/6 English: Mr. Anderson
• 4 & 5/6 Spanish: Mr. Ivan
• 7/8 English*: Mr. Farias

*We will also be adding a required introductory Spanish language class to the 7th and 8th grade class, so that we will have Spanish from Pre-K 3 all the way through grade 8 next year!

Model for 2018-19

• Pre-K 3 & 4: 100% Spanish
• Kindergarten: 90% Spanish and 10% English
• Grades 1 - 6: 50% Spanish and 50% English
• Grades 7 - 8: 90% English and 10% Spanish (1 class of introductory Spanish daily will be required)

• Ms. Melitza (Pre-K 3)
• Ms. Nuria (Kindergarten)
• Mrs. Holguin (1/2 English)
• Mr. Downing (6/7, Drama)

We have been so blessed to have these people as part of our community. They have given so much of themselves through their time and talent, bringing a richness to the children in their care, as well as our school as a whole. We wish them a wonderful summer and a fantastic 2018-19.