Eagle's Edge
January 5th, 2024
3rd Week of Lent
I write to you this week from the rainy, yet beautiful Oregon coast. Every year the Archdiocese hosts principals for a short retreat. If I can be honest, I didn't have the trust or faith in myself, to be away from the school for any time last year, so this is my first time attending the retreat. At the urging of Father Gabriele, Mrs. Barnett, and our new vice principal, Mrs. Baumbach, I made the time this year to take a break, and made it to the retreat. It has been a nice break from the grind of the front office, but I do miss our students. I am grateful to our amazing staff for "holding down the fort" and the front office, allowing me to have the time to exchange ideas with other leaders of Catholic schools in our archdiocese.
It has allowed me the time to reflect on work instead of being actively engaged in it. I've thought a lot about our students, our school, Lent, and God. I was tense on the drive down, still uneasy about taking the time off, but it has proven valuable. As much as I love this job, I dare say that it's not until we step back from our immediate realities that we realize how blessed we are. In doing so, it has only increased my gratitude for my own family and kids, the opportunity to serve our students, the privilege to be part of the St. Therese community, and how that privilege has deepened my relationship with God.
In comparing notes with other principals, I was able to gain valuable perspective on all the great things and wonderful people we have at St. Therese. It's easy to dwell on what we don't have, whether that's time, a huge budget, or extra staff. Just as we can get down on ourselves by looking at others' perfect-appearing lives on social media, I'm guilty of doubting myself, and focusing on problems I don't have answers to. Comparison can be the thief of joy, as they say, but in conversation with other school leaders, comparison gave me important perspective. I learned that many of the problems, other schools are facing today too. Moreover, we have so much to be proud of at St. Therese and even more to be excited about for our future and trajectory. On the top of our list is our community, our people, you all and the students!
With all the time for contemplation, one gift is the time to dig deeply into prayer and jot down some prayers and reflections that I have found meaningful. I've posted "The Litany of Humility," below. It speaks to some of the feelings I think we all face as parents, parishioners, and community stakeholders.
I encourage you all to do the same, and it may sound selfish at first, to take a bit of time for yourselves and step away from the busy routines of work, driving kids to practices and birthday parties, helping with homework, making dinner etc., and allow yourselves some quiet time for prayer and contemplation. It's hard to do that, but it's so worth it.
Please read the announcements below on upcoming events at school! See you on Monday! I wish I had more to tell you on the school front, but I've had nothing but good reports while away!
Enjoy your weekend,
Principal Schoning
The Litany of Humility
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
Amen
We need help in hosting the visiting Accreditation Team!
Can you help us show the visiting Accreditation Panel some St. Therese hospitality??
Thank you in advance!
The Athlete's Foot: Notes from our Athletic Department
Get those Fair Share Hours at your kids' bball games!
Hello Parents,
We are looking for volunteers to help run the gym for basketball end of season tournaments. They run March 2-17 and we will host 30 games. If you want to help the program or earn yourself some Fair Share hours, you are encouraged to do so.
Here are the instructions:
1. Look at the available times for help, and put your name where you want to volunteer 2. Please do not make changes to any areas other than spots that have not been filled. 3. Please show up 15 minutes before you are expected to start so we can give you needed information. 4. Please do not volunteer unless you can do the full time. 5. Students must be accompanied by an adult.
Here is the link to sign up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1FyyW3qBD-22bEuRYazhgKKx1Bu1PRf1mt2gbb-0BFLo/edit?usp=sharing
Thanks in advance. Please contact athletics@stthereseschool.org with any questions.
Go Eagles!
Please see a full list of all tournament games held at St. Therese.
St. Therese Tech Fair!
Thank you for your patience and grace!
CYO didn't announce basketball tournaments until this week. That's their prerogative, if inconvenient for schools who are trying to plan around these events, but the show will go on! We promise!
Mr. Rymer and all of us at St. Therese want the Tech Fair to be inclusive of all our students. We also realize the value of sports, and how much our kiddos have invested so far in their seasons, which culminate in these tournaments. Mr. Rymer promises that we will host the Tech Fair, but we will do so after spring break. Please stay tuned for more info and we will let you know ASAP when we finalize a date for that event. It's going to be fun, and an event for the whole community! Thank you again for understanding the need to postpone.
Upcoming Dates and Events
Please understand that the numerous half days are accommodations for our School Accreditation Process. They will be fewer and farther between next year.
- +++++++++++March 4th Monday - Make up school day for snow days. 1/2 day with noon dismissal.
- March 15 - Half day of school, noon dismissal.
- March 15 - End of Trimester 2
- March 17 - 22 - Outdoor School for 6th grade students
- March 25 - 29 Spring Break, no school.
- April 1 - Easter Monday, No school.
Recurring Events
****Holidays, inservice days, early release days, and other special events will affect these days.
- Choir Practice : Mondays 3:30 - 4:30
- Student lead school Masses: Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. (Holy Days of Obligation will affect these mass times)
- Student Store: Thursdays at dismissal
- Pizza Fridays: for all students, at lunchtime on the last day of the week (Friday)
- Vietnamese Enrichment Classes: Fridays after school
Outdoor School is coming up!
Sunday March 17th - Friday March 22nd
6th grade students will be headed to Camp Namanu this year for a week of studies and fun in the great outdoors! Mrs. Baumbach and Mrs. Wright will be accompanying students this year and you can expect communication from Mrs. Baumbach soon! This is only the second year since the pandemic that students are able to attend for a full week! Pretty exciting!
Update on 2024 - 2025 School Year Tuition
Financial Aid Applications Due March 1st!! They will be accepted later but those received closer to March 1st will be given greater consideration.
This year current families will be automatically re-enrolled for the 2024-25 school year, and should contact the office if they do not wish to continue at St. Therese. The annual $200 registration fee will be applied to your FACTS account.
We are committed to keeping tuition affordable to all our families and financial aid is available for those who qualify. Our tuition rates are still among the lowest of K-8 Catholic schools in Oregon. Due to inflation and cost of living adjustments for all, our tuition rate for the upcoming school year has gone up to $8,600, which we intentionally kept under a 4% increase.
Please use the link to the school website for more information on registration, forms etc.
https://www.stthereseschool.org/grades-k-8
Please call the office at 503-253-9400, or email Mrs. Barnett, barnetta@stthereseschool.org.
First Grade Art Projects with Mrs. R.
Hey Parents, if you don't read anything else in the newsletter, read this!!
Incredible Rates for Summer Tutoring at University of Portland & Scholarships are Available
University of Portland is offering this great deal to our St. Therese students. If you've ever looked into tutoring and associated costs, you know that it can be cost prohibitive for most of us. U of P is offering a great solution to this, in their School of Education. This is open to all students 2nd grade and up, for only $125, for 2 hours per day, 4 days per week. They have scholarships available as well.
(****Please find the red button below for the registration info.***)
Registration for La Salle's 2024 Summer Camps is now open!
Morning, afternoon, and full-day camp options are available. Full-day attendees participate in both morning and afternoon sessions, with a supervised lunch hour between sessions. Camps run from June 17th through July 19th.
Camps are open to students entering grades 1st - 3rd, 4th - 6th, and 6th - 8th this fall. 6th graders have the choice to select their preferred group.
Explore new hobbies or engage in your favorite activities. Our camp program has something for everyone. Secure your child's spot today!
Cancellation Policy: The withdrawal deadline is June 1st to receive a full refund; Withdrawal 7 days prior to the start date of camp will receive a 50% refund. Email Terra Clarke to withdraw from camp.
Questions? Please email our Summer Camp Director, Terra Clarke
Hi everyone,
Registration for St. Mary’s Academy 2024 summer camps is officially open! Please share the attached flyer and below information in your family newsletters.
St. Mary’s Academy camps are filled with adventures, hands-on activities, and a variety of fun games to pique every girl’s interests. All camps are for girls entering grades 3-4, 5-6, or 7-8 this fall 2024, so please share this with your current 2nd-7th grade families.
Summer 2024 camp topics:
- Visual Arts
- STEM
- Theatre
- Music
- Life Skills (Babysitting & Cooking)
- Gaming Design
- Anatomy
- Fashion Design
- Athletics
- Writing
- Crafting
Please click here to view our camp website and online registration page. Feel free to share my contact information with your families. I am happy to answer their questions.
Thank you for supporting summer enrichment opportunities for girls!
Warmly,
Sophia
Sophia Vallada
Director of Admissions
1615 SW Fifth Ave | Portland, OR 97201
O: 503.721.7730 | W: stmaryspdx.org