Throughout the United States next week, Catholic communities will celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Annually we recognize the faith, excellence and service offered through Catholic education. “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community" is the theme for this year's celebration. We acknowledge the important phenomenal difference Catholic institutions, from preschools to universities, have made a to local communities, our nation, the Church, and the world. The events during Catholic Schools Week showcase and celebrate the rich traditions and incredible value of Catholic education.
At Sacred Heart Villa we try hard to bring this celebration down to the young children’s level of understanding as we focus on one aspect of our school community each day.
- On Monday, 1/ 29, we will celebrate and be grateful for our caring community and neighborhood. The students will also learn how local businesses on The Hill help support our school. To show our appreciation for their support, the classes will make thank you cards to give to local businesses, community leaders and first responders.
The families have been asked to bring in items to help immigrants in need of personal care items. Needed items include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, small bottles of shampoo and travel size toiletry items. Throughout the week, the classes will be making care packages with these donated items so that they can be given to people working with recent immigrants.
- Then on Tuesday, 1/30, we celebrate our students’ gifts, talents, and faith. The children may wear their favorite STL T-shirt or jersey for a favorite STL sports team, STL neighborhood, or place in St. Louis! In the morning, we will gather all the children in the playroom for a dance party. Sr. Margaret is preparing special snacks and lunch for the children that day. Parents will be invited to read a book to their child’s class. Teachers will be coordinating the read aloud this week.
- We will celebrate our amazing faculty and staff of The Villa on Wednesday, 1/31. At 7:00AM, our staff will be treated to catered breakfast at school provided by Chris’ Pancakes. Parents are encouraged to send a note or card to their child’s teacher.
- On Thursday, 2/1, we will especially celebrate and acknowledge the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the religious Sisters who minister at SHV. We will have classes Zoom with Sister Alice, our school’s former finance and building manager, who is now living in Connecticut. Sister will tell us about her new ministry working with immigrants and about their needs. In addition, the classes will be encouraged to show acts of kindness or make a card for the Sisters who serve at The Villa to show their appreciation for all they do for The Villa. What a blessing to have of this school due to the care, support, hard work and sacrifices of the Sisters at The Villa!
- We will conclude on Friday, 2/2, celebrating our wonderful, supportive families. We will offer coffee, donuts and treats from 7:15 – 8:20AM in the second floor lunch room. Since this day is also First Friday, the Nursery 2 class will lead us in a prayer service to celebrate God’s love. Parents will be coming to the classrooms to read a book to their child’s class. The teachers will be coordinating this activity for each classroom.
As we celebrate our Catholic school, we are also very grateful to the parents who have entrusted the care of their precious little ones to us. Sacred Heart Villa is strong, thriving and well known because our parents share the good news of what we do here, providing an exceptional educational program rooted in strong Catholic values.