School News

How can it be that we are in our 4th quarter of the school year?  We are just so pleased that God has given us an opportunity to be in the building and sharing the Gospel to our students daily.  We are pleased with the academic growth that we see in our students.  The partnership between home and school has been a significant factor in the success of the school year.  The staff continues to amaze me with all they do.  We thank the church and school families for continued prayers and support.
 

Did you know?

• Our school families fed over 50,000 children with offerings given to the Orphan Grain Train in the last 10 weeks.  Our new Chapel mission for the last quarter of the school year is L.A.M.P (Lutheran Association for Missionary Pilots).  There is more information on the bulletin board in the main hallway.  If any church members would like to support this ministry of sharing the LIGHT of Jesus to remote places in northern Canada, please send your donation to the school office.
• The LCMS National Accreditation Site Visit Team will review our self study documentation, interview teachers, staff and students, and complete an evaluation for accreditation this Wednesday-Friday.  We look forward to hosting this group of dedicated church/school workers.
• We have a number of extra-curricular activities taking place at St. John:  Yo-yo Club, Kindergarten-5th grade basketball clinic, and Volleyball.
• We celebrated the time and talents of many volunteers on a snowy morning this past week.  Our first ever, drive through, Volunteer Appreciation Celebration!

"Sent to Serve... with Gladness!" Psalm 100:2
 

God bless you all!

A message from Principal Katie Gundell...

Welcome to Epiphany.  What a blessing it is to know Jesus as our Savior who SHINES through the darkness.  God's goodness, in sending His Son to this world, overcomes the sin of the world.  His light lives in us as forgiven and loved children of God.    

Did you know?

• St. John has three Open Houses coming up in the next few months:  January 26, February 9, and March 30.  6-7:30 PM.  St. John school and church members are our best advertisement.  Please share the information with family and friends and help our school grow!
• We are celebrating Lutheran Schools Week at the end of the month.  Each day we will have fun activities and special clothing to wear.  The themes of each day are centered around our school year theme, "Sent to Serve."

With all the craziness in this world and uncertainties, the words from Psalm 46:10 bring such peace, "Be still, and know that I am God."  Try reading it like this...

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am

Be still and know that I

Be still and know

Be still 

Be

The impact that this passage brings is that our Sovereign God IS in control of all things.  He loves us.  In His presence we can just... BE.  

God bless our church, school and community.

A message from Principal Katie Gundell...

Greetings!  What a wonderful time this Advent season is!  Our 8th graders and Mrs. Werth led Chapel this week.  They reminded all students of St. John about what Advent means and what the Advent wreath displays:  the circular shape – God’s never ending love for us; the candles – hope, peace, joy, and love; the light on the candles – Jesus came to bring light to the world.  It is His light that we can share with others.  I love to hear our students proclaim the Gospel and share their faith. 

Did you know?

• Accreditation is an evaluation and improvement process that addresses the whole school; purpose, relationships, leadership, professional personnel, teaching and learning, student services, and facilities.  This is a significant undertaking and requires careful reflection.  This five-year process leads to positive changes and ongoing evaluation.      Please keep our committees in your prayers as we highlight the wonderful work that takes place at St. John.  The site visit team will come in April!!
• Over 65 big boxes of food were delivered to local families in North Tonawanda through our Chapel mission, Box of Hope.  Along with that, several other miscellaneous food items were collected to be given to them as well.  The generosity of families is so appreciated.

In third grade, the students learned about several Christmas and Easter connections.  Christmas and Easter are part of the same story – the story of God’s plan of salvation.  How does a tree, an angel, and spices remind you of both Christmas and Easter?  From 1 Corinthians 15:57, “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”