Growing in Grace

Dear St. James Families,

As we reach the middle of September, we are beginning to see something beautiful take shape at St. James: a rhythm.

At the beginning of the year, everything is new. New families and students are learning where to go, when to arrive, what uniform to wear, how things are done, and what it means to be part of the St. James community. Our youngest students are learning the simple things, where to line up, when to pray, how to move from one place to another, how to listen, how to work, how to play, and how to respect one another.

Slowly, what was unfamiliar becomes familiar. A classroom begins to feel like home. A new face becomes a friend. The routines of prayer, learning, work, and play become part of our shared life.

This is one of the beautiful things about a school community: we do not simply come here to accomplish a list of tasks. We share life together. And in that shared life, there are countless opportunities to Grow in Grace together.

For example, out students growing through athletics and theatre. Since volleyball, football, and theatre are underway, the students start experience a great deal of effort to keep up with schoolwork while practicing and playing games and rehearsing several nights a week. We are very proud of our student-athletes and thesbians.

But this is also part of their formation. Athletics and acting give our students the opportunity to learn perseverance when something is difficult, discipline when they would rather take the easier path, teamwork when they have to put someone else's needs alongside their own, and sacrifice for something greater than themselves.

These lessons do not stay on the field or stage. They become part of who our students are becoming. That is why we are grateful for our coaches, parents, and families who give so generously of their time to make these opportunities possible.

Althought our Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on October 21, please do not feel that you need to wait until October if you have a question, thought, or concern. One of the most important things we can do for our children is to have a strong relationship between home and school. If something is on your mind, please reach out to your child's teacher and begin the conversation.

The goal is not simply to communicate information, but to work together for the good of the child and allow God's Grace to enter into the conversation.

Circling back to the Formation of Good Habits, we are beginning to see some students arriving late or coming to school without the proper uniform. Please take a moment to review our attendance and uniform policies and help your child develop these important habits. Being on time and properly prepared may seem like small things, but small things matter. A child learns that commitments matter. That preparation matters. That we should be ready to give ourselves fully to the people and work placed before us. It would not be a good start to day if a child has to be held at the office because the policies are not being followed. These are not simply school rules, they are opportunities to form habits of responsibility, punctuality, and care for our community and I thank you for your committment to them.

 

A final, and fun announcement, we have some St. James family members involved in Footloose in Atchison! If you are looking for a fun evening out, consider making the short trip to Atchison to support Mrs. Rachel Cotter and her daughter.

The show is $18 for an adult and $13 for a child. And if you make an evening of it, there is a great new Mexican restaurant in Atchison with a beautiful view of the river.

Show Dates:

September 18, 2026

September 19, 2026

September 20, 2026

September 25, 2026

September 26, 2026

September 27, 2026

 

Thank you for being part of the St. James family and for helping us Grow in Grace together.

God Bless,

Mr. McDonnell