From the Principal's Desk

Dear St. James Families,

What a special and busy week it has been at St. James. There are certain weeks in the life of a school where so many meaningful moments converge that you step back and realize you are witnessing something much deeper than a calendar full of events. This week felt very much like that.

We began with the great honor of welcoming Bishop James V. Johnston Jr. to St. James on the Solemnity of St. James. His presence among us—celebrating Mass, blessing the chapel in the rectory for the missionary sisters, and spending time in our school—was a beautiful reminder that we belong to something larger than ourselves. What stood out even more was the generosity of time given to our community. The Bishop, Fr. Fenlon, and Fr. Davis devoted their entire morning and a good part of the afternoon to being here at St. James, speaking with students, visiting classrooms, and simply sharing life with us. In a world where everyone seems rushed and pulled in countless directions, that kind of presence means something. Guided by Fr. Davis and supported by Fr. Fenlon, we continue to experience what it means to be part of a living Church—one that accompanies us not from a distance, but in the concrete reality of everyday life.

Wednesday brought our May Crowning, one of the most beautiful traditions in the life of a Catholic school. In honoring Our Lady, we are reminded again of the simplicity and openness through which Christ entered the world. There is something profoundly moving about watching children participate in these traditions—something that speaks not only to memory or custom, but to the heart’s natural desire for beauty and meaning.

On Thursday, we welcomed back several St. James alumni who will soon graduate from Bishop LeBlond High School. Seeing them walk our halls once again was a powerful reminder that education is never merely about the present moment. We hope to form students who continue growing long after they leave our classrooms—young men and women capable of carrying goodness, truth, and faith into the next stage of life.

Today brought both creativity and joy as students experienced the performance art of Mike Debus, whose witness and live painting invited students to see how God can work through the talents and passions He gives each person. The day concluded with our Color Run, which filled the grounds with laughter, movement, and a wonderful sense of togetherness. These moments of joy matter. They remind us that a school should be a place where students experience life fully—not only through academics, but through community and celebration.

This week was also Teacher Appreciation Week, and it was beautiful to see our teachers so well cared for. Between chair massages, Sonic drinks, breakfast and lunch provided, and even an afternoon to focus on classrooms and administrative tasks, our staff was generously supported by many families and volunteers. During this busy season of the year, those gestures mean more than people realize. They are not simply acts of kindness; they are food for the soul. To feel seen and appreciated renews the heart for the work we are called to do each day.

All of these moments point back to the heart of our mission at St. James: to form missionary disciples of Jesus Christ by nurturing the desire for Truth, Goodness, and Beauty that lies in the heart of every child. We do this not only through instruction, but through a shared life—a community where students encounter beauty, witness generosity, and discover that faith is something lived.

Looking ahead, the final weeks of the school year will continue to be full. We have several class trips coming up, Peggy’s Spring Concert at 2:00 p.m., Touch-a-Truck, the last days for our PreK and Kindergarten students, PreK Promotion on Thursday, the 8th Grade Banquet, and final grades due shortly thereafter. These final moments of the year always carry a unique mixture of excitement, gratitude, and reflection as we begin to see how much growth has taken place over the course of the year.

As we also prepare for next year, I would like to share a few important Academy updates. The Academy will be tightening and more intentionally enforcing attendance and tardy policies. Arriving on time and being present consistently are essential habits that support not only academic growth, but the shared life of our school community. Additionally, all FACTS tuition accounts must be settled by June 1 in order for students to be officially enrolled for the upcoming school year and to receive final grades or transcripts. We appreciate your attention and partnership in these matters as we continue striving to provide the best environment possible for our students.

Thank you, as always, for the countless ways you support our students, teachers, and school community. Weeks like this are only possible because of the life we share together.