Dear Saint Ursula Community,

Sometimes I suspect that as parents and caregivers it would be interesting to have a peek into some of the traditions and activities that help to define the SUA student experience.  Last week’s Gold Bell was a great example of one of those.  The students gathered to hear speeches from the students who were running to be Student Body Leaders.  Their speeches included the typical qualifications and visionary goals if elected.  Their speeches also related both of these to how they would support our Ursuline values.  That inclusion was assuring additional evidence about how integrated these values are into our community.  The speeches were followed by a spirit video competition featuring spirit videos from each grade level.  These were fun, silly, and creative - just what was needed for this time of year.  The faculty and staff added our own video with many of us offering our “Electric Slide” skills for the entertainment of the students. I appreciate that our school takes time for these types of stress-relieving, community-building activities.  Sometimes it is just good to laugh together.

This year Kathy Hammond, long time SUA Classics teacher, stepped officially into a newly created position of Vice Principal of Student Life. She has been doing an outstanding job attending to all elements of student life.  SUA knows how important the entire experience of high school is - from the academics in the classroom to the learning and personal growth that occurs through student activities.  Kathy has a special focus of making certain that our Ursuline core values align and are integrated with our programming goals and that our programming is inclusive and welcoming for all students.  Another recent shift that she has made relates to the Student Council for next school year.  While Student Body Leaders are voted on by the student population, this year all students in grades 9-11 had the opportunity to go through the application process to be a member of Student Council in 24-25.  We see this application process as an improved way of inviting all interested students to participate authentically. The Student Council will be structured by committees that will give these student leaders even more opportunities to lead committees and spearhead student events, resulting in an overall  increased access to leadership roles.  We are so grateful to have Kathy Hammond in a dedicated role  to guide student programming.

Looking to the week ahead in these busy times, here are some reminders:

• Today, Wednesday, April 24, 7 pm:  the Spring Concert in the Theater will feature our students’ musical talents.
• Thursday, April 25:  juniors will participate in a session about the college essay presented by our counselors.  Just letting you know so that you can follow up at home.
• Friday, April 26:  classes will start at 8:30 am, but the Class of 2024 will meet at 8 am in the Gym to review upcoming senior events, including May Crowning and graduation practices.  This meeting is mandatory for the Class of 2024. 
• Sunday, April 28, 4 pm, Notre Dame Academy:  the tradition of the Orange and White Game continues as both schools compete in flag football to support childhood cancer research in honor of Natalie Bradley (2009) and Norah Spears (2023).  This week at a Lunch and Learn Mrs. Bradley shared Natalie’s inspiring fight against leukemia and the history of the Orange and White game.
• Tuesday, April 30, 3:15 pm, Spring Sports Signing will occur in the Gym to celebrate our student athletes.

We hope you have a great week.  Go Bulldogs!

Kathy
Here is the updated two-week calendar.