Greetings!

Each year, the members of the faculty of St. Matthew School select a theme for the new school year. This year, we selected “Go make a difference,” a theme that ties in well with the GIFT program’s focus on social justice. Events and activities throughout the year will center on how the students will make a difference in the lives of others as well as on how others have made a difference in theirs. During the week of September 14-18th, two all- school events illustrated the dual nature of this very important theme.

On Monday, September 14th, we celebrated Grandparents’ Day, a day when our students honored these very special people. Over 200 guests participated in the day’s events which included Mass, a scavenger’s hunt around the school, and a social. During the social, I had the opportunity to witness groups of grandparents, parents, and students enjoying a snack and spending time together. Certainly Grandparents have made a very big difference in each of their lives, sharing their love and support and, in many cases, their Catholic faith.

On Friday, September 18th, our school was once again filled with visitors. St. Matthew School celebrated its annual Field Day, a day filled with races, competitions and contests. The entire student body was divided up into teams composed of members of all grades. Working with Mr. Keane, the seventh and eighth graders organized the events which stressed cooperation, teamwork and community building. Each older student is a “big buddy” to a younger student and works with him/her not only on Field Day, but throughout the school year. Big buddies make a difference in the lives of our younger students in variety of ways, such as through modeling appropriate behavior, offering friendship, and providing encouragement.

Throughout the year, you will hear the song “Go Make a Difference” sung at many of our Masses. The words of the song really sum up the theme for this year: “We are the hands of Christ, reaching out to those in need, the face of God for all to see. We are the spirit of hope; we are the voice of peace. Go make a difference in the world.” As principal of St. Matthew School, I am blessed to witness our students as they become that difference in our school, our parish and the world.
Thank you all for supporting Catholic education,

Julianna Barber
Principal, St. Matthew School.