The Weekly Update #4

As we journey through the month of November, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of living with gratitude. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to focus on what we lack or the challenges we face. However, as a Catholic community, we are called to recognize and give thanks for the abundant blessings God has bestowed upon us.

Gratitude is more than just saying "thank you." It is a mindset and a way of life that draws us closer to God and to one another. When we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we open ourselves to the beauty of His presence in our daily lives—through our families, our friends, our school, and even in our struggles.

At St. Mary's Catholic School , we strive to instill this virtue in our children, encouraging them to appreciate the gifts of faith, education, and the support of a loving community. As parents, you play an essential role in nurturing this spirit of thankfulness at home. Simple practices like sharing what you're grateful for during family meals or offering prayers of thanksgiving together can make a profound impact.

Gratitude transforms hearts and minds, helping us to see the world through the lens of God’s grace. It fosters joy, resilience, and a deep sense of peace, even in times of uncertainty. Let us lead by example, showing our children that no matter the circumstances, there is always something to be thankful for.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for the many ways you contribute to our school community. May we all find time in our busy lives to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the many blessings God has entrusted to us.

Let us unite as a community of faith in prayer:

Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a heart full of gratitude.
Thank You for the gift of life, for the love of family and friends,
and for the many blessings, seen and unseen,
that You bestow upon me each day.

Thank You for the beauty of creation,
for the warmth of the sun, the gentle breeze, and the gift of each new day.
Thank You for the challenges and trials that strengthen my faith,
teaching me to trust in Your perfect plan.

Lord, I am grateful for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
who sacrificed everything so that I may have eternal life.

Thank You for the Holy Spirit, who guides and comforts me.

Help me to always live with a heart full of thanks,
sharing Your love and goodness with others.

May my life reflect the joy and peace that comes from knowing You.

In all things, Lord, I give You praise and glory.

Amen.

With a grateful heart,

Mrs. Ana E. Gomez, M.Ed.

Principal

Works of Mercy is a food pantry in our parish that services local community members weekly. They provide food, clothing and small monteary help for food and utilites.

In the past we have partnered with them in various compacities. One of them is donating needed food items which are staples in any household. Our Student Council will be collecting items from the 11th - 20th of November.

This service project is a school wide and is an opportunity for those who can serve and participation is voluntary. Thank you!

As we approach World Kindness Day on November 13th, I am reminded of the powerful words from Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Kindness is more than just a virtuous act; it is a reflection of our faith and love for God. In a world that can often feel divided and hurried, simple acts of kindness have the power to heal, unite, and inspire. Through kindness, we reveal Christ’s presence to others, shining His light in our homes, our school, and our community.

At St. Mary's School, we teach our students that small gestures—offering a helping hand, speaking an encouraging word, or simply sharing a smile—can have a lasting impact. Kindness creates an environment where everyone feels valued and loved, embodying the Gospel message of love for our neighbor. We continue to work with our students in being respectful, using kind words, being helpful, considerate and thoughtful in all things.

This week, our counselor, Mrs. Guajardo will be making special presentations on kindness across the grade-levels. Our teachers will continue to teach kindness across content areas sharing themes, highlighting examples of kindness and facilitating activities for students to engage with each other. It is through personal one on one engagement that students learn to be kind in school and at home. We will also be unveiling a new Kindness shirt and kicking off a poster contest. Details forthcoming!

This World Kindness Day, I encourage you to join us in fostering this beautiful virtue. Take time as a family to discuss ways you can practice kindness together. Whether it’s writing a note of appreciation, helping someone in need, or simply being patient and forgiving, every act counts.

Let us remind our children that kindness is a choice we can make each day, reflecting the love of Christ in all we do. Together, we can create a ripple effect of compassion and joy, not just on World Kindness Day, but every day. Let us continue to make that committment everyday, to follow Jesus.

On Monday and Tuesday, the cafeteria will not be serving lunch to students in St. Mary's School. The Student Council will be providing two options. See attached PDF if you would like to order for your child(ren) and billing will be the same via FACTS. Students are welcome to bring in a lunch box on these days as well.

A hard-copy order form will be sent home on Monday or may be emailed to Mrs. Lopez in the main office, rolopez@cdobcs.org.

Thank you!

On Wednesday, November 20th, our school will celebrate its annual student Thanksgiving Feast. The cafeteria staff will prepare a kid friendly Thankgiving meal for students and their teachers. The entire school will come together to give thanks, pray and share a meal before the Thanksgiving break. This event is only for students and their teachers.

We look forward to sharing this time together.

Our Montessori students went through the process of learning how to vote and practice their right on election day this past week!

Teachers create targeted learning studios in the classroom across grade levels where students get table time with their teacher to review and practice skills.

The love of reading is seen across the campus daily, even in morning arrival.

The National Elementary Honor Society participated in a beach clean up this weekend along with their parents. Taking care of our Mother Earth is important in our community. Thank you for giving of your time this weekend.