Palm Sunday ushers in Holy Week in the Catholic Tradition. It is the period between Palm Sunday, Jesus’ triumphant return to Jerusalem and Easter, Jesus’ Resurrection. In between, we observe practices that are solemn starting on Holy Thursday with the Paschal Triduum. We attend services where we witness servant leadership, an example that Jesus shared with his disciples, at the Passover, by washing their feet. Msgr. Fran, in his update for this week outlined all the celebrations that the parish offers. We invite you to join the community during this holy time in our Church.
On Thursday, our school will join together for our Holy Thursday Prayer Service, where the Class of 2023 will lead us in reflecting on the Passion of Christ. Please join us in the church at 11 A.M.
Remember that in addition to the usual Wednesday minimum day dismissal at 12:30P, our students will be dismissed at 12:30 on Thursday so that families can observe this time in prayer. Although CKZ will be available as usual on Wednesday, there will be NO CKZ ON THURSDAY so that our teachers and staff may observe the Triduum with their families. We wish you and your families a prayerful and meaningful Holy Week and we look forward to welcoming you back after our Easter break on April 17.
LISTENING SESSION AND SURVEY
Thank you to those of you who reached out regarding the announcement of my transition. It was a difficult, but necessary decision: one that I know will bring about even greater things for Saint Clare! My visits to some of the classrooms of the older students were varied and entertaining: most of the students were gracious and very open to sharing their feelings. Most of the middle schoolers were quiet, with one class giving me a laundry list of things that needed to be repaired. I guess I better get on those before June 30!
I am NOT retiring; instead, I am taking an opportunity to reset for a few months. I will continue to seek out opportunities in Catholic education. At this time, I don’t know if that will be in San Jose or in the San Luis Obispo County area (Diocese of Monterey or Santa Barbara region of the Archdiocese of LA), or as independent contractor. My most immediate plan after June 30 is to celebrate my 60th birthday and 35th wedding anniversary!
As I said to most of the students and the faculty and staff, you have about three more months before you are rid of me!
If you didn’t get a chance to read Superintendent Jenn Beltramo’s letter that was attached to the post, please do so. She provides a link for you to share your insights on what type of leader you believe Saint Clare needs. She also shared a link to a Zoom ID so that you can provide your input at a listening session on Tuesday, April 4. Thank you for your honest and positive feedback to help her and Msgr. Fran select a leader who understands our community and will work towards the goals we have set forth in our accreditation and Strategic Plan.
HVAC UPDATE AND FACILITIES REPORT
This past Friday, Thermal Mechanical took advantage of the good weather to bring in the condensers for the Middle School building HVAC project. We are moving forward, hopefully with improved speed to get this completed. We will keep you posted.
In addition, drawings are being completed for the elementary building to begin the permitting process and have a better understanding of the materials that need to be ordered. Once permits are secured, electrical upgrades will need to be completed, which will require some trenching on the elementary black top. Once the electricals are in place, the installation will transpire. Of course, this all sounds like it will happen overnight. I’d like us to manage our expectations as we are at the mercy of weather, permits, materials and construction delays, and school operations. We are working together with the parish and diocese to keep things moving with Thermal Mechanical and TDN Electric.
With the help of our donors and due to responsible financial stewardship, we have the funds to complete the project, barring unforeseen challenges as we begin the elementary retrofit of our electrical systems. I am hoping that as the weather turns warmer, we will be able to remove the ducting and do away with the generator and heating unit. Thank you for your patience, support, and understanding, as we prioritize the air quality of our learning spaces.
Other facilities report: trees on the elementary school side were trimmed (phase two). A few years ago, we trimmed the giant trees that lined the fence we share with the neighboring rental units. This time, we trimmed the super giant palm trees and the canopy trees by the TK play yard. This Friday, the lower palm trees were trimmed and the debris around the base were hauled away.
On Saturday, many families gathered to paint tiles to adorn the mural area and to leave their mark at Saint Clare. The proceeds will benefit the beautification and transformation of our front lawn into a drought-resistant area that we hope becomes a habitat for butterflies and other critters essential for a sustainable planet.
We will continue to sell tiles for you to decorate at home. You may purchase these online. The MCI committee will let you know where and when you can pick up your items. Purchase Tiles: https://www.stclare.school/store/family-fun-fundraiser
YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS, PLEASE
There are a number of upcoming dates where you will need to make other arrangements for care for your students. Please know that these dates are NOT NEW. They were communicated via the calendar grid since Spring of 2022, and have appeared in every newsletter since.
DATES TO NOTE
Holy Week: Holy Thursday is a 12:30 Dismissal Day - NO CKZ
Easter Break: begins Good Friday, April 7. Return back to school on April 17.
April 22 - SAVE THE DATE! Day of Service | Join together as a community to fulfill our obligation to be stewards of God’s creation. More information to come. Service hours for parents and middle schoolers. Great learning for everyone in the family in partnership with the Guadalupe Conservancy.
Thank you for your continued support by reading the information presented to you weekly via this newsletter and blog.
UPCOMING EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT:
Join us for our Weekly School Masses on Fridays at 10:45 A.M.
PTG Meetings are on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30P. RSVP to the original post on ParentSquare.
ANNUAL GIVING/ANNUAL FUND. Here are the ways you can support Saint Clare: https://www.stclare.school/supportus
April 6 - Join us for the presentation of the Passion of the Lord at our Holy Thursday Prayer Service, April 6 at 11 A.M. in the church, led in ministry by the Class of 2023.
April 22 - Day of Service with the Guadalupe Conservancy
Check out the School Calendar on Google for upcoming events (Search: “EVENT”)
May 1, 2023: 2nd Annual Golf Tournament | Boulder Ridge Golf Club | SCHOOL IS IN SESSION FOR STUDENTS!
Many thanks to our teachers for preparing students in Grades 3-8 for Reconciliaiton services. Most importantly, thank you to Msgr. Fran and Fr. Victor for their kindness and compassion in ministering to our students in this very important sacrament.
As always, if you feel there is something missing, please reach out to me (cecile.mantecon@dsj.org) or to the office staff (stclare-info@dsj.org).
With a grateful heart,
Mrs. Cecile Mantecon, Principal
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