St. John's Catholic School

Some of our first graders (and siblings) couldn't wait until the first day of school to catch-up! See you soon, first grade!

Please note the back to school ice cream social has been moved to September 3rd due to a teacher training day- see you September 3rd!

Join us in welcoming our new music teacher, Ms. Spurling!!!

Christina Spurling is a pianist and music teacher from Downeast Maine who loves sharing the gift of music with students. She has a special degree in collaborative piano and loves playing music together with singers and other musicians. Christina teaches students of all ages - she previously taught PK-8 music from 2010-2015 in Massachusetts - and believes that music is a beautiful way to express ourselves and connect with others. She founded the Quietside Chamber Music Festival on Mount Desert Island, where musicians gather to celebrate classical music and community. She enjoys playing chamber music and working with opera companies outside of teaching. She also plays piano and organ at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Brunswick. Having recently moved to Orr’s Island, Christina is excited to begin her journey as a teacher at St. John’s, to work with Mrs. Sullivan again on the fall musical and to help her students discover how music can bring joy, creativity, and meaning to their lives.

Welcome Ms. Spurling!! 🎶🎵🎼🎹🎵🎶

Join us for the SJCS Annual Golf Tournament - a day of golf, community, and giving back in support of St. John Catholic School! Whether you're a seasoned golfer, local business sponsor, or simply looking to support Catholic education, this event is a wonderful opportunity to come together for a great cause.
Participants will enjoy a fun-filled day on the course, exciting contests, prizes, and fellowship, all while helping support the students, programs, and mission of SJCS. Every swing helps make a difference in the lives of our students and strengthens the future of our school community.
Gather your foursome, become a sponsor, or make a donation today. We look forward to seeing you on the course!
Learn more and register at SJCSGolf.fundraiser.support

How has summer flown by so fast?! We're looking forward to seeing our friends in two short weeks!

As we look toward counting down to the first day of school later this month- don't forget those summer learning packets that were sent home with your student! If you need a copy, we have it for you on our website, here (use the grade they are entering): https://www.sjcsbme.org/summer-learning

Soon we will begin our countdown until the first day of school- please join us in praying for our teachers and staff as they prepare for the big day!

# # # 🙏 A Back-to-School Prayer for Teachers

**Heavenly Father,**

As we begin another school year, bless us with the wisdom, patience, and compassion we need to serve our students well.

Give us the strength to meet each day with enthusiasm and the grace to see the unique gifts and needs of every child entrusted to our care.

When the days are challenging, give us patience.
When we feel overwhelmed, give us peace.
When we question ourselves, remind us of the difference we make.
When we celebrate our students’ successes, fill our hearts with gratitude.

Help us to be more than teachers. Help us to be examples of kindness, faith, courage, and love. May our words encourage, our actions inspire, and our classrooms become places where every child knows they are valued and loved.

Guide our hands, our hearts, and our minds throughout this school year. Strengthen our community of educators so that we may support one another and work together for the good of every student.

May we always remember that the work we do is a calling and an opportunity to reflect Your love.

**Bless our teachers, bless our students, and bless our school. May this year be filled with faith, growth, joy, and countless opportunities to make a difference.**

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

**Amen.** 🙏

Thanks to Brenda Buck and our Pickleball friends for sending this beautiful shot of St. John the Baptist!