Dear parents,

As I look back on another wonderful year at St. Mel’s Catholic Academy, it truly has been a year filled with many blessings. There is so much to look back fondly on, and so many things to be proud of.

We can think back to the first day of school, with the flags and flowers, the smiling faces, and minds eager and ready to learn. When we had our opening Mass and Father Sauer and Father Lee reminded us of the events of 9-11. I look fondly back on the 75^th Anniversary Dinner and the opening of our amazing new church. I think back to Christmas time and feeling the joy and love of Christ’s birth filling the school. I think about Catholic Schools Week and all the wonderful events that brought us together as a community. I think about all the student work such as projects, essays, posters, presentations, labs, and other creative ways our students showed their learning. And I think about all the times we celebrated Mass and prayed together. It warms my heart when I think about the school Masses every first Friday, family Masses on Sunday, our May Crowning, First Communion for our 2^nd graders, and Confirmation for our 8^th graders. I am proud to say that our Catholic traditions continue to keep us together, and our Catholic identity is strong.

We can also think back to all the wonderful events put on by the Parent Academy Association. From the Halloween party, the Christmas Spectacular, the Easter Bunny breakfast, Grocery Bingo, to the Walk-a-Thon BBQ, and all the events in between, our students benefit from such a dedicated and kind group of parents who volunteer so much of their time for the children of St. Mel’s.

During the year, I have seen so much growth in our students at St. Mel’s Catholic Academy. I am proud to walk the halls of our school and see our teachers and faculty challenging every student to do his or her best. Our faculty and students became excited and energized as we opened our brand new STEM lab! We continue to be a leader in the Diocese with educational technology. Our students learn 21^st century skills and are being well prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow. Our students benefit from such a rich environment filled with academic excellence and strong moral teachings. I look forward to advancing our arts program as we work towards creating the Paint C.A.N.art studio in memory of Mrs. Colleen Nicholson.

Finally, as we get ready for summer, I think of our graduates. They will be taking what they learned here at St. Mel’s and moving on to high school. I pray that in a world that tests our character, our students will rely on their faith and be models of Catholic virtue to their peers. I pray that they are successful and find their passion as they begin a new journey in their lives.

I wish for you, the parentss, to have a blessed and happy summer. Thank you for all that you do for St. Mel’s. May God continue to bless our beloved parish.

Sincerely,

Mr. Christopher Stein

Principal