A letter from Valley Catholic Elementary School Principal Dr. Yvonne Ayesiga
Dear VCES Families,
I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather and looking forward to spring and the hope that it brings.
As we enter the Lenten season, I want to thank you for the meaningful ways you continue to support our students in this season of reflection, prayer, and service. Throughout this season our students will be engaged in thoughtful discussions and activities centered on compassion, sacrifice, and growing closer to God. It has already been inspiring to see their participation and reverence during this special time in our Church and school community.
We are looking forward to celebrating SSMO Heritage Month and the Sisters’ 140th anniversary. Our second grade students will pay homage to the Sisters and the Sisters’ legacy through a prayer service hosted in the SSMO chapel on March 18. We encourage you to attend and join the elementary school in giving thanks to God for the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon and the ways that their service has made a lasting difference in so many lives.Â
Our second graders have also been reaching out to connect with the wider SSMO campus. They visited with the residents at Maryville and shared their musical talents with the Sisters at a mini recital. In addition, at the end of February the second graders debuted their first ever experimental recital. Students signed up to perform a musical number, or play an instrument – practicing only at home and performing in front of other classmates and some of the Sisters in the Motherhouse foyer. Performances included pianists, violinists, a drummer and a ukulele player. Here are some photos from that wonderful day.
With the arrival of warmer weather, we are grateful to see our students spending more time outdoors during recess, physical education, and dismissal. The sunshine brings wonderful energy to campus, and helps boost our morale. It also means our students have the opportunity to venture off campus for their respective grade level field trips. Our first graders went to OMSI earlier this month. Later this Spring, our fourth graders will head to Oregon City and the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. The fifth graders are excited to return to the state capitol, in Salem. This particular field trip has been on hiatus due to the renovations at the state capitol. The second graders are counting down the days to their visit to the Tualatin Hills Nature Park and our third graders will be headed to the Tillamook Forest Center. Enrichment opportunities such as these nicely curated field trips are made possible by the generous giving and donations of our families through fundraising events like the Jog-a-thon. We continue to be grateful to our families for making an investment in the wholesome education of our students.
Thank you for your continued partnership, generosity and prayers for our students and school. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in the education and upbringing of your children.
Valiantly,
Dr. A
