Dear VCES Families,

We have had a wonderful start to the school year. The staff has spent the last four weeks getting to know our students, and teaching new and exciting lessons.

Here are some of the VCES highlights from our first month of school:

Instructional Mass

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, we had our first instructional Mass (5H and KM) in our ES chapel.

Special thanks to the 5H teachers, KM teachers, Señora Delplanche, and Fr. Bruce for

guiding the students through our first buddy class instructional Mass.

Back to School Night

It was really nice seeing so many of our families at our Back to School Night on Sept. 17. I hope everyone found that the time was well spent visiting with the dedicated teachers and learning more about what our students are learning at school. If there are any follow-up questions from the evening, please reach out to the classroom teacher or email Mrs. Smith or me. Here is a summary of the main points that we shared at Back to School Night

Prayer Service 

We gathered in the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Motherhouse Chapel on Sept. 11 for our first prayer service. It was wonderful gathering together as a school community to continue learning how to Be the Difference.

NW Anxiety Institute Presentation

On Tuesday, Sept. 24, the teachers had the opportunity to hear and learn from Kevin Ashworth, a therapist from the NW Anxiety Institute who specializes in anxiety. One of the key takeaways was that we need to believe children are capable of getting through the stress and “yuckiness” they may be experiencing. While challenges may be present and we are so quick to want to rescue and problem solve for our children, we can be there to validate their feelings and help build resilience/grit so that they can tolerate the stress. While we do provide strategies in coping with stress, anger, sadness, etc., it is okay for children to experience uncomfortable feelings and sit with them. 

Family Groups

Our family and buddy groups made a comeback on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The students worked together to create a mural depicting the theme of our school year: United in Love. 

Below is the mural students created in the family groups on Wednesday (thanks to Señora Delplanche, Mrs. E and the teachers for helping to guide the students). 

After school activities

We have begun after school activities this month. Please visit our after-school activities page for more information about the activities being offered.  

Our music teacher, Ms. Pockat, is also providing orchestra and handbells classes this year. 

We continue to be thankful to God for His divine providence and for the changing seasons. Please take some time to reflect on our first month of school, and let us all look forward to October and the beautiful Pacific Northwest fall colors.

Thank you for your continued partnership in the education of our students. We hope this new month brings us more opportunities to learn, grow, be challenged, and be inspired. 

Valiantly,

Dr. Yvonne Ayesiga