A letter from Valley Catholic Elementary School Principal Dr. Yvonne Ayesiga
Dear VCES Families,
This time of year is invariably bittersweet as we say goodbye to some of our staff members leaving our school for new adventures and also anticipate some internal staffing changes. We are thankful for Ms. Parker (4th grade), Ms. Townsend (2nd grade), Ms. Norton (library and media), Mr. Wright (PE IA), and Mrs. Eby (library IA) for their time with us. We pray that God continues to bless them on their new adventures. Please join me in thanking these wonderful educators for their dedication and service to Valley Catholic.
We have hired a new library and computer teacher, Ms. Justice Wetter. Mr. Kendrick Murphy will join us as the new PE IA, and Mrs. Storm is making the move from 1st to 2nd grade next school year. Mrs. Baugh will make the transition from being 3 C’s IA to being our morning library IA. Mrs. Pranger will move from being the 4th grade IA to be our afternoon library IA. We are in the process of interviewing for new 4th and 1st grade teachers.
Here is a snapshot of what the last couple of weeks have looked like in the elementary school:
May crowning
The Elementary school had its annual May Crowning service on Wednesday, May 8 in the Motherhouse Chapel and thereafter the whole ES joined in a procession from the SSMO Motherhouse back to the EMS building. We were also joined by some of our families. Here are some photos from our May crowning.
Parent information night
We hosted our second parent information night on Tuesday, May 9. Thank you to our families that were able to make it. Here is a summary of what was discussed: VCES Parent Information Night
New Family Orientation
Part of planning and getting ready for the 2024-25 school year is hosting our annual new family orientation. On Thursday, May 23, we welcomed about 50 new families to the elementary school to explain a bit more about our elementary program and to help answer questions before summer arrives. This orientation is especially for new families, but families who already have students in our school or campus schools were strongly encouraged to attend as well. It was a great chance to start meeting other parents.
At the orientation, we went over some important information about the next school-year, provided some time for parents’ questions, and offered another opportunity to see our school building and campus.
First communion
This year, we had 12 students celebrate their First Communion on Wednesday, May 29 during Mass in the SSMO Motherhouse chapel and a small reception followed. Our 2nd grade classes hosted the Sacrament of Initiation Mass for the students who received their First Holy Communion. Families were also invited to attend.
As we come close to the end of the school year, we pause to reflect on the goodness of God. Even with the hardships our community has experienced this year, God’s love has continued to sustain us. We are grateful for the daily intercession of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, and the comfort and support of our families, friends, and the entire Valley Catholic community.
Dr. Yvonne Ayesiga
