As we begin the second semester of the 2019-2020 school year, it is only fitting that the theme of this issue is “CHANGE”. For our seniors, this semester will mark the end of their time at Saint John’s. They will spend the next couple of months thinking about the big CHANGE in their life – where they will go to college! We are so very proud of the Class of 2020, as college acceptances and scholarships continue to roll in from such institutions as Cornell University, Catholic University, Penn State, and NC State. 

On the other end of the spectrum, we have been working to shape the newest class at Saint John’s – the Class of 2024! This month we interviewed some very intelligent and talented 8^th graders who are preparing for the upcoming CHANGE in their life – high school. These applicants come to us from a variety of different middle schools: public, private, religious (not necessarily Catholic), archdiocesan and independent. In talking with many of these students and their parents, I learned they are seeking to attend Saint John’s for a variety of different reasons.

Recent studies about Catholic school enrollment indicate that the reasons why parents choose Catholic schools have CHANGED significantly over the last several decades. This holds true for many of our applicants as well. While many families choose Saint John’s for its Catholic identity and religious-inspired mission, we know that about 40% of our school population is not Catholic. So why else are these families choosing Saint John’s? Based on our most recent prospective student interviews,  here are some of those reasons:

• small class sizes
• rigorous academics
• a safe learning environment
• a small school allows the opportunity to participate in many activities and sports, even without having experience or high skills in those areas
• the coach of a particular sport
• the sense of community
• the counseling department’s focus on each individual student through the college application process
• the new AOPA stem program
• the school’s guaranteed college acceptance program
• the local public high school just NOT being an option

(No one said, “because of the principal”… but I guess there is always next year!)

So while we know students and families come to us for a variety of different reasons that are not necessarily related to our Catholic faith, we know what HASN’T CHANGED… and that is our mission to educate our students in a joyful, Catholic community of faith, hope and love. ALL students at Saint John’s (no matter why they are here) learn the importance of sharing Christ’s love through kindness and service to their community.

And how do we know we are accomplishing this? Take for example two of our current students who were recently recognized at the Winter Honors Assembly. Kristianna Howard, Class of 2020, was recognized for, unbeknownst to many, spending many hours volunteering at a local nursing home – visiting and singing to many of the residents. Jayln McNeill, Class of 2022, was recognized for being a faith leader among her peers, remembering every classmate’s intention and leading the class into a thankful mindset each day. Both of these individuals represent the values we strive to instill in our students.

So while CHANGE is evitable at Saint John’s, it does not define our school. Our Catholic principles do.