A letter from the Pastor Rev. Patrick McGuire: I have been at St. Anthony’s for many years, and one might think the start of the new school year would not be difficult for me. But little at St. Anthony’s is ever routine. As I prepared for the students’ return, I made my list of things to do as the first day approached. The list seemed to grow longer and longer. In an odd way, I experienced a sense of serenity as I considered that it is all in the Lord’s hands. The Good Lord must be tired of my saying to Him, “This is your mission, not mine. What do I do next?”

During last school year, our Principal Sister Marsha was recalled by her congregation to minister at another place. Sister Marsha was beloved by our school community, and we gave her a beautiful send- off. It has been a completely new experience for me to start the school year without the guidance of a principal. In years past, I only had to make sure the physical plant and buildings were ready. The school principal did the rest!

The teachers’ pre-school week is a busy time. This week included First Aid training, “Virtus Training” (child and vulnerable adult protection), syllabus preparation, resource acquisition, setting up classrooms and keeping a sense of humor about the many things to do!

It was “all hands on deck” as opening day approached. The faculty members enthusiastically united in pursuing the best course of action for the students. All the teachers united to use their skills, experience and history with the students for the benefit of all. Some of the teachers set to work with computer class teachers to address areas of study that need boosting. The Zuni language teacher joined class teachers to identify any students potentially struggling and to make an education plan for them.

At the parents “Meet and Greet,” since most of the parents know me only as the local priest, I needed to present my previous life and work experience to them. This is important, since we are all co-workers with the parents in the education of their children.

At our All School Mass, the students stretched out their hands over the faculty members and joined me in praying for the Lord’s blessing on the teachers, the staff, the students and our learning in the year ahead. The following week at the end of the All School Mass, we processed to the central flagpole in the schoolyard, and with a good amount of Holy Water, prayed once more for the Lord’s blessing on our buildings, our students, our teachers and our staff who make our school community work as well as it does.

Students are now hard at work at their studies. Teachers are devising new ways to enhance their education techniques. St. Anthony Indian Mission School is up and running for yet another wonderful school year.