Welcome back

Monday, January 3, 2011

We began the day with our 3rd Quarter Prayer service – a nice way to ask God’s blessing on staff and students as we start a new year and a new semester. 27 kids were still not here when we began the day, but several have arrived since.

For me it was a day of “wandering”.  The family service counselors work in my building on campus, and every one of them was at work early sitting in front of their computer screens and reviewing a couple of weeks worth of campus emails. They’re also making contact with the families of any students who haven’t made it back yet. I poked my head into each office to welcome them back. 

Next, I had a meeting in the Development Office. While over there, I made the rounds and did some catching up with staff about how their holidays went. Our maintenance crew is remodeling the break room and redoing some of the office space, so I checked in on their work too. We’re still answering some of the Christmas mail, but making good progress. Donors were generous to us over the holidays, and we are prayerfully grateful.

I wandered around the school, welcoming students back, and meeting the new ones who have just joined us. Some of the students looked tired – not used to waking up so early while on vacation – but they’ll soon be back in the routine. I was always hard to wake up when it came to school, but did OK once I got there.

I stopped in the Rec Center to check out the gym floor that was redone over the break – looks sharp and ready for boys’ basketball season, which starts with practice today. Then I joined the Raphael Home (1st – 3rd grade boys) for supper. After reading time, I got challenged to a game of Connect 4 and had to match my wits against the kids. I set out to let them win a few, but quickly realized I had to concentrate to win any!

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

3 thoughts on “Welcome back”

  1. Well, THANK YOU GOD’. Those children are so BLESSED that you are with them.–I have no-
    doubt that they are very PROUD of you, and
    believe me it shows, in any and all of the pictures that are seen.–They have reason to be PROUD’- Hey KIDS–take care of…
    Father Steve,… for ALL of us.
    My LOVE TO ALL,-PRAYERS too!

  2. Dear Fr. Steve,

    Once again another great update. Glad to hear that many people were so generous with donations this year.

    We worry when you say that some of the students weren’t back yet. Hope everything is okay with them and their families.

    It’s always nice to hear that the money donated to your school is put to good work.

    Wish the boys basketball team good luck from us.

    Hope you’re doing okay healthwise. Take care and will keep in touch.

    God Bless,

    Nancy & Kenny

  3. Uh huh, Father Steve…too much time off..! Gotta think again…
    It sounds like you’re feeling good, and ready to roar, though. Good ! Git a gittin’..
    Hugs
    Mia and Bob

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