Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Today was another office day. Besides meetings, visits and phone calls, there’s a big chunk of time as an administrator taken up with reading.
Our high school staff sent me the student guidelines they’ve been working on to review. The guidelines cover topics such as:
- study expectations,
- student bill of rights,
- curfews,
- allowance and
- drug and alcohol policy.
I only see four changes in the 40 page document; staff does a thorough job each year of reviewing our policies and updating and changing where necessary. I appreciate the efforts of our team who work with the guidelines and suggest improvements for our work here at St. Joseph’s.
The auditors have been in the office wrapping up the fiscal year, and our preliminary reports are in. Overall, we were blessed even during these hard economic times. We spent less than we budgeted, and received more than our expenses. That enables us to put money aside for a rainy day … and continue our renovations. Besides the bottom line, each number in a budget report can indicate areas that are on target or need looking at. I’m grateful staff here are conscientious about staying within their own budget.
For our continuing education, our Child Services Team is recommending we read the book No Such Thing as a Bad Kid by Charlie Appelstein. Some of our students come with tough issues to deal with in their lives. While most days it’s easier to love them; some days can be very trying. The author gives many practical suggestions about what to say and do when young people act out. If we can stop from overreacting, those events can lead to greater dialogue and get at the root of what might be troubling a child. We want to stop bad behaviors, while nurturing what the child needs in the long run.
Dear Father steven, I would like to let you know that Im thinking of you at this time and you are in my prayers.
sincerly Lauren
God has truly BLESSED US, with your health improvement, and that you are going to be able to continue with all of the guidance and teachings; that you are so good at.–Of course not mentioning all of the LOVE that is shared.
I am so glad to hear that things are much better than planned in the financial part also.
Fr. Steve, you are always in my PRAYERS, and I know that GOD hears us all.
GOD BLESS’-
Cynthia
JMJ / MMM 29 July 2010
Dear Father Steve —
Just a short word to tell you that your recovery AND your work as an administrator and the many details are in my prayers. I’ve never enjoyed nitty-gritty work. But that too is God’s Work. Boy! I’m looking forward to my pay check! Love in Jesus Christ Trinity … John
Father Steve..YOU are right on target with these kids. You are the John Bosco of today…Sometimes it’s hard to believe that the answer to so many problems is to be found in ONE thing..LOVE. You love these kids, It shows..and and they know it and/or grow to know it. There is a very large lack of love in the world today..and you do more than your share to remedy that. You just keep on keeping on..remembering..LOVE is all there is..Don’t doubt it for a minute..!
In Christ..
With Love,
Mia and Bob
All (or certainly the majority) of parents love their children and try to give them their best. But the personnel at St. Joseph’s are in a unique position and the children whose lives you touch are recipients of more than some of their parents could ever be able to give them, for any number of reasons. You truly are God’s Hands on earth when it comes to these children.