August 11, 2020

Dear Parents, 

No matter what happens in the wider world, no matter what challenges we are presented as educators, the bottom line for us will always be taking seriously the trust you place in us in regards to the safety and well-being of your children. 

We have tried our best to stay ahead of the new expectations for creating an environment where quality teaching and learning can happen even during a pandemic. We have had a task force working over the summer and as a teaching staff we have met either in person or via Zoom throughout the past few months, but the reality is that the guidelines and protocols we are receiving are still evolving. Because we want the time to pay attention to the details and to rehearse new procedures and protocols before teaching them to your children, after prayer and consultation, we have made the difficult decision to delay the start of school by 1 week. 

St. Therese Catholic School will be open on Tuesday, August 25 for face to face, classroom instruction. We will still only attend Tuesday-Thursday until after Labor Day, then we will attend 5 days a week. Attached is a calendar for the month of August. In addition, this year, we will be offering Breakfast Buddies, which is before school child care, from 7:30-8:30 am for $5 per day. 

We know that children are eager to see their classrooms and that seeing for yourselves how we have set up our space with safety in mind may help calm some nerves. We will still host a time this Sunday, August 16 to drop off school supplies, get pictures with teachers and see classrooms. You may go to Classroom Visits Sign Up or our website to sign up. 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We know that this is a difficult adjustment for families a week prior and we wouldn’t have made this decision if we didn’t believe it was in the very best interest of your children. Please believe me, there is nothing we want more than to be back in session and helping your children to learn and grow in person.

St. Therese, pray for us all, 
Sheryl O’Connor

Back to school time holds so many traditions! First day pictures, dropping supplies, having to go to bed while it is still light out (I remember hating that as child!).  As much as we would love to throw open the doors and have a school wide picnic to celebrate our return to school, prudence tells us we need a more low key approach. Low key does not mean we need to give up on those other traditions, we just need to get creative about making them happen. 

In order to provide an opportunity for classroom pictures, time to chat with teachers, and drop off any school supplies, we have a sign up for family slots. By spacing families out, we can give everyone a chance to come in and see their new classroom, get time for all those classic pictures, and maybe be able to calm a few of those first day jitters. 

Please use this link to sign up for a time on Sunday, August 16. We will start right after Mass and go through 2 pm. Please enter the school through the doors on the west (playground) side of the building. 

We will also have our uniform closet available in the gym.

St. Therese Catholic School will strive to provide a quality education to every child, every day in a safe Christian environment that is rich in Catholic heritage and traditions. 

“Miss no opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”  

St. Therese of Lisieux

Welcome to St. Therese Catholic School! Located in the Diocese of Kalamazoo, we serve the children and families of Wayland and the surrounding communities in pre-school through fifth grade. If you are considering a Catholic School education for your child, please reach out to us. We would love to show you around! No child is ever turned away from St. Therese Catholic School because of financial need. 

With much regret,the Joseph T. and Dorothy P. Permoda Charitable Education Fund committee has decided to cancel this year's 8th Annual St. Therese School Golf Outing scheduled for July 11th due to the COVID pandemic and the health risks posed in social gatherings. 

To the generous donors and participants from the past 7 years, we are eternally grateful. 

We are excited to ask that you consider our virtual fundraiser for St. Therese School this year! The School will have an online donation site available after July 15th for anyone who wishes to give to this cause that our parents believed in so whole-heartedly. We will share the link once it goes "live". During the interim, cash donations or checks will be very welcomed by the School. Please make checks out to St. Therese Catholic School. Clearly marked donations may be left in the offering basket, or at the parish or school offices.

We look forward to seeing everyone on 07-10-2021 to golf and celebrate once again in our 9th Annual Event. We pray that these words find all in good health. May God bless everyone, and God bless St. Therese Catholic School. 

Thank-you, 

The Permoda Family 

St. Therese Catholic School 

430 S. Main Street
Wayland Michigan 49348
269.792.2016

Happy Summer! 

In this link you will find information about: 
1. Teacher Assignments and Supply Lists
2. Virtual Academic Camp, July 20-24
3. Update on Reopening and Continuity of Learning Plans
4. FACTS Family Portal access and Tuition Payment

RENEW is a new program created by Trauma Recovery Associates in response to the current pandemic. In light of the distress experienced by many people, we will present information about Refreshing, Enriching, and Nourishing Essentials for Wellbeing.

Learn more here