Message from Marguerite Celestin 

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."

I do not know the author of this meaningful quotation, but I have heard it many times. In today's world of economic struggle, world conflicts, political questions, critical unemployment, global warming,we can get overwhelmed or apathetic. We can also respond with a strong, positive, caring spirit. We can teach our students about peace and justice; we can share our faith with them and give them hope. We can guide them in all things right and honest. We can teach them to be responsible members of the community-reaching out to those who have less than we do; reaching out to build our community through service. If we do not do these things then we have not lived up to our calling and we have lost an opportunity to make the world a better place. We can truly make a difference!

•     Annual Giving - Thanks to the generosity of so many, last year we raised a total of over $110,000. Every student as well as faculty and staff member has been touched by the program! Through the generosity of many people we have been able to accomplish quite a few aspects of our Strategic Plan. Equipment and software has been purchased to enhance teaching and further the learning of our students. Many teachers attended professional conferences to improve their teaching. A seed fund for the Faculty Career Ladder has been established. Several of our benefactors have funded partial tuition scholarships. Furthermore, this year SSA is providing over $100,000 in tuition assistance to our families in need. I know these are difficult times and yet we need your generosity more than ever. We are hoping for 100% participation of our families. Please join us at whatever level you can. Each individual gift goes a long way to make a difference. I am very grateful for your participation and support of this program.
•    Campus Pavilion and Grotto landscaping - Our Family Picnic was held in the Pavilion for the first time. This was completed last year for the enjoyment and use of our students and teachers. Improvements were also made to the Grotto with the stones featuring our Benedictine Pillars of Prayer, Work, Study, and Community. A "Memory Walk" encircles the Grotto with pavers to honor individuals yet to be done. Thanks to the generosity of our donors through the Centennial Fund which has made this project possible.
•    Chapel - I invite you to visit the chapel for prayer whenever you have the chance. The chapel is open daily during school hours. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every first Friday of the month. Communion Service every Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. May God bless all our benefactors who have made this chapel possible.

It is through a good education and a strong faith that we are able to change our view of the world and respond to these facts with optimism and hope. Our task as Catholic educators is to help guide our students toward a view of the world that is filled with opportunity and challenge. When we take charge of our lives and reach beyond the difficult spaces in which we sometimes find ourselves, then we see that God takes the ordinary things of this world and lifts them to Himself to be made sacred. We need to look through the messy life situations to find out where God is leading us and respond wholeheartedly to His invitation to grow. All of us: teachers and parents who see life as a gift can help our young people develop an attitude toward the world that is life-giving.

May God bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand. You are always in our prayers.

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Marguerite S. Celestin

President

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Please let your friends and family know that SSA Open House is Sunday, November 4, 2012, sign in at 12:30 p.m. with a presentation at 1:00 p.m. in the gym.  If you need additional information, or know a student that is interested in our shadow program, contact Elaine Simmons, Advancement Director at (985) 892-2540 x132 or esimmons@ssacad.com

Alum board President Missie Arata Noel '84, Patricia Clerc Jackson '61, and Meg Williams '79 volunteered at the Dove Golf Classic on

 October 5, 2012

SCHOOL MASSES-The faculty and staff of SSA invite all alumnae to the school Masses held in the Gym.  Please join us on Thursday, November 1 at 9:15 a.m. for the All Saints Day Mass. We hope to see you there!