As our school year here at St. Francis comes to a close we prepared to say “Thank You” to seven of our teachers who are anticipating Retirement. This was no easy task. When Sister Mary Ann brain stormed with the rest of the Faculty it was decided that an open house here in our school cafeteria would be best.With 60 years of teaching represented amongst the group there would be a lot of students and parents who might want to recognize their dedication. And so it was that the school cafeteria was transformed, in the words of one of the teachers into “Heaven”.
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- Brother Patrick and Sister Annette arrange the food as Sister Elena guides the process.
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- Sister Elena and the 3rd grade class made the clever pencil flower table center pieces.
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- The honorees table is tastefully completed under the work and talent of Sisters Mary Ann and Kathleen.
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- One of our Hispanic parents made us a very impressive piano “Thank You” cake.
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- The individual banners behind the table were an inspiration of Sister Kathleen’s.
Our Retirees gathered as did their families and former students and parents.
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- Many pictures were taken to remember this occasion.
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- The world’s longest roses!
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- Gifts for the teachers from former students.
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- Good food, good friends, good sharing…
As the evening moved on Sister Mary Ann and Father Greg addressed the gathered group and teachers to express gratitude for all they had done for our students here at St. Francis and asked Gods’ blessings upon each of them in their retirement. Mr. Harrison our music teacher gathered the retirees and each expressed their heartfelt words for the blessings which were theirs during their years at St. Francis school. Mr. Harrison summed it up well when he said; “I have never worked for so little and enjoyed my work so much as here at St. Francis”.
It only felt natural then for the Friars and Sisters to sing “The Blessing of St. Francis ” for our retirees.
