Today we welcomed our students in Grades 1-8 for their first day of school, and our Preschool 3 students for their orientation. Like many of our students, I could barely sleep last night in anticipation of the opening of a new school year. No matter how many years I am in education, I still experience this same sense of anticipation each year as a new school year dawns. With God's grace, I will continue to experience this same feeling each September for many years to come.

Having experienced 13 first days of school in my K-12 school days, I well remember the feeling of walking back into school after summer break. Today was my 14th first day of school as an educator, including my time as a teacher at St. Ann, and my years as Assistant Principal and Principal at SGGA. One of the most special moments for me today was welcoming some of our 8th graders for their "final" first day of school at SGGA. I remember welcoming most of them for their very "first" first day of school in 2005 when they were in kindergarten, which also happened to be my first year at our school.

So, whether this was the "first" first day of school for your child, the "final" first day of school for your child, or someplace in between, welcome back! I am so happy that your family is here with us, and I look forward to the promise of this year!