Dear Parents,

These last few days we have been overwhelmed by the love, support, and prayers of so many who mourn with the Greig Family and the St. Cecilia community over the loss of Janessa and Jacki.

As you know, grief counselors have been available Monday through Thursday. In addition to Ms. Mary McManus and Sr. Ann Gilchrist, there have been counselors from our local high schools: S.I., Riordan, and Mercy, SF. Barbara Elordi, from the Archdiocesan Office of Pastoral Ministry and Kevin Gogin, from Support Services for SFUSD were also available to meet with children. Children met with these counselors either individually or in small groups. Some children self-initiated these conversations while others were referred by parents and teachers. As of Monday, September 20, Ms. Mary McManus and Sr. Ann Gilchrist will continue to be available. Please don’t hesitate to call the school office if you have a concern about your child and would like him/her to meet with a counselor.

Yesterday James Greig met with the eighth graders. While this was an emotional and touching time, it was also a grace-filled moment as James expressed his love and thanks to Janessa’s friends.

We want to remind you about the funeral arrangements at St. Cecilia Church:
Vigil Service Thursday, September 16, 7:00 p.m.
Students do not wear their uniforms to this service. There is no reserved seating! There will be a reception in the Pavilion hosted by the Mothers’ Club.

Funeral Mass Friday, September 17, 11:00 a.m.
Uniforms should be worn by any student who attends. There will be a reserved section in the Church for the Eighth Graders and their families only. If other students are attending, they should be seated with their parents. Please be aware that parking and seating will be limited given the large number expected to attend both Church services. Following the burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, there will be a reception in the Pavilion hosted by the Mothers’ Club.

Our school will NOT be in session on Friday September 17.


Now on to the more mundane!
STANDARDIZED TESTING
We begin standardized testing for Grades 2-8 on Monday, September 20 and continue through the week. Children should be well-rested and have a nutritious breakfast!

MANDATORY PARENT MEETING
We will have our Mandatory Parent Meeting on Thursday, September 23, at 7:00 P.M., in the Pavilion. At this time members of the school Finance Committee will present a school financial report. At least one parent from each family MUST attend. If this is not possible, please contact Sr. Marilyn before the meeting date.


Thank you and God bless you!

Monsignor Harriman and Sister Marilyn