As students become older, they grow into their roles as leaders of the school. Students have several responsibilities and opportunities to contribute their skills to their school, city, and worldly communities. Many of our students live a service-focused life through student council, school events & fundraisers, buddying up with the lower grades, and providing services to the Church. This year our students took on a service project called Operation Sunflower. Students empathized with the people of Ukraine and wanted to send them their prayers and support. They understood the importance of giving to those in need and our middle schoolers prepared sunflower seed bundles to sell! All proceeds went to the Christian Relief Services to help feed and shelter those who had fled from their homes. Thank you SJOG middle schoolers for leading by example and always thinking of others!

Our faith is strengthened as we read and connect with different types of scripture. Students are encouraged to connect personally to the word of God and reflect on the purpose and meaning during bible study. As we connect personally to our faith, we also grow in understanding our Church history. Knowing the history of our church solidifies our faith understanding and shows us how Saints led by example and kindness. Our sense of community thrives as we join Fr. Raymond on a retreat. Our retreat started with a mass held on the beach. The beautiful experience was followed by paddling on a canoe with our friends. Fr. Raymond guided our students through the process and showed students his trust in them. It was a fun day to experience the beauty and peacefulness of God’s world.

During the year students have several opportunities to complete science labs, projects, and various STEM activities! Students applied their knowledge to real world situations as we created city structures that used a series of parallel circuits to keep the lights on! We also attended our first annual Knott’s Physics day, where students were able to apply their math and science skills at the theme park.  Physics day was a great way to demonstrate the science that deals with matter, energy, motion, and force in a modern-day roller coaster.     Students had a great time joining the competitions, solving problems, and building community!