Archdiocese School Board visits St. Joseph School in Chehalis

CHEHALIS — The Archdiocesan School Board visited St. Joseph School in Chehalis, the third gathering of the type the school board has scheduled with schools outside the metropolitan Puget Sound region.

Structured as a town hall meeting, the Oct. 8 gathering gave school board members an enhanced and personal understanding about the St. Joseph school community.

Father Stephen Rowan, vicar for education and superintendent of Catholic schools, opened the meeting and introduced the school board members, each of whom asked a question. The first was for Dolly Tardiff, Parent’s Club president. “What do you see as the strengths of St. Joseph School?”

“Faith-based education sets a good tone in being respectful of others,” answered Tardiff. “Once these behaviors are learned I see more respectful behavior at home.”

Tardiff mentioned  a number of other strengths, including the one-on-one attention her daughter receives from her teacher, the safe and welcoming environment, the opportunity for parent involvement, and also the uniforms, stating the kids look sharp in them.

School leaders also responded to board member questions.  Kendra Meek, principal, and Father Tuan Nguyen, pastor, addressed the challenges the school has faced concerning enrollment as well as the positive response by parents and parishioners whenever a need presented itself. Marketing, the board was told, improved enrollment even within one year.

Among the others who shared their personal stories was  student Kaylan Granorff who  talked about the many co-curricular activities in which she participates as well as the opportunity to take part in the parish and liturgy.  John Braun, parent and co-chair of the school commission, told the story of his children coming home to play school.  When he asked them, “Why are you playing school after spending a long day there?”  His children responded, “Because school is fun”.

The host school took advantage of this special meeting to show off the unique Catholic education it offers the community of Lewis county.  Principal Meek and Father Nguyen guided the board through a tour of the school, visiting each of the classrooms — preschool through eighth grade. In the science lab, Ian Ward, sixth grade student, performed an experiment for the group, demonstrating the dynamics of motion. In the fourth grade classroom three students recited knowledge about the Presidents of the United States, states and capitals, and the countries found in northern Europe.

Father Rowan closed the meeting with thanks for the hospitality and the informative meeting, and presented a gift of $1,500 for St. Joseph School to be use for its curriculum.

Archdiocesan schools comprise the ninth largest school district in Washington state. Within its 25,000 square mile territory all of the public school districts in Western Washington.