After much anticipation on the part of staff and students at St. James School, year two has officially started.

Recently, the staff has been very busy preparing lessons, organizing classroom and other building space, and delicately attempting to balance rest with continuous readying for this big day. Supporters, volunteers and other friends of St. James School have also been on hand in the past few weeks to help touchup paint in various spaces, move furniture and cleanup.

But at 8:30am, not a soul was doing a thing but waiting to hear the names of the incoming class of 2015 and 2016, and welcome them to the start of year two at St. James School.

The bells of the Church of St. James the Less rang at precisely 8:30, calling the 5th and 6th grade students to lineup along the slate walkways leading to the school’s broad, highly recognized red doors. Executive Director David Kasievich announced the success of year one and the hope for another successful academic year filled with expanded programs and partnerships. School Principal Laura Dimery followed, announcing the names of each 6th grade student, while guests — numbering over 20 — were asked to respond with the school’s slogan (Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve) after each name.

The 5th grade class was then announced individually by name with a fine addition: each 6th grade student presented a 5th grade student with their blazer to welcome them to the school. Once all names were called, a closing prayer was spoken by school co-founder Father Sean Mullen, and the students entered one-by-one, shaking the hands of school staff on their way inside.

Guests proceeded to gather inside the school for refreshments and conversation, but more importantly to see the completed renovations to the 6th grade classroom made possible by many wonderful donors through our Opening Doors campaign.

You can see their names here >

Students immediately began day one of class. Teachers and instructional assistants focused much of the day on orientation and procedures, but it was clear that all were excited for the 2012-2013 year to begin.