PICTURED ABOVE: Did you know that the current issue of Go Kailua magazine includes a celebration of LJA's 60th anniversary with a 3-page editorial spread? The article, 'Le Jardin Academy Celebrates 60 Years' shares the school's history, this years' plans to celebrate, and what's ahead for LJA. The article also features interviews with Head of School Earl Kim, Dean of Experiential Education and Community Partnerships Christina Hoe, and Dean of Students Vicki McNeill. #throwbackthursday #celebrating60years Aloha kākou,
I don't know how many times I've been asked to share what I miss most about pre-COVID times or the first thing that I will do when this era ends, but I do know that I don't share, often enough, appreciation for all that we've been given and all that we have.
I can point to innumerable tangible "gifts". The gift of an incredible teaching faculty and support staff who have made all that we enjoy on campus safe and possible. Teaching is a "calling" at LJA, and teachers continuously go the extra mile to every learner. Our support staff is a glue that holds this 'ohana together, brightening our days with cheerful words, and helping hearts and hands. The many gifts of parents and friends who go above and beyond, help others and bring a little sunshine by sharing their aloha. The gift of coming together as a community to feel connected and entertained thanks to an innovative networking platform to kick-off our 60th Anniversary celebration--which, hosted by our own LJA students, Aria and Rocket, is a must see! Tangible gifts for which to be thankful abound.
Then, there are the intangible and priceless gifts:
As we prepare for a well deserved Spring Break, please take a moment to appreciate and share a little self-congratulations on what we have accomplished together. This community of 1,500 students, families, and staff make individual choices each day to collectively keep our community safe, and to positively impact the world.
We started the year with the theme, "Together, we've got this," and together we have. As we return from Break and gear-up for end-of-year rites and celebrations, let's double down on that which brought us to this place: kōkua, the sacrificial giving of oneself that others might thrive.
A hui hou, 2021-22 SCHOOL CALENDAR The 2021-22 school calendar is now available on our website. To view and download a pdf version, click here. COMMUNITY WORKDAYS Join in the 60th anniversary celebration by participating in a series of Community Workdays at Kawainui Marsh on April 24, May 8 and June 5 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Projects will include native plantings, clearing of invasive plants, and creating rock paths. Click here to reserve your spot; please RSVP separately for each workday you will attend; details will be emailed to you prior to the event. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD NOMINATIONS: DEADLINE APRIL 9 The LJA Academic Excellence Award was established in 2018 for the purpose of recognizing and honoring academic excellence at LJA. This award is made possible by the generous donation of a current family. Each year, $1,000 cash awards are made to exemplary LJA faculty in the following four categories:
Academic Excellence in Primary Years Education, Grades Pre-K–5 Academic Excellence in Middle Years Education, Grades 6-8 Academic Excellence in High School Education, Grades 9-12 Academic Excellence in Supporting Teaching & Learning, Non-Teaching Faculty
Details for nominating a candidate for the Academic Excellence Award and more information on the selection process can be found here: NEW FAMILY AMBASSADORS NEEDED! Let's welcome our new families to our ohana! We are looking for ambassador families to reach out to new families to bring them into our community, help answer their questions, and make new friends. Just provide us with your information HERE and we will get you started. We'd love to start reaching out to our incoming 2021-22 students who have already enrolled. BLOOD DRIVE Mahalo to everyone who donated blood at the recent blood drive. Hoʻomaikaʻi to the LJA Blood Drive Crew, seniors Ethan Ravelo, Virginia Williams, Shaya Parto, and Skylar Webb.
"There were lots of familiar faces from your community and plenty of people showing off their LJA swag, said Melissa Morgan, Blood Bank of Hawaii Field Representative. I'm not sure why, but LJA consistently provides the Blood Bank with some of the rarest blood types that are always in dire need ... thank you."
Luke Thompson, LJA HS teacher and blood drive advisor noted that he is always impressed by how our Blood Drive student leaders step up to the challenge of servicing the needs of others, especially during such trying times. Their leadership through action and demonstration of awareness beyond oneself is humbling." COVID REPORTING AND HEALTH QUESTIONS If you have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, need to report a positive case, or have any COVID-19 related questions, please email school.nurse@lejardinacademy.org immediately. The school nurse can help to arrange rapid testing and will notify the DOH. CURRENT LEVEL IMPORTANT DATES March 15-19: Spring Break March 26: Prince Kuhio Day (Holiday) April 2: Good Friday (Holiday) |