Head of School Update & Reminders – December 17, 2021

Aloha Saint Mark Parents,

I hope and pray you all are doing well.  As we head into the Christmas break, I’m writing with the latest updates and reminders (COVID-19 and others). It has been awhile since I’ve written, so please forgive me if this message seems a bit long.  I assure you that it’s worth a read 🙂

COMMUNITY CONDITIONS WORSENING 
After trending down for several months, the current numbers (which are available on the Hawaii Data Collaborative) have shown a marked increase in the past few weeks in our community and schools. There are currently 2,842 active cases of COVID-19 in Hawaii. The 7-day state average listed below represents a 198% increase in the past 14 days.
Current Numbers – The 7-day state average of reported daily new cases is 297 (251 on O`ahu)
December 1 Numbers – The 7-day state average of reported daily new cases is 98 (51 on O`ahu)

RISING CASE COUNTS – CAUSE for CAUTION but NOT ALARM
These growing COVID-19 numbers are certainly not good news, especially in light of the new omicron variant and approaching winter months where many will be gathering indoors.  However, these increases are not a reason to panic or be alarmed.  We have all been through several COVID-19 cycles of both increasing and decreasing transmission rates over the past 20+ months.

Through all of these ups and downs, Saint Mark has remained vigilant in monitoring the latest COVID-19 developments and has consistently made decisions that have been well-researched, well-thought-out, and that continually puts the well-being of our students, faculty, staff and families at the forefront.  As a result of our collective efforts, we have a successful COVID-19 testing program in place along with all of our other mitigation strategies that have proven to be highly effective at keeping our students safely on-campus throughout this enduring and dynamic pandemic.

So as we head into the winter months with another possible surge on the horizon, please rest assured that Saint Mark remains confident in its practices and will continue to calmly and carefully manage whatever challenges may come our way. We will also keep our families very well-informed of any necessary updates/changes to our policies or procedures.

SAINT MARK’S COVID-19 TESTING PROGRAM
With the increased community COVID counts, I strongly encourage all of those who have not yet signed up to participate in our COVID-19 testing program to please do so.  Only students whose parents have signed and submitted a Student Consent, Waiver & Release Form for COVID-19 Rapid Testing to the school office are eligible and included in this important testing program.  Students who are not enrolled in this program are required to quarantine from school in the event of an on-campus exposure.

We therefore strongly encourage you to please download, read, sign/date and return the form to the school. Once we receive your completed consent form, your child(ren) will be considered enrolled.

LET’S GET VACCINATED
Saint Mark continues to strongly encourage all those eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine to please do so!  We understand that getting vaccinated remains our best chance of staying safe, getting Hawai`i’s kids and teachers fully back-to-school and resuming more normal/traditional school activities, and containing this enduring pandemic.

KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS and SAINT MARK PARTNERSHIP
Saint Mark is honored and humbled to have expanded its special partnership with Kamehameha Schools. This latest multi-year collaboration (which includes K-8 tuition assistance from KS, research and data sharing between the schools, and wrap-around support for families) provides opportunities for Native Hawaiian students to receive a quality faith-based education that will nurture their learning, honor their culture, and equip them with the 21st century skills needed to succeed in high school and their lives beyond.  Mahalo nui loa to Saint Mark parents Matthew Uyeoka & Mehana Maka`ina`i,  KS CEO Jack Wong, Vice President Lauren Nahme, Program Director Dr. Lisa Takatsugi, and the entire KS team for their steadfast work to continue this important collaboration.

SAINT MARK FEATURED IN HONOLULU CIVIL BEAT
Kayla Reis (grade 5) along with Saint Mark parents were featured in a Civil Beat article this week entitled, Why So Many Hawaii Families Are Opting Out Of The Public School System. If you missed it, I invite you to check it out.

Saint Mark Lutheran School student Kayla Reis was previously enrolled
at Kapunahala Elementary but started at the private school in Fall 2020. 

VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS MUSIC CONCERT
As was shared yesterday, Mrs. Alyssa Hutchens (with technical support from Mr. Hutchens, Mr. Markillie and Pastor Dan) has created a wonderful virtual Christmas concert featuring performances by all of our K-8 students. We know that a video does not replace the excitement of an in-person event, but we nevertheless hope that you enjoy this opportunity to share in a little musical fun as we celebrate the art of music during this special Christmas season. The “Christmas Story” is being presented by K- 6 music classes, beginning band, middle school band, and upper middle school narrators. The video concert is available on Saint Mark’s YouTube Channel.

WONDERFUL 2nd QUARTER
After a somewhat challenging 1st quarter which included multiple classes (and their siblings) being quarantined, we had a much smoother 2nd quarter with no known COVID-19 cases on campus.  From exciting science labs and the exhausting Turkey Trot to weekly chapels and advent celebrations, the students enjoyed a fun and educational quarter full of edifying activities as well as meaningful personal interactions.

SUCCESSFUL VOLLEYBALL SEASON
The Varsity Volleyball season ended last week with a third place victory for the girls and a hard fought loss for the boys. Despite the win/loss records, the students were excited to have had the opportunity to resume interscholastic competition.  Congratulations goes to all the players (Kyah Akiu, Ke’oli Bowman, Amaya Brayce, Josephine Callejo, Hayden Catrett, Dori Chang, Kaila DeMaddis, Karsyn Dulay-Gorai, Kain Faufata, Kimokeo Fontanilla, Landen Fukumoto, Imai Goodhue, Mihakeaulana Goodhue, Spencer Kaonohi, Caden Lill, Malia Marriott, Camiah Mata-Dudoit, Eva Rosario, Samantha Severino, Taylor Tehada, Kallie Torres, Kamelehone Trueman, Savanna Truesdell, Kawena Wilson and Kelcie Wong) along with Athletics Director/Coach, Mr. Markillie and Assistant Coach, Ms. Shiroma for a fun and successful season.

K-8 PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES in JANUARY
Saint Mark has scheduled Parent-Teacher Conferences for K-8 students the second week of January.  To allow adequate time for the conferences, the K-8 students will have half day on Friday, January 14.
The K-8 pick-up times for Friday, January 14 are as follows:
        11:15 to 11:30 a.m. for grades K-2
        11:30 to 11:45 a.m. for grades 3-5
        11:45 to 12:00 p.m. for grades 6-8

CHRISTMAS BREAK OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL
For those families who are planning to travel out-of-state over the Christmas break, we kindly remind you that while Saint Mark doesn’t have additional requirements for travel, parents must follow all state and city requirements regarding out-of-state travel and quarantining.  In accordance with state and city requirements, an unvaccinated student (or any other unvaccinated person) is currently required to get a 72-hour pre-travel COVID-19 test in order to avoid the state’s mandatory 10-day quarantine.

MAHALO and ALOHA to MRS. AKAKA
It is with mixed emotions that we bid a fond farewell to our long-time educational assistant and good friend – Mrs. Karen Akaka.  For the past 21 years she has been a reliable and ever-present pillar of Saint Mark (working mostly with kindergarten & before care), and she will be sorely missed.  Please join me as we thank, congratulate and wish Mrs. Akaka all the best as she retires and relocates to the mainland.  Happy Retirement!  We love you and will miss you!  Please come and visit.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & MAHALO
As we bid farewell to another challenging year, the faculty, staff and administration of Saint Mark profoundly thank our families for their patience and overall commitment – especially in these extremely difficult times – and pray that every one of you are able to slow down this Christmas season long enough to relax and enjoy the full splendor of our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau`oli Makahiki hou!

Mahalo, Blessings and Stay Safe over the Christmas Break,

David Gaudi
Head of School

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)