News, 2022 - 2023

December 21, 2022

The Christmas program was a great success this evening! Oldest to youngest, they all recited and sang with excellence! They invested hours in memorizing and practicing, and their hard work certainly paid off, because the whole program was enjoyable and so very well done. Congratulations, students! We're proud of you!

Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year!

October 18, 2022

St Martha Catholic Church was the destination for the honor roll field trip today. We spent a few minutes exploring the 10th Street boat ramps bayfront area, then arrived at St Martha just before 10:00, where we gathered for a group photo. Sara Brinn, office manager and parish secretary, welcomed us at the front steps and brought us into the sanctuary.

She told us that St Martha Catholic Church was built in 1941, and is kind of the mother church to the other Catholic churches in the area. St. Martha Catholic Church is also the parent church of St. Martha Catholic School/Bishop Nevins Academy and Cardinal Mooney High School. This church is known as the circus church, because the Ringling Brothers circus folks were involved and made this their home. Fr. George, lately arrived from Poland to his new assignment here, spoke for a few minutes on the significance of the various fixtures, including the altar, the baptismal basin, the stained glass windows, the confessional booth, and several other things.

Ms. Brinn then took us to a room where Vietnamese mass is held, and there she introduced the students to another circus artifact, Leo the lion, taxidermied and at repose in his circus carriage.

Leaving there, we visited Selby Library, then headed out through a light rain to Chick-fil-A for food. After lunch, we walked UTC mall, which was great fun.

October 14, 2022

Grades 4 - 12 celebrated their survival of first quarter chaos with a party today.

We began the day with a special guest, Katie B., who told her life story. Then we broke out the snacks and started the fun: face painting, balloon animals, spike ball, balloon smash, balloon volleyball, and softball filled the day and helped burn off lots of energy! 

After a quick lunch, we completed our cleaning chores, then walked to 7-Eleven for Slurpees. Lots of horns were honked along the way - it was great fun!

Now we're officially ready for the second quarter.

September 28 - October 3, 2022

Hurricane Ian roared ashore just south of us, after earlier predictions had him hitting us directly. Initial estimates place him at the fifth-costliest storm in Florida history. He has done enormous damage across the state, particularly in the Ft. Myers / Sanibel Island / Pine Island areas.

We are grateful to have been spared as much as we were, though there was visible damage. One school house window was weak enough to let some of the storm in; there was evidence inside on students' desks. The school grounds were littered with tree debris, including at least one major tree and other large limbs. Quite a few school families lost electricity, some for several hours, others for several days.

This was  a major event in our young people's lives, one they will never forget.

September 6, 2022

Today was the first day of school for Andre Y! He walked into the school house this morning with a smile on his face and optimism in his soul, ready to tackle Kindergarten. We welcome you to the Sunnyside School family, and we wish you well on this journey, Andre!

Bon voyage!

August 22, 2022

School opened today; the students arrived bright-eyed and optimistic! After chapel, they eagerly tackled their books, and got some work done. There was lots to keep track of as they settled into the familiar habits and patterns of classroom procedures. They did really well! Of course, it was a short day, so wrap-up time came quickly. We dismissed at noon, and tomorrow is Day 2! Great job today, students!

August 11, 2022

Orientation was a lively affair this evening! Students arrived with backpacks in tow, eager faces looking for old friends and new desks. Moms and Dads enjoyed visiting over Orange Punch and Ranch Pretzels (thanks, school board wives!) while the children popped in and out of classrooms and played games on the playground.

We are looking forward to exciting adventures this year! We are confident that God will bless His work as we honor Him in the ministry of the school.

We'll see you all on Monday!

August 4, 2022

Big news! The yearbooks have arrived! Crammed with pictures of school life, this will be a treasured resource of memories for many years to come. Get a copy for each child and grandparent, they will love you for it!

Copies will be available at Orientation on Thursday, August 11, 7:00 - 8:30, for only $10 each.

July 17, 2022

The school house is sparkling clean thanks to all the beautiful people who showed up ready to work! The project began at 8:00 this morning, with dads and moms scrubbing, dusting, repairing, and rebuilding. Inside, all the walls and desks were wiped down, windows cleaned, and closets organized. Outside, the playground was given a facelift with fresh mulch. Even the teeter-totters were retired and replaced with a new set.

Everything looks amazing! Many thanks to everyone who helped get the work done!