St. Catherine Academy Begins the 2026-2027 School Year at Convocation

On Tuesday, August 18, the St. Catherine of Siena Academy community gathered for Convocation to begin the 2026-2027 school year.

Principal Hehs opened the morning by introducing this year’s theme: Threshold & Compass.

Two ordinary words, but together they give our community a simple reminder for the year ahead: Jesus is our True North.

A threshold allows us to move from one place to another. We are constantly stepping over thresholds, leaving something behind and stepping into something new. Throughout the year, our students will experience many different thresholds. They may move from fear to courage, curiosity to wisdom, or from learning about their faith to living it.

Principal Hehs reminded students that a compass does not point in every possible direction. It points to one: North. In the same way, Jesus does not simply show us the way. He is the way.

The theme gives our community something simple to return to throughout the year. As we face new experiences, challenges, and opportunities to grow, we can ask ourselves where we are headed and whether we are keeping Jesus at the center.

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Welcome to Our New Faculty and Staff

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Convocation also gave us the opportunity to welcome three new members of the St. Catherine community.

Amy Skrent | Social Studies Faculty

Amy joins SCA with 16 years of classroom experience teaching social studies at Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor. She has taught courses including AP U.S. History, Psychology, Economics, and Modern Western Civilization. Amy also brings extensive experience in student leadership and school events through her work as Student Council Advisor.

Valaria DeVos | Director of Admissions

Valaria joins SCA after more than a decade at Powers Catholic High School, where she served as Director of Admissions and as a member of the school administration team. She brings extensive experience in enrollment management, recruitment, school events, and working with prospective students and families.

Brooke Sinnott ’21 | Mission Advancement Office, Events

Brooke returns to St. Catherine as a member of the Mission Advancement Office, where she will focus on events. A member of the Class of 2021, Brooke brings experience in development, donor events, admissions, and community engagement. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Grand Canyon University.

We are happy to welcome Amy, Valaria, and Brooke to SCA and look forward to having them as part of our community.

As we begin the new school year, we are grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and serve together. We pray that throughout the year, we will continue to keep our hearts fixed on Jesus, our True North.

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Our Prayer for the Year

Jesus,

As we begin this new school year, help us to cross each threshold with courage and confidence.

When we are uncertain, give us wisdom.
When we are afraid, give us courage.
When we are challenged, give us perseverance.
When we are successful, give us humility.

Help us to recognize the ways You are calling us to grow and to trust You more deeply.

Keep our hearts fixed on You, our True North.

Guide our students, faculty, and staff throughout this year, and help us to support one another as we learn, grow, and serve together.

St. Catherine of Siena, pray for us.

Amen.

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