SMA Staff Retreat at The Grotto

The start of the new school year is always filled with excitement and joy, especially when our faculty and staff comes together after a long summer away. Last week, we spent a day at The Grotto, NE Portland's National Sanctuary with 62 acres of pathways, forests, and a botanical garden that overlooks the city.

Our team spent time together growing and finding inspiration in each other and in three honored guests — Sisters Kathleen Hilton, Moe Oliver, and Mollie Reavis. Each of these distinguished women spoke about their call to religious life and how they have lived the SNJM charism and values through their varied ministries.

One of the other highlights of the retreat was spending time in the tranquil gardens at The Grotto. The reflective environment gave our faculty and staff the opportunity to center themselves for the new school year and explore how we will grow as a team throughout the year. You could hear the joyful voices of each department talking about their summers and the momentum that they will be bringing into the school year.

We are thrilled to welcome back 600 plus students in just a few short days and create an environment much like the one that we entered at the Grotto – thoughtful, inspirational and fulfilling.