Sue Simmons
Our Lady of Fatima School
Assistant Principal
949-492-7320
this year is my 44th year of teaching and my 34th year at Our Lady of
Fatima. In my earliest years of teaching, I was fortunate enough to have
many amazing mentors in the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of
Orange. One of their many charisms (gifts) was the "joyful love of God."
Their teaching and formation of young teachers was filled with this gift and
has been my inspiration for the past forty four years. After leaving the
Sisters of St. Joseph, I was guided to Our Lady of Fatima School. I have had
the good fortune to have taught and ministered to many children over the past
thirty four years. I am now seeing some of these children return to enroll
their own children in this nurturing and caring environment.
This year I have asked to work only four days each week. I have no intention
of fully retiring for a long time to come, but do look forward to a shorter
week and an introduction to a slower pace of life and work. It is a bit
nerve-wracking to think I won't be here on Fridays! What will I miss? How
will they do without me? (Probably just fine!) I will not be doing less. I
will just fit all my responsibilities into the four days.
I will continue my work with students in the Prayer Room. Students visit
the Prayer Room once every other week. Sometimes the events of the day
guide our sharing, reflection, and prayer. At other times, we listen to the
Sunday gospel for the coming week and reflect on how Jesus' message will
guide us for the coming week. I am often awe struck by the depth of faith
and insights that even the youngest children bring to these bi-weekly
sessions.
In addition to guiding students in the Prayer room, I also plan all school
liturgies and special prayer services. I practice with all students who
take special roles in these celebrations. Students in grades 4th through
8th are encouraged to be altar servers, lectors, or gift bearers throughout
the year. The junior high music ministry elective will be the choir at all
school liturgies and prayer services.
This year, I will also be teaching 7th grade religion. I look forward to
this challenge and hope to
My title is "Vice Principal" so in additon to directing all the faith
formation for the school, I try to assume any administrative duties that
will assist Mrs. Tipton with her challenging job. I am always available to
talk to any students who just need a good listener to hear them out.
I look forward to a wonderful year of ministry with students and parents.
