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May 24, 2018
Tom Burke
Linda Kinkade has been a Catholic school educator for 35 years, 31 at St. Patrick School in Larkspur. Her path at St. Pat’s started with her teaching third grade, then teaching sixth and eighth grade. She later became a math specialist and assistant principal and then principal. Linda will retire at end of this school year.
“A Catholic school education is a lifelong influence on a child and helps shape the minds, values, faith, and character of children who will grow into our future leaders,” Linda told me via email.
“I will miss our school and parish community. I will miss our students and our teachers. I will miss the challenge of the job and having the privilege of working with so many dedicated people who are devoted to Catholic education and excellence.”
Retirement will take Linda to San Diego. “I will join a new parish and explore options for volunteering. I am excited about experiencing a new beginning!”
For those entering the teaching profession Linda advises staying calm: “Remember that there isn’t a problem or an issue that won’t eventually be resolved so never lose sleep at night. Depend on your prayers to comfort you. Truly, don’t sweat the small stuff or the large stuff.”
Susan Naretto has been at St. Isabella School, San Rafael for six years. She will retire as principal at end of this school year. Susan also served for 16 years at Catholic schools in Santa Barbara.
“I am so grateful that I was able to end my career in education as a Catholic school educator,” Susan told me via email. Her best moments at St. Isabella have been many including “hiring some outstanding classroom teachers, hiring an art teacher and establishing an art show, reviving the garden program, and singing with the students during Masses.”
Susan’s being principal allowed her to enjoy time with all students at St. Isabella’s. She cherishes them all including “listening to the kindergarteners share their writing with me” and “playing in the annual eighth grade and faculty kickball game.” In retirement, Susan looks forward to travel, reading, gardening and visiting family.”
REUNION: Alumnae numbering more than 140 from San Francisco’s St. John Ursuline High School gathered April 15 at San Francisco’s United Irish Cultural Center for the school’s annual all-school reunion. “Not bad for a school that has been closed for almost 30 years,” said alumnae president Theresa Keane in a note to this column. Theresa said they “were thrilled to have Ursuline sisters in attendance” including Sister Dianne Baumunk, Sister Lillian Repak, Sister Michelle Domecus and Sister Shirley Garibaldi. Nancy Halloran ‘68, wrote and recited a poem reminding alumnae how grateful all should be for what the Ursuline Sisters taught them. Golden Diplomas were presented to each of the 1968 graduates. Pictured from left are alumnae sisters Maggie Murphy ‘79, Mary Murphy ‘77, Shelia Murphy ‘75, Cathy Murphy Cooper ‘68 and Clare Murphy ‘67. The women’s family connection to St. John’s also includes their mom Eileen Albrecht Murphy ‘37, aunts Kathleen Albrecht Morris ‘39, and Margaret Albrecht Murray ‘41, and cousin Jeanne Morris Petrini ‘64. The school has active alumnae from Class of ‘52 to the Class of ’89.
A DAY FOR US ALL: Everyone is welcome to the episcopal ordination of Bishop-designate Robert F. Christian, OP, June 5, 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Bishop-designate Christian attended San Francisco’s St. Brendan School and St. Ignatius College Prep and has served caringly and well in his 48 years as a Dominican friar. A reception follows the Mass in the cathedral’s downstairs halls. I have had the privilege to witness Bishop Carlos Sevilla, SJ; Bishop Patrick J. McGrath; Archbishop John C. Wester; Bishop William J. Justice: Bishop Robert McElroy; Bishop Ignatius Wang; and Bishop Thomas Daly enter the bishops’ ranks. Prayers and good wishes for Bishop-designate Christian as he does the same. Remember, the Mass is another opportunity to take advantage of the livestreaming the Office of Communications has brought to cathedral special events at www.sfarchdiocese.org.
WINNING SCRIBES: YMI St. John Bosco Council #613 presented scholarship awards totaling $17,000 to winners of its annual essay contest April 14. “The award banquet was attended by nearly 200 people and all enjoyed a wonderful Italian meal beforehand prepared by the brothers and wives of YMI Council #613,” Mike Amato, president, told me in a note to this column. Contestants including students from sixth grade through college wrote on topics including the period of time they’d travel to if they could; the famous person they would invite to speak at their school and why; the one piece of advice would they would give to high school freshmen. Pictured from left are some of the top winners: Jack Kavanagh, St. Thomas More; Katelyn Chang, Sacred Heart Cathedral; Mike Amato; Amaelia Bringas, St. Thomas More; Juliana Kavanagh, Skyline College; Krystal Cheng, UCLA; Marie Althaus, El Camino High School; Ainsley Rosenthal, El Camino High School.
Email items and electronic pictures – hi-res jpegs – to burket@sfarch.org or mail to Street, One Peter Yorke Way, San Francisco 94109. Include a follow-up phone number. Street is toll-free. Reach me at (415) 614-5634; email burket@sfarch.org.