by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
A convocation, which is a group of people formally assembled for a special purpose, took place Aug. 26 in the Great Hall on campus to welcome new and returning St. John’s Prep students, faculty and staff.
A student from each country represented at SJP walked into the Hall carrying his or her country’s flag. Abbot John Klassen, OSB, gave a blessing for a great academic year.
SJP students in grades 6-12 started the new school year with a full day of classes on Aug. 26.
Director of Communications and Events Jill Pauly said this is the school’s second year of an iPad program and all students will again have their own iPads to use during the school year. She said the school has been able to save on the amount of paper, textbooks and other resources by using the iPads.
Principal Matthew Reichert said the school used about 70 percent less paper during the first year of using the iPad program. He said this resulted in significant cost savings with purchasing paper, ink, toner, staples and more, and also resulted in less waste and saved time for teachers. The time saved can be added to class time and preparation.
Reichert said SJP also saved about 50 percent on textbook costs. He said with the addition of iPads and the use of electronic books, they will be able to stay more current with textbooks because they cost significantly less than hardcover books.
contributed photo
St. John’s Prep seniors Diego Castano (left) from Ecuador and Ellen Arnold (right) from Kimball, Minn. lead the procession of flags to the Great Hall during convocation Aug. 26 at the prep school in Collegeville. Students from each country represented at SJP walked the campus carrying their country’s flag.