The Future is Bright

The community of Saint John Vianney Catholic School provides a Christ-centered education by sharing faith and imparting quality academics to ensure a strong future for the students entrusted to our care. We proudly serve students in VPK, Pre-k, Kindergarten & Grades 1-8. Call now to schedule a tour (727) 360-1113.

Principal's Letter

Dear Parents of Spartans:

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Joseph Campbell said, “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” It is hard to believe that today marks 19 years since the 9/11 tragedy occurred in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, PA. It is hard to believe that the babies that were born following that terrible event are entering college as Freshman. Most people remember that sunny day in early September of 2001 like it was yesterday. Many people know someone who was involved directly. It is a piece of our American history that we can never forget. We must always remember the victims and their families. We must remember those who never came home. We must remember the many, many heroes who ran into the building while everyone else was running out. They gave of their lives so selflessly and without a thought. They did not know when they walked into the police station or the fire station that morning that they would be facing devastation and tragedy beyond belief. They did not know that, in many cases, this would be their last day on earth. Many of them had families, people at home that loved them. Yet, without hesitation they arrived on the scene and went right to work, tirelessly trying to save as many people as they possibly could. They ran in and out of buildings, up and down stairs and from person to person. Sadly, many of them lost their lives when the buildings suddenly, and unexpectedly, collapsed as the rest of the world watched in horror and shock. 

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So many people lost their lives that day. There were 265 people on the four planes. 2,753 were lost at the World Trade Center. 184 perished at the Pentagon. Of those numbers 343 were firefighters and 71 were policemen. 9/11 hits very close to home for me as my neighbor at my parents’ lake house was a firefighter on the scene during the 9/11 attacks. He does not really speak about that day but his wife has told us just how horrific it was for him and all the men that he worked with. His family did not know for three days whether he was alive or dead. After the attacks, that year he attended over two hundred funerals. His children witnessed funeral processions in their town every day for nearly a year. He is now retired and lives part time in Florida actually. I think about Pete running into those buildings. He and all the firemen and police officers running in and out, up and down fully geared but thinking only of other people.  They are true heroes. 

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Today is 9/11, a day of remembrance. It is also a day to thank all those who protect us, save us and who would lay down their life for a stranger. As someone once said “Heroes are the people who do what has to be done regardless of the consequences.”

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Have a great weekend.

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Please read the full letter below from Mrs. Fortier

"The Future Belongs to Those who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams."

Eleanor Roosevelt

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