Principal's Updates - 5/1/2020

Dear St. Mary of the Hills Families,

As I have been saying our school building may be closed button our teachers and students are working harder than ever. I have been fortunate to attend some of the ZOOM classes and I have been so impressed with the lesson delivery and engagement. I have to keep reminding myself that this was not the way that any of us were trained and what we have taught ourselves in such a short time is nothing short of herculean. As we enter into Teacher Appreciation Week, please take a moment out of your busy days to tell the teachers how grateful you are for them. Our profession is one that we work hard at each day and are passionate about providing the best virtual experience that they can.

As the leader I want you to know that the teachers and I meet virtually and talk often about what the Fall will look like. We know or students well and understand that not all concepts we would teach in person can be done equitably through remote learning. We will be collaborating over the summer so that we can hit the ground running understanding that we will be assessing the students early on so that we can tailor the instruction to meet all their needs.

The 8th graders and I met online and with their valued input their graduation ceremony will be postponed until the Governor lifts the stay at home orders and guides us on social gatherings. Stay tuned for more on that and the closing of this school year. We are determined to make these milestones special.

I will end this with the prayer I said this morning. It was written by Cameron Bellm (Sisters of Charity, San Antonio)

May we who are merely inconvenienced

Remember those whose lives are at stake.

May we who have no risk factors

Remember those most vulnerable.

May we who have the luxury of working from home

Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.

May we who settle in for a quarantine at home

Remember those who have no home.

As fear grips our country

Let us choose love.

During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other,