As we close out this academic year with our students, I want to thank you for the opportunity to partner with you for the sake of your child’s growth. It has been our complete and total privilege to do so. In fact, I consider it a sacred trust. Cognizant of the fact that this choice is a huge financial sacrifice, allow me to reassure you that, as you continue to make this choice, you are not only providing your child with a lifelong gift, but, through him/her/them you are providing a gift to our world!
I am very aware that you, as parents, not only work hard to provide this education, but you work diligently as the primary educators of your children. You nurture and monitor your child’s development constantly:
- in every conversation which helps reframe perceptions
- in experiences you provide which broaden horizons
- in having the strength to provide clear, age-appropriate boundaries
- in creating a home atmosphere which models the Goals and Criteria
- in guidance with choices
- in the respectful, consistent use of consequences
- in providing support in developmentally predictable struggles
- in always communicating your love and care in the midst of it all
Through your and our collective efforts, much GROWTH has indeed occurred. Throughout the course of the year I have seen the following:
- Acquisition of new knowledge in each academic discipline
- Development in analytic, creative or synthetic thinking
- Increased skill in organization, work ethic and stamina to execute on goals
- Maturation relative to self-knowledge, self-acceptance and acceptance of others
- Heightened awareness of that which is right and that which is wrong
- Growth in the capacity to choose one’s behaviors in accordance with Christ-centered values
- Increased awareness of the needs of others
- Maturity to make choices that are sensitive to those needs
- Heightened awareness of the ways in which our hearts can be opened to the amazing and unconditional Love of God, Creator of the Universe, whom we can come to know through and in the person of Jesus the Christ.
So, thank you for being those other adults, who, with help have tried hard to facilitate the growth that will eventuate into beautiful-hearted young men and women who develop the gifts God has given them, and who use those gifts to contribute positively to their family, their community and their world.
May God bless each and every one of you throughout these summer weeks ahead and we look forward to seeing you in late August.
Maureen Glavin, rscj
