Gratitude is in the air, and this week, Mr. Horner shares some highlights from the first weeks of school.
In a school with so many blessings, I want to express my gratitude for a few subjects that are currently top of mind for me.
Students | Each student brings joy and purpose to our days. I am proud of them daily. Most recently the respectful attention and speaking skills of our Middle School students were on clear display at the Network Prayer Service hosted in the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne last week. We’ve received many compliments from other Network Schools about how our students stepped up to the role of hosting this significant event.
Faculty | Our faculty are exemplary; I say it time and again and it always remains true. The most recent demonstration of their exceptionalism is their embracing the new Promethean Boards as a teaching and learning tool. It was a development they welcomed with enthusiasm and curiosity at a time of year when they were already busy preparing for the first days of school.
Referrals | Schools are defined by the students, faculty and community. We are a better school by the addition of mission-aligned students and parents. Word of mouth referrals have been the largest way new families found our community this year, and dramatically larger than in previous years. To know that families are speaking highly of the Academy experience in their conversations off-campus is a humbling honor.
Philanthropy | Thank you to each donor who supports the mission and vision of our school. It is invigorating this year to enjoy the daily reminders of strategic projects getting accomplished, such as the new roofs on the Primary and Science Wings.
Sacred Heart Charism | There is an intention and dedication in the air to placing the living of our Sacred Heart charism at the forefront. We see it in personal espacio practices, Network community gatherings such as the upcoming Sacred Heart Schools Summit in Chicago, and the presence of RSCJ like Sister Munch on campus.
Parents | I appreciate how our parents embrace working with and supporting the school in placing the best interest of the students first. Our parents take on many roles such as coaches, volunteers, class party coordinators, and chaperones. The connections they form with the Academy, the students, the faculty, and each other are a web that promotes a culture of unity yet a celebration of our unique gifts. Parents, we are grateful to have you at the Academy, too!
Alumni | The dedication of alumni to support their school is beyond the norm. This year, 25% of our students are children of alumni, and 43% of faculty and staff are alumni or parents of alumni. Alumni involvement goes beyond volunteering and fundraising. They provide intangible benefits to each other and our current students, such as networking, mentoring, outreach and prayer.
