March Message to Our Parents

March 12, 2021

Dear St. Agnes-St. Dominic Community,

Today we will depart on a well-deserved Spring Break. It is hard to believe that it has been a year since the world and our life at St. Agnes Academy - St. Dominic School changed so dramatically. Sometimes we need to be tested to see how good we are. We have certainly undergone a year-long trial. And our community’s response has been inspiring.

Our teacher’s actions these last 12 months have spotlighted their competence, commitment, and compassion. Our students have exhibited strength, resilience, and flexibility. Our parents have responded with encouragement, support and patience. At times, we have all had to demonstrate a sense of humor and a lot of grace. As we reflect on our successes and challenges during this past year, let us try to be kind to ourselves and to one another. There is too much judgement in society. We must be a beacon of civility and understanding. These characteristics when coupled with knowledge create true wisdom. I am incredibly proud of our entire community and the way we have collectively navigated this past year.

Are We There Yet?

Like this cartoon, we are not back at ‘normal’ just yet, but there is hope around the corner. I am pleased to share that our teachers are in the process of receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. By Easter, more than 82% of our staff will be fully vaccinated. We are continuing our weekly COVID testing program. This is not the time to let up. We still need to follow our protocols - masking, maintaining physical distance, following

proper hygiene - to ensure we continue to keep every member of our community safe.

Thanks to everyone’s willingness to follow our protocols and focus on safety, we are able to plan many of our traditional end-of-year events that could not take place last spring. We look forward to holding graduations in person as well as other celebrations. These events will be modified, but we are working hard to make them as inclusive as possible. In the upcoming weeks each school Dean will be sharing more details with you about our plans to celebrate our students and their families.

Looking Ahead

As you know we have several vital positions to fill for the upcoming school year. Each position is critical to our success, and the school leadership is committed to finding high-quality, culturally-aligned individuals to build on the work we are already doing. Our search process is underway and we will update you in the coming weeks.

If there is one lesson we have learned during this last year it is the value of relationships and community. I am grateful every day for our St. Agnes-St. Dominic family and the way we have cared for each other. Growth is one of our core values. This spring and summer we will study the past year for other lessons and look for ways to translate our new wisdom to benefit our students.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Enjoy the break. Stay safe and be well!

Peace,

Tom

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Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6