This morning we invited over ninety families to join us for a new family orientation. They had the opportunity to ask questions to administration and staff, visit our vendors/club booths, purchase used uniforms and enjoy light refreshments.

The focus of our presentation to new families was St. Rose of Lima Catholic School will be your new home in the fall and, we hope, for many years to come.  At St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, we raise our children for the world by providing a mission that includes a well-rounded education – mind, body and spirit. It is through emphasizing the Catholic ideals of academic excellence, built on the belief of integrity with the goal of service to others in mind that has brought St. Rose of Lima Catholic School where it is today. 

I wanted to share a parent question that I received after the group disassembled. Unfortunately, I receive this question too often. “Mrs. Drabek, what are you going to do about the families who only use this school for a Pre-Kindergarten program? How are you going to convince them to stay?” the parent asked.

I shared with them something that I experienced as a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher years ago.  I was talking to parents in May about their options for the upcoming school year.  Their daughter was in the classroom for the conference.  The parents were struggling with the decision, “Vanguard at a public school or return to St. Rose for Kindergarten?” Before I could even speak to the issue, the young girl said, “Mommy, if I go to a new school, they won’t talk about God all day.” I was so moved by her answer, that I was speechless.  I knew Catholic education was important to that five-year-old little girl.

As a product of Catholic Education, I knew it was a sacrifice for my parents. As a parent who struggled to put two daughters through Catholic high school, I know the sacrifice myself. As a parent, grandparent and principal – I have witnessed the sacrifice, but know it is money well spent. It is through our faith – faith in God, faith in one another, faith in Catholic Education, faith in our students and faith in our community that we illustrate what matters most. What matters at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School is how we live our lives and how we treat each other along the way.  There is no price tag to be put on Catholic Education.

God Bless,  

Mrs. Drabek