St. Catharine Families:
This week’s Gospel readings have predominately come from Matthew 14 which includes the plot for John the Baptist’s head, Jesus reacting by feeding the 5,000, and Jesus inviting Peter to get out of the boat and walk on water. We have all been asked to be Peter in some sense and step out of our comfort zone into uncertainty.
Clarification
I wanted to clear up any confusion from my statement last week. The Diocese has not made any decisions about Catholic schools in general at this time. We are continuing with our reopening plan. I have made the decision based on the guidance from the Diocese, the recommendation from the Reopening Task Force, and the blessing of Father Dury, we will be returning to school in a Tier 2, Blended Learning Capacity. I am fully aware not everyone will agree with this position. We hope that everyone will show empathy and solidarity toward other families that may have a difference in opinion. The St. Catharine School community that I know will get through this by supporting one another with undeniable faith and resiliency.
Distance Learning Option
There will be some families that will feel the need to keep their children home until they are comfortable sending them back to school. We want all students to feel welcome and part of the school community, regardless of how they are learning. As previously stated, distance learning in a Tier 2 model will not look quite the same as the Spring or if we would be in Tier 3. Our teachers will be teaching two separate groups of students throughout the day. We will continue to explore best practices for these situations to accommodate all students.
Tier 2 Survey
If you have not already done so, please complete this survey at your earliest convenience.
Reopening Plan Specifics
Details will be added to the reopening plan, resubmitted to the Diocese and posted for all families by the next Irish Insider. Specific procedures and protocols involving arrival procedures, separation space for symptomatic students, communication procedures, and dismissal procedures will all be finalized soon.
Our top priority is safety for our students and staff. Our teachers and task force have been working extremely hard on collaborating to mitigate risk and provide the best environment for the spiritual, moral, and academic development for our students. Students will only be in contact with the students in their particular group (about ½ of their class) and will not be within six feet or without a mask on for any considerable time.
Future Communications:
- Distance Learning and Technology Needs Surveys will be sent out next week
- Morning/ Afternoon Assignments will be communicated to parents.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. - Isaiah 43:2
Yours in Christ,
Mark Watts
