This week brings the 2019-2020 school year to a close. This year ended in such a different way than it began. The sense of community, belonging, and unity was very strong as a faith community this school year. When we transitioned abruptly to distance learning, we all grieved the loss of connection with one another and relied on alternative methods to keep us together. We now reflect on what we have learned while praying and planning for where we are going. The spirit of our community lies not only in the excellent academic preparation our teachers provide but in the heartfelt spirit in which we celebrate the traditions of our Catholic faith. We look forward to our churches reopening this weekend and anxiously await our ability to celebrate liturgy as a school community.
Last week, Governor Newsom announced that efforts would be made to allow schools to reopen beginning this summer as we prepare to embark on Phase 3. This opens the door of hope for our return in the Fall. We would love nothing more than to welcome all families back full-time on campus on August 24, our first day of school. As a Diocesan school, we have much expertise, resources, and the ability to collaborate on all issues that affect our safe reopening in the Fall. While we hope to fully return in Phase 3, it is prudent that we also prepare for the possibility of operating in Phase 2.
Thanks to the 135 families who completed the survey for St. Francis and for the Office of Schools, it is clear that should we return in Phase 2, the majority of our families desire a full-day educational program. While we have every intention of returning completely in the Fall, we are preparing several options to best meet the needs of our families. We learned a lot over the past two and a half months, and creating a virtual classroom, whether on or off-site, is key to the success of our students moving forward. Should we be constrained by government or district limitations around student seating capacities, we are in the process of reimagining learning for the 2020-2021 school year. We are forming committees to discuss, plan, and execute a well thought out strategy in the following areas: logistics and facility, creating and maintaining community, curriculum and instruction, Catholic Identity, and technology and infrastructure. Parents and teachers together will collaborate to formalize the vision for the day to day experience on and potentially off-campus, if needed.
We are committed to the safety and health of our students. Knowing that we are entering a new normal, we have already begun this work. From sanitizing stations to outdoor sinks, to flooring, we are thoroughly evaluating our procedures and protocols and updating the policies outlined in the handbook. This will not be a summer of rest but will be rewarding work knowing that in the end, we can welcome back our students, providing an environment that continues to meet the needs of the whole child! As this landscape is evolving rapidly, our committee meetings will begin as school is now ending.
May you go in prayer, peace, and perseverance to love and serve the Lord!
Jeannette Lambert, MS, MAEd, LMFT
Principal
