Dear Members of the Camden Catholic Community,
I want to start by saying that you have all been in our thoughts and prayers, and I hope that you are well physically, mentally, and spiritually. I also wanted to let you know how proud I am to be a part of such a resilient, passionate, and spiritual group of people. From alumni, to a team of administrators, to faculty, staff and students, we have come together to support one another in this time of need.
The news says that school is closed but rest-assured, we are "open" at Camden Catholic. In just a few days the administrators and teachers transitioned into a 100% virtual school. Here are some of the things we are doing to give our students normalcy during this crisis:
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Each day the students begin with daily announcements via Loom featuring prayer, pledge, birthday wishes, and our regular daily announcements. The students have responded that this gives them a connection to school that they miss. Some parents have even sent pictures of students in their uniforms watching the Loom.
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Fr. Joe and Fr. Kennedy are recording Mass daily and posting it on the CCHS Facebook page and YouTube. Please feel free to join. Our Catholic mission remains strong and unwavering.
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Mrs. Jen LaRosa, our Campus Minister, has been communicating spiritual wellness activities for the students daily and asking for families to help with her Irish Express- making P&J sandwiches and casseroles for the Cathedral Kitchen and Joseph's House. The food is delivered by her every week. (Thanks to those who donated this week! The response was overwhelming.)
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The administrators and teachers have set up virtual learning with attendance for each class, live classroom experiences, and meaningful assignments and learning. Each subject has its own office hours, allowing for questions. The faculty are continuing to provide our students with a meaningful education. They work through multiple technological resources and even teach lessons in real time. They are not just reviewing. This has been a huge undertaking for the faculty. They have come out on top with many compliments from families.
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National Honor Society, with the help of faculty, has set up virtual tutoring sessions for students who would like peer-to-peer tutoring.
Our internal constituents have been learning to adjust to the new normal. Meanwhile, I can't tell you how much they have all been so encouraged by your generosity on Irish Giving Day. I told our faculty and students in a daily Loom that they should feel good about getting a huge hug from all of our alumni and friends of Camden Catholic. This support made us realize how much we are in this together. Thank you to all who gave. We are open to having your contribution count for IGD until the end of April. Hopefully when we get back to school, we can celebrate with the faculty and students.
Let's continue to be there for one another. We understand the anxiety, the uncertainty, and the stress on many different levels, depending on where you are in life. Be sure to check in on one another and always remember we are not alone. We are in this together and we will become the extraordinary community that all shall cherish. In the words of Mother Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, "we should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us."
I pray for all in the Camden Catholic community, and I ask you to do the same. I hope you can be a shining lamp to someone during these days. Please contact me with any questions or suggestions on how to maneuver through this crisis.
May God protect you and your families,
Mary Whipkey
President
