In one of my first communications regarding COVID-19, before the Coronavirus was declared a global pandemic, before government officials declared states of emergency, and before there were confirmed cases in Miami-Dade County, I mentioned our focus should be on precaution and prudence, not panic. Though the situation has quickly evolved in the last several days, our focus remains intact. 

We understand and share in your concerns, regarding the rising toll of COVID-19 cases in Miami-Dade County. Each new day brings new information and new diagnoses; it seems, at this point, we all know of someone who knows someone who has been infected or exposed.  

I'd like to take this opportunity to ease your concerns, as best I can, by reiterating that we, as a school, have done our due diligence, in an abundance of caution, to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff. The proper sanitation of the school is in progress, and any student who, to our knowledge, has had any possibility of second-hand exposure has been asked to stay home, until the proper medical clearance has been obtained.    

As I communicated yesterday, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy will close on Tuesday, March 17, at which time we will transition to remote, virtual learning.  We will open on Monday, March 16 with a Bell 3 schedule (12:10 p.m. dismissal), and will use this day to prepare for what's to come.   

This being said, we will respect and support your decision to keep your daughter home from school on Monday, if you deem it prudent to do so.  Because of these extraordinary circumstances, please know the absence will be marked excused.  (The protocol for reporting the absence remains the same; please email nurse@olla.org.)  Students who do not come to school on Monday are to check their email for important instructions regarding next steps for virtual learning.

I remind you that any new development will be communicated directly from the school.  Rumors and misinformation only add to the stress, so please continue to check your emails and visit www.olla.org/coronavirus, to remain properly informed.

As we navigate through these uncharted waters, I can't help but call to mind our theme this year: faith over fear - a theme that, without question, was inspired by the Holy Spirit, in anticipation of what this year had in store, unbeknownst to all of us.  Let's continue to focus on prudence and precaution, while prioritizing prayer - prayers of healing for those who have been affected, prayers of enlightenment for those making decisions during these uncertain times, and prayers of trust in God's loving Providence for our community, as a whole.   

This, too, shall pass, and through it all, we will all learn unforgettable lessons on faith, ingenuity, resilience, and compassion.     

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!