June 2, 2020
A Prayer for God’s Continued Grace

Dear Friends,
 
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all in our school community for your outstanding efforts during these times of challenge and uncertainty associated with COVID-19. The collective efforts of our students, teachers, administrators, parents and alumni have been awe-inspiring and for that I say "thank you." Each of you have played critical roles to ensure that the mission of this special school was met.
 
It has been gratifying for me to observe the love and kindness of our school community as demonstrated through your daily efforts. During this time of physical distancing our school family has been far from distant. I have been blessed to witness countless acts of kindness - both big and small - making a difference in the life of the recipient. Through our collective efforts we have made a seemingly impossible situation one that we could meet; in fact, one that empowered us to grow even more united. It was with that spirit that we were able to bring a successful conclusion to our school year and to send off our beautiful Class of 2020. 
 
And while I believe we would all like to begin our summer on that positive note, recent events in our country provide a stark reminder that there is considerable work yet to be done in the area of Social Justice and Civil Rights. George Floyd’s death is not a singular event but is part of a pattern of injustice and aggression committed against people of color throughout our country’s long history. 
 
There is power in acknowledging the work that we need to do as a society; furthermore, there is power in acknowledging that we as a school can play a critical role in change. The best way for us to make a difference is by starting at “home.” In essence, each of us must examine our attitudes and behaviors. At a school assembly back in February I asked each person in attendance if we were living in accordance with our faith? Do we treat each other as brothers and sisters in Christ; in effect, do we deliberately bring the face of Christ to those with whom we are blessed to interact?  Are our words and actions consistent with our claim to be Catholics/Christians? When we can answer these questions in the affirmative then we can act as authentic agents of change. 
 
I would ask that everyone please take the time to listen to the attached message of Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Racism; in addition, please read the statement from Bishop Brennan from our Columbus Diocese on the death of George Floyd.
 
In closing, please join me as we pray for God’s continued grace on our community as we work to serve as a light of hope in our world. May we stand in solidarity and add our voices to those who are experiencing pain and suffering caused by years of injustice.
 
Peace and God’s Blessings, 
Dan Garrick ’79
Principal
Statement from Bishop Brennan on the Death of George Floyd, CLICK HERE.

Advocacy, Upcoming Events, Resources
For online resources, visit the Catholic Diocese of Columbus' Office for Social Concerns website:

Celebrating the Class of 2020

On Saturday, May 30, our school celebrated its 57th Commencement Ceremony, welcoming 192 young men and women to the ranks of St. Francis DeSales High School alumni. If you did not have a chance to watch live, we invite you check out our closing celebrations; please visit https://www.sfdstallions.org/class-of-2020 to view the Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation ceremony, and take a look at the impressive listing of where the members of the Class of 2020 are heading to next fall.
We can't thank you enough for all you continue to do for the entire SFD community!
Shout-out to Mr. Garrick and Mr. Jones

This morning we surprised Mr. Garrick and Mr. Jones at their homes with a small gesture of our immense gratitude for their leadership this school year, and especially for all the extra effort and love they have shown throughout the last few months.
The Big Give and SFD Virtual Auction is Happening Next Week!

St. Francis DeSales High School is excited to participate in The Columbus Foundation Big Give on June 10! During this time you can choose the co-curricular program you want to support. Donations made during The Big Give will continue to provide financial assistance to our fine arts program, superb athletics, and 50 scholastic and interest based clubs. Plus SFD will host a Virtual Auction! Bid on amazing baskets and items that will also support our co-curricular programs.

Check your inboxes next Tuesday (June 9) for details on how you can participate in The Big Give and the SFD virtual auction!
Return to Sports Protocol and Waiver

As many of you already know, our Governor has allowed schools to begin lifting, conditioning and skills sessions with student-athletes. We have been given guidelines by the Ohio Department of Health as well as the Ohio High School Athletic Association, and we have adopted them to form our own specific protocol. Our protocol provides us with the opportunity to ensure a safe return to our campus. Please read through the documents below.
Class of 2024 Parent Orientation Meetings

Principal Garrick and the SFDHS Enrollment Team are hosting a Parent Orientation Meeting tomorrow, June 3rd at 7pm via Zoom.

This is the first of a three part webinar series for the Class of 2024. Wednesday’s meeting will include details regarding subject placement testing, school uniforms, iPad orientations and much more.

Please find the details below for tomorrow's meeting. Each of the Parent Orientations will discuss unique topics and feature the opportunity for you to ask questions. In the event you cannot attend, please let us know and we will forward you a recording afterwards.

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Jun 3, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Class of 2024 Parent Orientation

Register in advance for this webinar:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Please save the date for future webinar meetings: July 1 and August 5.
Upcoming Events

Report Cards Mailed Home
When: June 4

Mothers Club Gently Used Uniform Sale
When: July 11
Spiritual Reflection
God of Justice, God of Mercy, you created all people equally in your image and you call each of us to recognize your presence in every person we meet. Racism, inequality, and oppression are the fruits of our human sinfulness when we fail to uphold the dignity of our brothers and sisters, as you command. In every age, prophets cry out against these injustices and, in our own time, we hear the pain of your people who suffer. Heal the wounds of our division not only with the balm of your love but also with the strength of your Spirit to move us to action. Teach us to oppose racism in our culture, in our institutions, in our families, and even in our own thoughts. Give us the courage to examine our hearts, where every true transformation begins. Even if we should find our sinfulness, we shall also find your mercy.

In the words of your prophet, Amos, we pray: "Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." Amen.