Keep Moving Forward
As we close in on the nine-month mark of our lives during a global pandemic, it seems like borrowing the Disney line from Meet the Robinsons is as appropriate a topic for the VC View as any other. We continue, even under ever-changing circumstances, to move forward as best we can, and provide the best well-rounded educational program as possible.
Since my last VC View letter, we have continued to offer a consistently high level of college-prep level distance instruction and our students have continued to grow and challenge themselves. Ms. Portillo began offering in-person labs for her students and Mrs. Davis begins labs this month. The Drama Department produced a wonderful evening of Zoom performances and the entire Fine Arts Department is preparing for a Fine Arts Showcase for later this month.
We have continued with our athletic workouts, and while the newest restrictions make it a bit more challenging, our coaches and athletes continue to be flexible and make adjustments as needed. These workouts have not only been a benefit for the physical development of the students but also for their social and emotional development as well.
We have continued to offer service opportunities for students and the annual Food Drive is underway. We celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass in the gym and we are planning for another evening celebration before Christmas. The Liturgy Band was a blessing to have in attendance and I appreciate all the students who volunteered to participate in the celebration. The largest undertaking, though, has been planning the Encounter. The current seniors were unable to go on their Junior Encounter last spring. With the help of many of our former senior leaders, who are home from college on break, we are able to work within the guidelines and hold a one-day Encounter – bringing back our graduates to lead and giving our current seniors an opportunity for social and spiritual growth. After this, we begin planning for underclassmen retreats and, hopefully, a Junior Encounter in the spring.
Finally, we will finish up with some live, on-campus activities – a drive-thru pick-up of handmade ornaments (by Mrs. Lawyer) for each student, a non-Zoom, totally hands-on with no screen time, gingerbread house making competition, and another in-person social/ activity night for freshmen.
As we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation, may you and your family be ever open to Jesus’ presence and peace. “One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on.” (Philippians 3:13-14). Keep moving forward.
Merry Christmas!
Valiantly,
Doug Ierardi, Valley Catholic High School Principal