June 11, 2021
Posted on Jun 11, 2021
Dear SJF Families,
We did it! We successfully stayed open for in-person learning for the ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR during a worldwide pandemic. I am going to be honest, part of me didn’t think this would be possible. Most days, especially during the first 7 months of the school year, we operated as if it would be our last day in school. The reality is we never knew what the next day would bring. We tried to take solace in that we had a plan in place and we would act accordingly depending upon what came our way. I applaud our community. The reason behind our success is that we all worked together as a team. Nothing about this school year was easy. But it was worth it and most importantly, our kids are better off because of it!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the parents and guardians of our Falcons. There is not a more important, frustrating, challenging and rewarding job than being a good parent. And you are exceptional. You love your children unconditionally. You were at school at the drop of a hat to take home your sick child (and all of their siblings). You pivoted when your child’s room got sent home unexpectedly for a 2-week quarantine. You lost sleep about their well-being and sending them to school, in a mask, during this surreal situation. You became your child’s teacher at times while trying to still manage your own workload. You set up zoom meetings with your child’s teacher to ensure his/her success. You worried endlessly about everyone’s health and safety. You tried to find ways to make your child’s life more “normal”. You were frustrated. You cried. You laughed. You never stopped supporting your child. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for staying with us during this insane year. You trusted us to educate and love your child during a time when we didn’t know what tomorrow would bring. And it was our great privilege to do so. Thank you, parents. You are so appreciated!
Where would we be without our committed staff and faculty. During a time when teachers all over our state and country weren’t able to teach in-person, our teachers showed up every single day to support your child and help him/her grow academically, spiritually and emotionally. I asked them to change everything that they were used to about their teaching profession in order to follow our strict safety guidelines and protocols. During a time when it would have been so easy to say no, our teachers said yes and came to work each day with a thankful heart and an open mind. Faculty and staff, we commend you. You gave our children an advantage this year that will last them a lifetime.
Finally, to the glue that holds us all together, thank you FALCONS! Who would have thought that learning during these unbelievable circumstances would still be fun? We are forever grateful to our Falcons, for arriving to school each day with a positive attitude and a smile on his/her face, for making us laugh and reminding us what life is all about. You are the reason we are all here and we admire your bravery, courage, cooperation and flexibility. We have learned so much from you this year and continue to pray for your health, safety and resiliency. We love you, Falcons. Be safe this summer. Make good choices and keep being awesome!
Congratulations to you all on a job well done. I hope you have a fabulous summer full of all the blessings that life has to bring! Thank you for your continued support of Catholic education, but specifically St. John Fisher School!
In unity and hope,
-Mrs. Maura Nash