Sunday Evening News 9/19/21
SUNDAY EVENING NEWS
In today’s Gospel, Jesus says the sign of true greatness is to be
“the last of all and the servant of all.”
(Mk 9:30-37)
September 19, 2021
Peace & Greetings:
It’s been inspiring the last few weeks to have our students and faculty back on campus as we begin the 2021-2022 academic year. As previously stated, while every effort is being made to return to a normal, in-person program, appropriate COVID-19 mitigating practices remain to provide for a healthy and safe learning environment. We need to be vigilant but we’re certainly in a better place than we were a year ago!
I’m pleased to report that our student body consists of 420 students including 134 new students who are either members of the Class of 2025 or incoming transfers. Welcome Home!
We are definitely off and running with academic classes proceeding, interscholastic athletic contests started, auditions completed for the fall play, club fair scheduled for this week and class officer elections around the corner. Our Welcome Home dance was held under the tents/courtyard Friday night. This Thursday, our Senior Class will be on retreat at Holy Family Retreat and Conference Center, West Hartford.
A shout out to the many Blue Key Club students and faculty who participated in our first Open House yesterday as we welcomed over 40 prospective families. Thanks to everyone who serves as a valued ambassador for St. Paul in their home and work communities.
A reminder that parents/guardians will be welcomed Back to School this Wednesday night, September 22nd. There will be an Athletic Presentation for all new parents/guardians in the Auditorium at 5:30 pm followed by an Academic Program at 6:15 pm whereby you will follow your child’s schedule for the evening and meet their teachers. We encourage every family to be represented. Masks are required.
As you may know, there is a severe national shortage of bus drivers for schools this fall. In fact, last week Massachusetts called on the national guard to mitigate a school bus driver shortage in that state. We are working diligently with our bus company, First Student, to minimize the disruption and inconveniences that have occurred over the first few weeks expecting that things will get better. I realize it’s been a test of patience, at times, but are very grateful for your understanding.
It is bittersweet news that after thirteen + years of serving as St. Paul Catholic High School’s Director of Admissions, Matt Crowley ‘82, will be leaving us at the end of this week to take on a new position as a Training Specialist in the Leadership Development Center, Officer Candidate School at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. During his tenure, St. Paul enrollment increased from 265 students to maintaining in excess of 400+ students during some challenging times. I’m very grateful to Mr. Crowley for the impact he has made on the life of St. Paul and wish him all the best in his new venture. Chelsea Mone ‘10, who has served as an assistant in the admissions office since 2014 will oversee admission responsibilities as our new director.
We are going to test our Parent Emergency Notification System this Friday morning, September 24th. You will receive a robo phone call from St. Paul that you can activate by answering “hello.” Please send in your SPCHS Information Form, if you haven’t already done so earlier this summer.
#comingtogetherstrongerthanever
It is our differences that contribute to our greatness as a school community as witnessed through your brilliance, talent, personalities and unlimited potential in the classroom, athletic arena and on the performing arts stage. But it is our commonality that defines our strength … the choice that you choose to call St Paul home.
It is in coming together by respecting and nurturing each other that we become one unified body. If it’s in the classroom, on the fields, on the stage or on social media, remember our words and actions define who we are as a person and either contribute to rising up or knocking down our St. Paul community. Let us be #spstrong and celebrate our greatness, understanding that it doesn’t come without intentional effort though. May we each act as a humble servant to all.
Finally, with the students’ return to our schoolwide Monday Morning Assembly, the Sunday Evening News will be distributed on the first and third Sunday of the month this year, unless it falls on a holiday weekend. Be on the lookout for it!
St. Paul, pray for us!
Cary M. Dupont ‘72
President/Chief Administrator
