Principal's eNews So, It's the Day After Labor Day, An Adventure Awaits! Reflection from Catherine Reynolds, Director of Mission and Identity
Growing up in New Jersey, my school year always began the Tuesday after Labor Day. That last weekend of summer was always one with mixed feelings – sadness that the summer was over and excitement that a new school year began. Yes, excitement! It seemed to me that I needed a fresh start with how I was to "do school," who my "friends" were, and what I wanted to be involved in. As I ponder this year's day after Labor Day, I feel about the same now as I did then.
As a teacher, how I "do school" is different. Working with students both in school and at home at the same time on Zoom is a new adventure. Yes, adventure! At first I wondered if I could manage it and make sure the students all felt connected to the class regardless of where they were. Making it feel like an adventure has eased the burden of any anxiety I felt. Hoping that my students also felt like this new experience was an adventure, I set out to try new things. It's still early, but it seems to be a smooth ride so far.
Sometimes our faith journey is like the day after Labor Day. Sometimes the summer months keep us separated from our faith. What adventure awaits us now with the continuation of social distancing, wearing a mask everywhere we go in public, and staying healthy? Our spiritual health is just as important as our physical health. Have we kept up with our relationship with God? Have we found time to pray? Have we become too distanced from our church community? What can we do to nourish our spirituality?
So, it's the day after Labor Day. Find a new adventure in faith. Read a spiritual book. Take a spiritual walk. Watch a spiritual movie. Go back to Mass. Pray each day. If there is one thing I have learned during the start of this school year, it is that a fresh start always makes me a better teacher, a better person, a better friend. Find your fresh start. It will be a great adventure! September Key Dates
9 Senior Parent Financial Aid Night (Check email for link) 12 Freshmen Grandparents Virtual Mass 16 Junior Parent College Night (Check email for link) 25 St. X vs Trinity Football Game
Visit The Daily Bulletin for school announcements and Athletics for team schedules.
Parent Prayer Group
Parents and Guardians are invited to attend a virtual Parent Prayer Group every Friday from 8:00-8:30 a.m. The first meeting will take place this Friday, September 11. Visit Parent Prayer Group for more information and to sign up for the weekly Zoom link.
Freshmen Grandparents Mass
In honor of Grandparents Day, St. X invites the grandparents of our Freshman class to a virtual Mass on Saturday, September 12, at 4:00 p.m. Invitations, a prayer card, and a key tag were mailed to freshmen grandparents last week. Athletics Live Streaming Thanks to our broadcast sponsor, Darryl Metzger, Senior Vice President & Financial Advisor with Baird, Tiger fans can watch every 2020 home football and soccer game via the NHFS Network. NHFS is the leader in streaming live and on-demand high school sports. All NFHS Network events are available online and through the NFHS Network Live App for iOS and Android. Todd Larkin '86 - My Tiger Tale Memories from St. X Faculty Alumni At the start of every school year, I begin my classes with a quote, "Pursue Excellence; everything else is a waste of your time!" The constant pursuit of excellence, believing in a mission, paying attention to details, not cutting corners, and maximizing the moment were all things I learned back when I was student at St. X. I didn't grasp the foundation I was building at the time, but I'm forever grateful to my teachers (now colleagues), coaches, and administrators who instilled in me the values that have formed my identity as a person. When people believe in you, commitment and hard work become the expectation, and true excellence is achieved. I feel so blessed long after my high school graduation to remain part of our "culture of eXcellence" now as a faculty member, head coach, and director, here at Saint Xavier High School. I value so many things about our school community, but the relationships that I have made through the years are what stand out. The collective responsibility we have toward each other is what makes our campus special; it's what makes us great!
Our "true north" in our Swimming and Diving Program is for every student to "maximize" his potential. We respect all and exclude none. We are motivated by the "purpose" of our Xaverian heritage and give witness to the values passed on to us from the Brothers. The words humility, trust, compassion, simplicity, and zeal are not marketing, but rather meaning! My responsibility is to continue to grow a program that represents our school as the premiere swimming and diving program in the nation – in the pool and through academics, community service, and sportsmanship. More importantly, I want all of the students I coach and teach to receive the same St. X experience and level of care that I received and value to this day. In true Joe Kroh fashion, I have bulleted some key takeaways for students to consider throughout their St. X journey:
I want to wish all students an incredible school year! Make a difference this school year - answer the call, take action, and make it happen. Respect our tradition and look to the future. Always remember: Champions lead by direction! Excellence isn't a destination, but rather the benchmark for your journey. We are all Tigers! Did you miss a recent Principal's eNews? Visit the Principal's Corner. |