Anchored in Faith: New Year, New Beginnings at Saint John Berchmans School

Ashley Timmons, Sarah Duncan

As we set out on a new school year back in August, we were in uncharted waters with no idea what the future would hold. Still, one thing was constant and certain: as a school, we would remain anchored in our Faith. This became the theme for our school for the 20/21 school year.

We have made it through the storms and uncertainties of 2020 by remaining anchored in our rich Catholic faith. Weekly Mass, participation in the sacraments, studies of virtues and PRAYER have been the currents and winds we have harnessed to bring us safely through these times. And now with the arrival of 2021, a new year and a new semester, we set our hands to the oars with feelings of invigoration and a new energy. SJB principal, Dr. Jennifer Deason comments, “Through prayerful preparation, aiming to create the safest and richest learning environment for our school families, we have persevered.”

Those new year refreshing feelings are literally a breath of fresh air at SJB; with the newly installed CASPR Pro air filtration system, students will be literally breathing cleaner air. This new system has been installed in all classrooms and throughout the school, and is effective against bacteria, viruses, molds, and will reduce volatile organic compounds and odors. While our school house has enjoyed great improvements, our students are ready for a new year because this means many of their favorite activities will be back and they’ll continue on the path of familiarity and normalcy. To begin the year, students will be examining a new virtue for January, temperance, and learning about finding meaning in moderation. The new year, new semester is also an academic restart and students have a chance for a clean slate on their report cards. Eighth grade students in Flyer Academy, a joint partnership with Loyola, will be finishing World Geography and embarking on high school credit in Health; while other students will be taking Computer Literacy, P.E. and Art. Boys and girls are ready to begin the Cardinal Basketball season, later than usual, but they are all ready to go hard in the paint. Mrs. Barr is thrilled to begin Cathedral choir practice after school and is looking forward to more choir performances and the lifting up of so many new voices. The much anticipated drama production Madagascar Jr., which was scheduled to play last spring, will play at St. John Berchmans School on April 23-26. Our students have created animal masks and costumes and have eagerly rehearsed and await the opportunity to perform. The new year at SJB also brings about new families as every year SJB welcomes around 60 new students, be they brand new students in our K3 program, transfer students from other public and private schools, or military transfers. So as the saying at this time of year goes, Auld Lang Syne. These times we are in will not be forgotten, our boat has been buffeted by the storms, but we did not throw overboard those things that make us who we are. Deason says, “I could not be prouder and more grateful of all stakeholders who have helped make SJB thrive in 2020.” So again, “Yet, here we are.” Students and faculty are at SJB, and we are steadfast in our beliefs, and we are ready to move forward with a new year for 2021...anchored in faith.