Finding Cura Personalis in a Virtual World

N MID-MARCH—WITHIN DAYS OF GOVERNOR PRITZKER’S MANDATE to transition to remote learning as the pandemic hit the Midwest—nearly everything about the way that we approached teaching and learning at Loyola Academy changed. Everything, that is, except our tradition of cura personalis.

It’s not easy to humanize learning in a digital format. But—with the combined commitment and expertise of our administrators and faculty— we managed to continue to provide a high-quality, Jesuit, college-preparatory education while preserving our sense of community and connection.

Although our classrooms and hallways were uncharacteristically quiet, the Rambler spirit was alive and well in our school community—nourished by the virtual connections between our administrators, faculty, coaches, campus ministers, counselors and students.

On any given day in our virtual world, you might find Honors British Literature students analyzing Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; AP Science students studying species interactions; Art History students reviewing their favorite architectural sites from the year; Graphic Design and Honors Studio II Art students creating artwork that expressed their personal experiences of the pandemic; Physical Education students participating in online strength and conditioning, dance and yoga classes; or Guitar Ensemble members conducting remote rehearsals.

Meanwhile, the connecting continued after the school day was over as our Office of Student Activities posted a steady stream of social-media offerings— from cooking competitions and virtual talent shows to trivia contests.

“The time since mid-March has been unlike anything we have ever known,” Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, and Principal Charles W. Heintz wrote in a joint letter to Loyola families in May. “We are grateful to all of you for working with us as we moved our teaching and learning online. Our faculty and staff have demonstrated the agility and creativity characteristic of educators in the Jesuit tradition and stepped up to offer cura personalis for our Ramblers.”

"We are committed to developing a path forward that is focused on safety and best practices, manifesting the best characteristics of our tradition of cura personalis." Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, President and Charles W. Heintz, Principal