Message from the Principal

As we end a year that has been like no other, the spirit of St. Angela has truly been with us. In a fluid environment, while government guidance seemed to change daily, St. Angela’s guidance never wavered. Her words – adapt, be prudent, make new rules -- resonated with us as every segment of our school community adjusted for success despite the pandemic, or perhaps in some ways because of it. When we were directed by the Governor on March 10, 2020 to close campus for two weeks, as part of the New Rochelle one-mile containment zone, our eyes were quickly opened to the reality of what we faced, and how our school would have to come together. As described in the At Ursuline section of this issue, our faculty immediately implemented distance learning. Our students adapted to what became a new normal. We created some remarkable firsts: our first drive-through senior celebration and weekly lighting of the school in honor of the Class of 2020. We had our first virtual concert, produced our first virtual art show, first virtual athlete celebration, and first virtual Spirit Week.

The Ursuline community demonstrated Serviam in new ways. Bi-weekly food drives literally kept the doors open at local food pantries. Masks were sewn for health care workers; badly needed supplies and equally crucial cheerful notes were sent to isolated nursing home patients. Students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and parents spread joy and comfort where there was pain and loss.

During the fall and winter of 2020-21, we operated on a successful hybrid schedule. After Easter break 2021 the hallways filled with laughter as friends reunited and classes met face to face since we were able to offer full in-person learning five days a week to everyone.

Numbers can never tell the full story of the past year. Even though virus cases were few in our school, many families suffered financial difficulties and others lost loved ones. Our counselors have worked overtime with students who needed extra support.

Our spiritual life has remained strong because our community fundamentally kept faith that we would get through it. Again, I turned to St. Angela, reading her counsels each day from a book that sits on my desk. I often turn to this prayer:

“Gather at the feet of Jesus Christ, and there, all of you, with all your daughters, offer most fervent prayers. For in this way, without doubt, Jesus will be in your midst, and as a true and good master, he will enlighten and teach you what you have to do.”

I am filled with hope for our future. If we can tackle what has been thrown our way this past year, we are capable of achieving anything.