Back To School

August is an exciting time for families – especially those who have children enrolled in pre-school and kindergarten.  Many of these students will be in our Catholic schools the first time.  Members of the Class of 2015, however, are preparing for their final year in high school. I am confident they will step up and lead their schools in faith as shining examples of Christian life. 

Bishop Thompson, in his address to our 2014 high school graduates, exclaimed, “Catholic schools – if they are to be credible, authentic and effective – must necessarily be grounded in the proclamation of the gospel, namely, the Good News of Jesus Christ.  So grounded, the call to evangelization must permeate every aspect of life for school administrators, faculty, staff, volunteers, students, and families.”  This call is a challenge we, as Catholic educators, are ready to take with our families as the 2014-2015 school year begins. 

The Diocese of Evansville 2014-2015 school theme is “Catholic Schools:  A Family of Families … Una Familia de Familias.”  Gwen Godsey, Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools, created the design layout with permission for use of the artwork from the National Catholic Education Association.  The theme supports Pope Francis’ call of an extraordinary synod on the family in Oct. 2014. The theme also supports our diocesan efforts to encourage more Latino families to enroll their children in Catholic schools.    

This new school year welcomes Darin Knight as the principal of Mater Dei Catholic High School, and more than 20 new Catholic school teachers who are eagerly awaiting the first day of school!   

To ensure a successful school year for all students and families, I ask all parents/guardians to agree to:

• Assist in the spiritual development of your child by attending Mass every weekend and discussing what your child is learning in religion class.
• Send your child to school on time each day with a positive attitude about school.
• Communicate with teachers regarding any concerns and/or questions.
• Attend meetings and socials at school to be an active member of the community.
• Check to see that all homework is completed, and set high academic standards.
• Bookmark your child’s school website and follow your school on social media to stay informed.
• And finally, realize that this is a partnership in educating your child and that you will volunteer your time and talent however you can at school.

Please know that Assistant Superintendent Michelle Priar, Mrs. Godsey and I look forward to this new school year.  We ask you to join us in daily prayer for our priests, deacons, religious, presidents, principals, teachers, support staff, students, families, and parishioners as we begin this new year with a faith-filled spirit and genuine desire to strengthen our families and the Catholic Church of Southwestern Indiana through Catholic education.