Dear Friends,
As we enter the month of June, the end of a very special school year for our Catholic schools is upon us. Bishop Cote’s decision to have all schools open with in-person learning has proven to be a wonderful success story. While most public schools reverted to virtual learning, our students were able to have in-school instruction with only a few bumps in the road. We’ve learned a lot from our students and teachers about their experiences and I would like to include some observations from them about this school year:
Grade 1 student: “I love my school and that we can come every day. At my cousins’ school she can’t. We learn and play with our friends.”
Grade 6 student: "Masks separate germs, not love."
Grade 8 students: "God will always find a way to make everything okay. I've learned more in a year where everything stopped because our faith continued."
“Being in school was much more motivational than trying to learn at home.”
“We were fortunate to be in a Catholic school, where we could learn in person every day.”
Grade 11 student: “We just had to understand this was the situation we were in and we had to adapt and move forward and keep going.”
Grade 12 student: "While this past year has come with its challenges, I think that my classmates and I have learned to cherish every moment we spend together, even if it’s just the simple conversations in the hallway. We definitely have an even greater appreciation for our teachers and administrators who have worked so hard to bridge the gap between virtual and in-person students as well."
Grade 2 teacher: “I am grateful to have been in our school with my 2nd graders every day of this school year.”
Grade 4 teacher: “Despite all of the challenges COVID has presented, it has been a joy being fully in person for teaching.”
Administrative assistant: “All of the changes occurring on a daily basis didn’t stop our school staff from always putting the needs of the students first.”
Principal: "Thank you to our staff, students and parents for working together so our students could remain in session five days a week. I have never been prouder to be part of such a dedicated team."
I would like to thank all the dedicated pastors, principals, teachers, staff members, students, parents, and volunteers who have made this a very successful school year for the Diocese of Norwich Catholic Schools.
Sincerely,
George A. Milot, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools