Dear St. Clare Parents:

When reading about the lives of prominent men and women or learning about them on the biography channel, we come across crucial moments in their lives that made a lasting difference in their lives. These moments of truth are generally experienced during trying times that test an individual’s will power, stamina, resolve to overcome obstacles, and determination to persist. When confronted with difficulty, the human tendency is either to fight or to quit. And, who does not face such moments, that force upon us this critical choice, sometimes even on a daily basis? 

Your students have almost completed their first full quarter of remote learning. Many of your students earned high marks for their efforts; some achieved satisfactory outcomes, while some parents did not like what you saw on your student’s progress report. What should you do then? You can either give up and find a reason to justify your students results, or look within yourself and muster the will to find a way that will turn things around by the time fourth quarter results are out at the end of May. That will be a sign of character and reassurance that you now know how teach your student to face these challenges. Rest assured that the teachers and administrators are supporting your parenting efforts and are helping you to motivate your student towards success in their academic and personal endeavors during the remaining few weeks of the current school year. 

Ordinary people like us working in ordinary circumstances face similar challenges as well. In our own battles to make progress and to achieve tangible results, no one is immune from the disappointment of setbacks. However, our labors and struggles can result in accomplishments provided we do not quit nor try to find an excuse for every failure or imperfection in our quest to reach our goals. The road to success is not always easy.

It is the wish and expectation of your teachers and administrators that every St. Clare student becomes capable of demonstrating a higher level of responsibility, perseverance, as well as continued and consistent effort during the remainder of the quarter. And that will be a test of character.

Caritas Christi urget nos (the love of Christ compels us)

Al J. Varisco