Principal's Corner

August 5, 2020

Dear Parents and Students,

Despite the move of several public school districts to open virtually, the Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia remains committed to opening for in-person education in the fall. Every child and teacher in our school is precious to us and our God. The school administration is committed to providing a safe environment for all members of the school community. We are motivated by the firm belief that it is in the best interest of the children that they return to school (American Academy of Pediatrics; Covid19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-Entry: CDC Releases new resources and tools to support school openings,  July 23, 2020;
https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/23/health/cdc-coronavirus-school-guidelines-new/index.html; ).

For the safety of every member in the school community every parent must fully commit to screening their child’s health before sending the child to school, and every teacher must commit to screening their own health prior to beginning the school day. Those who are exhibiting symptoms of Covid19 must be cleared by a medical professional before attending school.   

While at school, students will be limited to socializing in their cohort. Face coverings and social distancing will be mandated in all common areas of the school. Students will be  encouraged to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing while in the confines of their cohort. However, those who have the need for a mask break will be granted permission provided they are adequately distanced from classmates. Frequent hand washing and/or the use of hand sanitizer will be encouraged. Attention to order and cleanliness, two Catholic school trademarks,  will be heightened. 

Ultimately, parents must make a conscious decision which takes into account a moderate level of risk in sending their child to school. While we promise to take every precaution to keep our members healthy, it is not possible to say for certain that the virus will not infiltrate our school. Therefore, the virtual option is in place for those who are not comfortable in taking the risk. The administration understands that some children will need to remain at home. These families have the option to have their child/ren attend Saint Andrew School virtually. Please contact the main office if this is something you deem necessary for your child. The CDC provides the following checklist for parents in considering their options.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/decision-tool.html

Parents are encouraged to join us in a virtual Home and School General Meeting on Wednesday, August 12th at 7:00PM. This meeting will further explain the plan for opening our school. Questions and concerns posed to the administration will be addressed at this meeting. Some parents have questioned why this meeting is being held virtually when we expect children to return to school in person. The answer is practical; we strive to preserve the cleanliness of the facilities by limiting the number of visitors to the school. As you can imagine, there are added costs to cleaning and sanitizing so we must act with prudence in limiting access to the buildings.

As a reminder the opening dates are as follows:

• School will open for grades 1-8 on Monday, August 31^st. This early start will help us reacclimate to school procedures.
• Arrival time is 8:00am. Dismissal times for August 31^st, September 1^st and September 2^nd will be at 1:00pm. School will be closed on September 3^rd, 4^th and 7^th for the Labor Day holiday.
• First Penance will be held on Wednesday, September 23^rd; First Holy Communion will be held on Saturday, September 26^th. Confirmation with Bishop Edward Deliman is on Wednesday, October 21^st.
• The spring/fall uniform has been updated to include walking shorts, skorts and a red polo with the school logo. These pieces are optional! Flynn & O’Hara, the uniform supplier will offer discounts over the summer months for online orders.

Once again, I fall back on the words of the prophet Jeremiah to the Israelites, who were exiled in Babylon,

For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you.  When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me—oracle of the LORD—and I will change your lot; I will gather you together from all the nations and all the places to which I have banished you—oracle of the LORD—and bring you back to the place from which I have exiled you. (Jer. 29: 11-14).

Saint Andrew School remains committed to its mission of building a culture of Life and a civilization of Love through faith and knowledge. Let us place our trust in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. May our faith be strengthened as we move forward while surrounded with uncertainty. Pray constantly!

May God bless you all!

Peace and all Good,

Dr. Helen McLean
Principal