PRESIDENT'S LETTER
a letter from the president When we left campus for Spring Break last March, I never imagined what the next several months would encompass. COVID-19 has impacted virtually every aspect of our day to day operations at Chaminade. These months have certainly been like no other and the number of “firsts” that we can say have been accomplished at Chaminade is immeasurable! While these events were challenging and caused all of us to think outside of our normal routines, I found myself leaning on the words of our founder, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade. He said, “New times demand new methods”. Never in my past has that call to action been more necessary. Many things outside of our “norm” had to be tackled. In March, students and faculty quickly transitioned into virtual learning almost within a moment's notice. The speed and ease with which this shift occurred was only possible due to the educational technology that was the standard Chaminade prior to the pandemic. The 2019-2020 school year was completed with some events that looked very different and some that, regrettably, were unable to be held. Our task force was developed in June and planning began for the 2020-2021 school year with the health and safety of all as our primary focus. We were thrilled to open our doors on August 18 to offer face-to-face learning, as well as virtual learning for those that required it. One of the characteristics of Catholic Education that the Marianists have provided for us is “To Educate for Adaptation and Change”. It is in service of this characteristic, that was provided for us by Fr. Chaminade, that we have found our way to our new normal. While we are doing almost everything differently, we have stayed true to our mission and identity. We are blessed that we are able to continue praying and worshipping together, educating our amazing young men and preparing them to become the men the world needs them to be, offering professional development to our exceptional faculty, and planning for growth for our future. The response of the entire Chaminade Family has been heartwarming and affirming. Our students have embraced our safety protocols effortlessly and bring such joy and energy just by being together. Our teachers are going above and beyond to ensure that they are offering the best possible education to each of our students. And we are continually encouraged by the support of our parents, alumni and all those who are part of the Chaminade family.
God Bless,
Rev. Ralph A. Siefert, S.M. President
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