COVID-19
Students, Faculty & Staff Thoughts...
I have never been more grateful to be part of the Chaminade community. This year, more than ever, I have been awestruck by the dedication and creativity of our faculty, the resilience and good nature of our students, and the trusting support of our school families. There are moments when it is truly overwhelming, in the best kind of way. - Ms. Elizabeth Dunlap, Administration I'm grateful for the opportunity to teach the vast majority of students in person because there's no substitute for direct instruction in an educational environment. I'm especially pleased that extracurricular activities are taking place because high school sports, theater, clubs, gatherings, etc. add tremendous value to the overall experience of our students. All that being said, I have found it to be a tremendously challenging endeavor and at times overbearing. I definitely miss the interaction with colleagues (i.e. friends), in addition to the many enjoyable and wideranging social dynamics that “normally” occur within the CCP community while participating in school-related activities. - Mr. Mike Massa '83, Practical Arts Department Everything that felt so weird at the beginning of the school year now seems strangely normal. - Mrs. Dolores Perlow Being able to teach students in person has been a real gift. Seeing my students faces, even if it is only the top half, makes it easier to cope with the challenges of teaching in a digital world. - Dr. Tim Pendleton '89, Science Department As the year began, there was a lot of nervous energy about how we would start the school year. Because of so much thoughtful planning of our administration and polite compliance by our students, being in person has been a successful endeavor. I couldn't be more proud to be part of such a great school community. - Dr. Andrew Schmitt '95, Social Studies Department
I love how the entire Chaminade community has come together to tackle the challenge of bringing in-person education back to our school. The boys have done a wonderful job of being responsible young men and following the protocols and major kudos to our administration for their leadership in making this possible. A true example of our school's motto in action - Esto Vir!” - Mr. Rob Grumich, Fine Arts Department
As a parent and a staff member I have the privilege of watching things from the inside. I am impressed with the
4 | Esto Vir Magazine, Fall 2020
amount of grace in which the administration and faculty have handled all the changes due to COVID. In such an unsure time, Chaminade has made things easier by being fully transparent and committed to providing an excellent education within the safety protocols. - Mrs. Susie Clark, Middle School Administrative Team
I can best describe this school year with a quote from a football referee during a game. “I have officiated six games this year, you are the only school who I've seen do this.” when referencing our socially distant sideline policy. It shows that Chaminade is a collective team that is doing its part to accomplish our mission. - Mr. Scott Kugler, Science Department
Early on, when half the class was virtual and the other half was in person, the zoom meeting took on an interesting twist. It's always fun when you're talking to a computer screen and the in person class thinks something is wrong with you! “What did you say Mr. C?” “Oh, I was talking to the virtual learners.” But on a serious note, it is great to be with the students again and building those relationships that are so vital to learning. - Mr. Chris Chiburis, Social Studies Department
If it's true that opportunity lies at the middle of difficulty, as Einstein put it, then we have certainly been given a big opportunity this year. I've been struck by my colleagues' willingness to reframe the limits of this “new normal” as an opportunity to challenge centuries-old assumptions about what teaching and learning can be. There's so much creativity and innovation in the building this year, and it's contagious. - Mr. John Hale '03, Counseling Department What a crazy start to the school year. Hats off to the students for buying in to our safety protocols and helping keep our school community safe. They are the real reason we are able to continue with in-person learning. - Mr. Jack Twellman, Counseling Department I think that this school year has been going way smoother than I imagined it would. All the teachers are extremely understanding and flexible with assignments. They know that technology can fail, however, they are still challenging me academically. - Jacob Scheller '23 Can you imagine how hard it is to get to know new students when you can only see their eyes? What facial expressions are they hiding behind their masks? Are they
