A Letter from our President

Ms. Peggy Slater

As I reflect on the last year, I am beyond grateful for everything we have accomplished as a community, and optimistic for the year to come. The flexibility and creativity demonstrated by students and coworkers throughout all the challenges presented to them as a result of the COVID19 pandemic has been truly inspiring.

Our school theme for the year was “Creating New Possibilities” and we lived it fully! I’m proud to say that initially, the abrupt change to distance learning in the spring was manageable because the technology was already in place and in use by many of our faculty. Your support made that possible.

We’ve also worked hard to provide as much of the high school experience as possible from a safe distance. Delivering yard signs provided coworkers a welcomed opportunity to see students and families after weeks apart. And as we reimagined traditional ceremonies, parents and alumnae took on new roles such as leading the blessing at Junior Ring and presenting diplomas at Graduation. There have been many joys all along this complicated journey together.

We have learned a great deal and see opportunities to create new traditions, new possibilities for the classroom experience and new ways to generate the financial support the Ursuline needs to continue delivering a high quality education.

This year, our nation and community have again been faced with the issue of social justice, central to the charism of the Ursuline Sisters. My attention continues to be on having as many girls as possible experience the benefits of an Ursuline education, girls of all socio-economic backgrounds and races, and that Ursuline be a financially viable option for years to come.

St. Angela tells us that when “the need arises to make new rules or do something differently, do it prudently and with good advice.” As I write this letter today, uncertainty regarding the pandemic remains, but it is clear that the Ursuline community will thrive. You are receiving this annual report because you have helped make it possible for us to live St. Angela’s words during the past year.

The theme this year is “Together at Heart.” I’m confident that physical distance will not stand in the way of Ursuline students, families, alumnae and coworkers coming together to face all that comes our way with a spirit of service, courtesy, loyalty and courage.