Letter from the President

Message from the President

March 2021

Dear Alumni, Families, and Friends of Notre Dame Schools,

As you well know, the grey skies of northeastern Ohio are ubiquitous in winter. We cannot control the weather, but we can shape our perspectives and our attitudes. The large tree in front of NDCL dropped its red and golden leaves and has withstood bitter cold and fierce winds. Through it all, it remains for me a symbol of strength and an inspiration. This winter we have witnessed a great deal in our world. Just as heavy snowstorms affect our power, our comfort, and even our safety, world events can shake us, too.

Our mission at Notre Dame Schools is to educate leaders who transform the world, as Jesus did, by living the truth in love. We partner with our parents to mold and shape our students in an ethic of care. In the here and now, students are called to embody love and to act in a transformational way which shapes their world and ours. Everyday on the Notre Dame Schools campus we are focused on our Core Values of Justice, Respect, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. These are not merely words or idealistic goals for us; they are the standards by which we engage and shape our learning environment.

In this issue, I hope you see the brightness on our campus. Just like a moment in a sunset or a sunrise or through a sparkle of sunlight through winter ice, light can seem ephemeral. Each of us is called to give witness to wonder and to goodness. It is easy to miss, though. Though the sun rises and sets each day, one has to look up, to go outside, and to seek the light.

All around us is the wonder of life and learning on our campus. We hope to convey this to you in the winter edition where Light Shines Brightly on Notre Dame Schools. We are blessed by excellence in our athletic and Mock Trial programs. We are absolutely grateful for our generous community. We are humbled with respect for the many who shape our campus life each day and for those like Pete Pucher ’55, who helped shape and found NDCL. As we look forward to spring and to warmer weather, we hold you and your families in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for all the ways you support our students and schoolsl

May you continue to be safe and well, and may you continue to know readily the blessings of our Good and Provident God.

Michael Bates, Ed.D.