Dear SUA Community,
We were so lucky to have Dr. Lisa Damour share her insights with students, parents/guardians, and faculty/staff about supporting relationships through courageous conversations. She is so wise about teenagers, especially teenage girls! Each of her three presentations offered so many takeaways, and I encourage you to ask your daughter what stood out most to her.
A big theme across all her talks was that being part of a community can be complicated. Our students face lots of social situations - some by choice, many not - while at school. Dr. Damour reassured students that conflict and tension are normal and expected within these types of relationships. She also gave practical guidance on when to seek help from a trusted adult and reminded students to evaluate if each and every conflict needs to be addressed. When they do need to tackle a challenge, she suggested addressing them as “pillars,” standing strong and steady in their character, rather than “bulldozers,” “doormats,” or “doormats with spikes.”
One of my favorite points from Dr. Damour was her reminder that in our community we all have an obligation to “look out for each other.” As our students continue to grow in their understanding of the SUA sisterhood, I see them living out that care for one another. I am constantly grateful for the small acts of kindness and encouragement I see our students showing each other every day.
On a different note, SUA is a proud member of another community: the Ursuline Education Network. The UEN is a collaborative network of member schools committed to making certain that the charisms of Saint Angela Merici remain an integral part of the educational experience. Kathy Hammond, our Vice Principal of Student Life, is SUA’s representative on the Board of Trustees and serves as the Treasurer. Last week we had the opportunity to gather with UEN school leaders and teachers across North American and England for a conference and robust discussion about responsible AI usage in light of our Ursuline values.
Looking ahead, on October 20th, SUA will host Dr. Margaret Gower, a professor of Religious Studies and Theology and the Vice President for Mission at St. Mary’s College in Indiana. Dr. Gower is an expert on the history and role of women in the Church, and she will be speaking about this topic to some of our classes during the school day. The SUA Ursuline Companions are also hosting an evening event with Dr. Margaret Gower, focused on Historic Women of the Church. HERE is the flyer for additional information about Dinner and Dialogue with Dr. Gower. We would love to have you join us for what is certain to be an informative and inspiring evening.
Go Bulldogs!
Kathy
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