Dear Saint Ursula Community,

There are many times throughout my first year as principal that I feel especially proud of Saint Ursula Academy.  I like to include these in my letters as I know as parents/caretakers of teens and young adults that sometimes the information that makes it home is a little spotty.  One of these times was Friday of last week when the school gathered for a Black History Month assembly organized by our Hands Across Campus student organization.  Local artist, poet, author, and art educator Annie Ruth spoke to the students about the importance of perspective and perception in our interactions.  The students participated in call and response and engaged with poetry, singing and dancing.  Annie Ruth challenged the students to be sisters to each other “for real, for real” and helped them consider all that true, authentic sisterhood entails:  showing up for themselves and each other with their full selves and recognizing the intrinsic value of all people.  The assembly concluded with a song “My Sister, My Friend” and a whole school of students singing together.  Ms. Ruth’s art work, seventeen pieces entitled “On Her Shoulders,” will remain on display in the Keller Center.  There are times when we can almost “feel” the sisterhood in the building, and Friday was one of those after Annie Ruth’s inspiring presentation.  

There is also an important announcement today:  SUA will be closed on Monday, April 8, to allow our students, faculty, staff, and families to participate in the eclipse viewing/experience.  Lelia and I weighed this decision carefully and consulted with other local high schools and those in the Archdiocese.  The overwhelming trend was to close or alter the schedule for the day.  The totality of the eclipse is a historical, scientific learning experience that will only happen this close to Cincinnati once in our lifetime.  We have purchased IOS safety glasses for all faculty, staff, and students and will distribute those in advance so that all can experience the eclipse safely.  Our science teachers will provide information about the eclipse and opportunities to view the eclipse locally that we will share with our community and families.  Now, we hope that we have fantastic, clear weather to take full advantage of this experience!

We are looking forward to the Winter Formal this Friday evening and are so appreciative of the students who are organizing it for our community.   We hope the students have a blast, make memories, and are safe!  

Enjoy the rest of the week.  Go Bulldogs!

Kathy

Here is the updated two-week calendar.

Below is one of the important messages that Annie Ruth shared with us: