This week, our staff, parents, students, and community members celebrate Catholic Education Week virtually at the OCSB. This year’s theme is “Nurturing Hope.”
When I think of Nurturing, I think of words like “Care for, Help, and Encourage.” These words resonate with me during this second year of educating during a pandemic. I am grateful for a community that continually asks, “how can I help?”
During this school year, there have been times when it was hard to be hopeful, with yet another change or another setback. Still, together, we cared for one another, we supported our students and one another, and we acknowledged that there were times when we weren’t okay. Your actions allowed us to continue to Nurture Hope during this pandemic. Collectively we lived the words of the Prophet Isaiah, “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)
I also want to thank staff and retirees who chose to donate to the Catholic Education Foundation of Ottawa (CEFO) this year. In a year when the needs of members of our community were significant, your quick and generous action meant CEFO could help Ottawa Catholic School Board families in need. CEFO provided emergency support for food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities. Close to $200,000 was raised to support our school communities during these difficult times. Your donations nurtured hope in the lives of our students and their families.
As a Catholic community, we celebrate Catholic Education Week. As your Director, I celebrate each of you. Thank you for Nurturing Hope in words and actions.