This column from Superintendent Dave Faber originally appeared in the September 2020 issue of FAITH Grand Rapids magazine.
As we embark on a new school year, we are blessed by our Lord with hopeful anticipation, even amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our alliance of 31 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids finished the 2019-20 school year strong, with school leaders, faculty and families partnering to complete a full 180-day academic year.
Principals and school leaders immediately began weekly meetings when school buildings closed in March. Together, we charted a course for finishing the school year and began collaborating on preparations for this fall. With the new academic year underway, we are seeing these preparations come to fruition.
We are committed to prioritizing as many in-school days as possible for as many students as possible, with safety and prudence. Our Catholic schools are following state and local legal requirements for operations during the pandemic, as well as considering CDC guidelines and recommendations from state and local health officials. All the while, we are offering remote learning when it is necessary, such as for students with compromised immunity or in the case of temporary building closure.
We know, too, that the pandemic has affected many families financially. A new form of tuition assistance has been made available for this reason. Bishop Walkowiak has offered up to $1 million to help families whose income has been impacted by COVID-19. This is possible through diocesan savings. Healthy organizations maintain unrestricted savings for emergencies, and the diocese is no exception. Some people call this a rainy day fund. Bishop Walkowiak said, “I consider the challenges that have been brought on by the pandemic to be a rainy day for our parishes and for their families.” Families can apply for this COVID-19 tuition assistance at CatholicSchools4U.org. This is in addition to the regular need-based scholarships awarded by the diocese, which provide over $500,000 to more than 1,100 students every year.
Throughout our Catholic schools, Jesus Christ is our central focus. Everything we do is done through him, with him and in him. Encountering our Lord Jesus in each school day provides the supernatural grace for the best possible learning environment, where young people grow in faith and grace, achieve more in school and life, develop creativity and character, and feel welcomed and cherished.
For all these blessings, which God bestows on our students, families, faculty, staff, administrators, pastors and supporters, we give thanks – and we entrust this new academic year to him. Please join us in praying for a continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us and for the growth of our Catholic schools.
Thank you for supporting our mission to build an alliance of Catholic schools where Christ illuminates learning and life.
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Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 31 vibrant learning communities (26 elementary and five high schools) serving more than 6,340 preschool through 12th grade students throughout West Michigan. Our schools inspire young people to grow in Catholic faith and grace, achieve more in school and life, develop creativity and character, and feel welcomed and cherished for their unique gifts. We partner with parents to awaken the whole child to a world of light and life — that grows better and brighter when children reach their potential.