Assistant Principal News September/October 2020
September 2020
Dear St. Francis family,
Henry James once said that the two most beautiful words in the English language are summer afternoon. I hope that even amidst this “new normal,” that you have found some of those beautiful summer afternoons to breathe…and to be with the ones you love, doing the things that you love.
Many years ago, during my sophomore year in high school, I was in my first musical at St. Francis High School, the Rothschilds. I fell in love with the song “In My Own Lifetime,” which later became the school song, and I also fell in love with St. Francis High School. I was not a star by any means, but Mr. David Nease certainly made us all feel like we were. He had such high expectations and standards, and everything we did felt very important and special. All these years later, I have remained attached to St. Francis for those same reasons.
When our son Sam graduated from St. Francis, we were very proud that he was the valedictorian of his class, but even more proud that he was given the Fr. Justin Figas Award for his kindness toward others. When I was the principal of Immaculata for his last three years, I had the opportunity to drive him to school every morning, just like many of you will now due to circumstances, and every day on the way there, we would of course discuss academics, music, girls… but also kindness. I reminded him that there is always someone left out or even being bullied, and that it was important to try to include and accept everyone, and to be kind. I am sure that you value this just as much, so I will remind the students on opening day that all the successes in the world don’t amount to very much unless we are kind to each other.
On our opening faculty day, we will be reviewing some research from Dr. Pam Cantor, a child psychiatrist who studied the effect of trauma on children after 911, and currently studying the effects of this Pandemic. Her findings are similar for both traumatic events in the lives of children, both showing that a “protective relationship” makes all the difference, and comes even before the rigor of academics. A St. Francis education has always been based on “relationship,” and modeled on the life and work of St. Francis. We understand that now, more than ever, how important that is. We work and pray to keep everyone here safe during this coming year. Please reach out with any concerns and questions. We are excited to begin and thank you for trusting us with your sons.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mary Lou Stahl
Assistant Principal
St. Francis High School
Success Begins at St. Francis
