Below is a message from President Kathryn Jaenicke:
As we all learned last night, the New York City schools will not reopen until April 20 at the earliest. Notre Dame Academy will follow the timeline set forth by the Mayor's office, and we will deliver online instruction beginning today, Monday, March 16, 2020 for the health and safety of our city, state, nation and indeed the world. Although this is difficult and unprecedented news to absorb, I want to assure you that Notre Dame Academy is well prepared to deliver our signature liberating education through a digital platform. As you read this message, our students and faculty are already hard at work and in close communication through Google Classroom.
As we embark on this journey together, I am reminded of the founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys who traveled across the Atlantic Ocean more than 350 years ago to begin a new community. I have always drawn from her strength, and I want to assure each one of you that Notre Dame Academy is well-positioned to endure this time of uncertainty. I say this with courage and conviction because I am fully confident in the capabilities of our incredibly devoted administration, faculty and staff, who will challenge and inspire our students in the days and weeks ahead as we navigate these uncharted waters.
I want to acknowledge in a very special way, our seniors and 8th graders: the Class of 2020. You have worked so hard, and your final semester at Notre Dame Academy should be filled with celebrations and activities to mark this momentous milestone. I am so sorry this is not happening as you imagined it would. We will find a way for you, along with your family and friends to honor your Notre Dame Academy experience, and I promise you it will be meaningful and memorable.
Founded in 1903 by the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame, our school has withstood many challenges throughout the past 117 years, and we will withstand this one too.
During this time it is important to remember the quote from International Women’s Day last week:
Here’s to strong women.
May we know them.
May we be them.
May we raise them.
May Mary and Marguerite guide us on our journey.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Jaenicke
President