Mary Ellen Barnes
  

 

 

Recent events in the news give us pause.  We learned about a dear girl, a daughter not unlike your own, who was severely bullied and who ultimately thought the only way to stop her suffering was to end her own life.  This is a tragedy that speaks loudly to our society; we must find ways to end all types of abusive behavior in and out of school. 

We have had the good fortune to engage an author on this topic, Erin Munroe, who will come to Fontbonne in mid-May to speak about how we can all create a safe and comfortable social environment for your daughter and all adolescent girls.  Erin is the author of The Anxiety Workbook for Girls and When Big Issues Happen to Little Girls.  It is with great pleasure that I invite you to join us on May 12.  The event will be open to Fontbonne families and our surrounding community.  Depending on the number of people who attend, the event will take place in our auditorium or foyer. Please come and invite your friends and neighbors to come and listen so that we may assume more active roles in helping our young people learn to be proactive for themselves and others.

Fontbonne students are very aware of bullying.  They learn about it in their guidance curriculum.  Under the sponsorship of Peer Education, Peer Ministry and Friends Regardless, more than fifty students participated in a "Day of Silence" on Thursday, April 15.  This annual student-organized day of action to protest bullying and harassment reinforced that Fontbonne Academy is a no hate zone where every person feels safe and respected, regardless of differences.  Students who participated represented the silencing of people who have been bullied or harassed for reasons which include, but are not limited to, race, religion, socio-economic status, or sexual orientation.  Being silent in solidarity with people who are bullied or harassed was a visual reminder to everyone around them that those who cannot speak or defend themselves are often "unseen and unheard."  After the school day, students who participated reflected on their experience and shared what they had learned with the other participants.  They said that they had learned first hand what was involved in caring for the "dear neighbor."

May is a busy month filled with endings and beginnings and lots of new life.  We say farewell to and celebrate the accomplishments of our Class of 2010-and there is much to celebrate!  I hope May is filled with everything your families need as you wind down this school year and ready yourself for summer. 

Sincerely,