THIS LETTER IS FOR OUR ADULT LEARNING COMMUNITY!
Dear Parents, OLF Families and Alumni,
Exactly one week ago, we realized the devastating impact of one of our nation's worst school shootings in Connecticut. Every single OLF parent, teacher, staff member and myself included, were shocked at the violence and deeply saddened for the families of Newtown. Words can not express the grieving and unspoken fears this event raised for every school community around the nation.
This past Monday morning at OLF, the teachers, staff, Father Mike and I began this difficult week with early morning prayers at 7:15 a.m. in the faculty lounge. There was mostly silence, as we lacked the words to share our emotions. Needless to say, we love our students as our own children!
In the interest of our students' psychological well-being, we intentionally avoided focusing on the events of Sandy Hook, to shield our children from the details of the cruel truth. Instead, with as much sense of normalcy as possible, we engaged them in prayerful activities, preparing for the successful Christmas play, Friday Mass and a well-deserved Christmas vacation. It was a very difficult week!
Underneath the children's excitement for the upcoming holidays, we quietly pursued our professional work of ongoing school improvements. Thank you, parents and staff, for reiterating your trust that safety is always at the top of my priority list! Thank you for your continued support and collaboration at this difficult time!
Here is our Action Plan for 2013 additional campus security:
1) Formation of Task Force on Campus Security
2) Review of current emergency plans (Facilities Committee)
3) Principal's Participation in Seminar with Dr. Ron Stephens, Exec. Director of National School Safety Center (01/31/13)
5) Consultation w/ local resources (Diocese/Police/Fire Dept)
6) Budgeting for recommendations(Finance Committee)
7) Implementation as recommended by Consultative Board
Please know that as a member of our 21st Century Learning Community, your input and support are vital to the continued strength and improvement of our school! Only with everyone's cooperation can we achieve the highest level possible of student/staff safety and campus security. I look forward to working with you all!
Below are a number of resources for you to use over the holiday break. Please continue with your prayers for the victims' families and treasure your children's hugs! May you feel the hope and peace of Christmas through Christ's love!
Blessings,
Beate Nguyen, M.A.Ed
Principal
Resources for parents:
http://www.ocde.us/Emergency/Pages/Response-to-School-Shootings-in-Connecticut.aspx
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/cp/tragedy.asp
