For Catholic Schools Week, principals, teachers and parents wrote reflections about what it means to serve students and families during this time of pandemic. This essay is by LaSandra M. Hayes, the principal of St. Mary’s School in Landover Hills, Maryland.
As a Catholic school educator, it is humbling to know “what I do” and “how I do what I do” significantly impact the life of another human being. I think of my students, my parents, my faculty and staff and how I am charged with their care as the educational and spiritual leader of my school.
I do not ever take for granted that the little person standing before me could one day be the future president of the United States, an astronaut, a commander of the armed forces, a Father of the Year, a Mother of the Year, a teacher, a coach, a priest, a woman religious or even the future pope. Pause now for a moment and really take that in. Think about it. Everyone has been taught by a teacher.
It invigorates me knowing that teachers have tremendous influence in cultivating the hearts and minds of students daily. I am reminded of a quote near and dear to my heart by Blessed Basile Moreau that says, “How we cultivate the mind will change with the times, how we cultivate the heart is and will remain timeless.” This serves as the crux of my educational philosophy and what impassions my heart and spirit to serve.
What it means to me and my faith to be able to serve families and students during the pandemic is rooted in family: the COVID-19 pandemic has placed a renewed focus on family. The bonds of family have been tested, crystalized, and celebrated in more ways than we could have ever imagined. It is our sense of family that has sustained us, has encouraged us, has strengthened us, has shielded us, and has emboldened us to face some of the most incredible challenges many have had to face.
Ensuring the St. Mary’s School in Landover Hills family – our students, parents, faculty and staff – know I am grateful for and appreciate their trust, patience, collaboration, prayers and dedication as we navigate all that we have had to do has come first and foremost as I carry out my role in ministering to the needs of our school community. It is important to me we celebrate them, cherish them, appreciate them and let them know how grateful we are for them as often as we can.
I am forever reminded of how this year has affected the hearts, minds and spirits of us all. So much has happened impacting the way we view life, go about our daily routines and just continue living. I am also reminded of the fortitude of the human spirit that always seems to find a way to look for the good, to rise to the call and makes this an occasion to be better and to do better.
This roller coaster project was completed by a fourth grader at St. Mary's School in Landover Hills, working remotely during the pandemic. (Photo courtesy of St. Mary’s School)
Despite everything, we have and will continue to persist. A new year has begun filled with hope and possibilities. We know it is God who has ordered our steps and favored us in so many ways.
I believe in planning, preparing and praying: planning for the best possible outcomes, preparing my mind and heart to be an available vessel for God to use, and praying for God’s guidance and direction to do His will. We live this truth. My faith and the ability to serve the families and students at St. Mary’s School in Landover Hills is grounded in this foundational truth.
