By Michelle Priar
Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Evansville
Special to The Message
Where did the summer go? Schools in the Diocese of Evansville are up and running and teachers and principals have welcomed back returning students and their families, as well as helped new ones acclimate and feel at home. It doesn’t take long to get back in the groove.
We welcomed over 50 new teachers across the diocese, and while the enrollment numbers are still being finalized, early numbers indicate that student enrollment will be up again this school year. It’s always great to welcome so many new faces to our school communities!
Some of you may know that each year schools in our diocese celebrate a theme. This year’s theme is Rooted in our Catholic Faith. It’s a theme that, I think, conjures up beautiful imagery. Our faith keeps us grounded and secure in who we know God wants us to be. Being rooted in our faith is central to who we are and what we do as Catholic Schools. We have a unique opportunity, those of us who teach and support students in a Catholic school. We can help set a foundation of our Catholic faith firmly in the students that we serve every day, and in doing so we grow in our own faith life as well.
We’re excited about the opportunities that come with this new school year. We’re blessed to have strong partnerships with families, as well as dedicated and mission-driven teachers and administrators who strive to give students as many opportunities to grow and become the best version of themselves as possible.
With the new school year underway we appreciate your continued prayers for our students and their families, the faculty and staff of our 26 schools, and all those who partner with us to provide a Catholic education for over 7,100 students throughout our diocese. With Bishop Joseph M. Siegel’s leadership and the strong support from our school pastors, Catholic schools in our diocese are solid and will continue to be Rooted in our Catholic Faith!