Good Evening,

We want to acknowledge and thank students, faculty, and staff for all you have done to support the school’s move to remote learning. This sudden and dramatic shift in our approach to teaching and learning has not been easy, yet we are heartened by so many people doing their best to make it work and to build community in the face of uncertainty. 

You have no doubt heard that the State Superintendent of Public Instruction for the California Department of Education, Tony Thurmond, stated on Tuesday, March 31, that, “Due to the current safety concerns and needs for ongoing social distancing it currently appears that our students will not be able to return to school campuses before the end of the school year.” 

We would love to be able to return to campus, but this emerging recommendation means we need to prepare for the possibility that we may not be able to return to campus for the remainder of the school year. 

As we write this message, our hearts are breaking for the members of the Senior class and their families. While it appears unlikely we will be able to hold our Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation in May, rest assured that Jesuit High School will be hosting all of our Commencement Exercises, including a Grad Night, at some point in the future. A committee has been formed to consider and plan for these events.

The other implications for a longer current campus closure are numerous. In our message next week, we will be prepared to share updates on AP exams, final exams, grading policies, and other major events and programs. Each of these items will continue to be coordinated in accordance with the situation. We need to learn more, collaborate more, and pray more as we chart our path. We thank you for your patience.  

While we all prepare for the possible contingencies of our community-wide social distancing policies, we need to make sure we find a new balance and a new rhythm to our daily lives. Hopefully, the increased structure of our remote learning will help. But that is not enough. We need to replace those things that we have lost by not being on campus. Jesuit wants to help you fill that void. Please take some time to review the opportunities for student engagement below.

“Remember how for forty years now the Lord, your God, has directed all your journeying in the desert…”

Deuteronomy 8:2

Our next update will be on Thursday, April 9, and further regular updates will then occur weekly every Thursday. You may find more information to support students and families during remote learning on a new webpage JesuitHighSchool.org/remote-learning.

St. Ignatius of Loyola — Pray for us.

Rev. John McGarry, S.J. and Dr. Michael Wood, Ed.D.