Dear St. Francis Families,

As this week draws to a close, I thought it would be appropriate to share with you just how emotionally charged this week was for students and staff alike. The national Walkout Day, on March 14th, opened some deep seated emotions across the country, and even here at St. Francis High School.

Like other Catholic and public institutions in the region, we wrestled with the type of action to take as a school community.  As a Catholic institution, we didn’t just pray; we asked our Troubies to take action and to be a part of the change they want to see in the world.  While Wednesday’s prayer service was not as evocative and symbolic as some may have wanted, it was an important recognition of the many lives affected by gun violence. We must also participate in civil discourse and engage each other in a manner that is going to be supportive and inclusive of all students.  I am proud that some of our students want to express their views on this important topic, but we must do so with clarity and knowledge of the issues.  The call to action regarding the Parkland, Florida shooting should not be relegated to just one date on the calendar.

Today we came together in our Wellness Diversity assembly, in which we had students listen to real world examples of issues facing members of not only our community, but the world at large. As Mr. Brabec stated, “Today was a call to kinship, or to family, to sisterhood, in our wider Saint Francis community.  Saint John Paul II reminds us that we are all one family in the world. Indeed we are all sisters…and brothers…to each other. We are called, as Saint John Paul reminds us to build a community that empowers everyone to attain their full potential, to respect each others rights and dignity, in order to make the world a better place to live.”

During the assembly, I encouraged our Troubies to speak with their parents, teachers, counselors, administrators and student leaders to determine what action steps to take the next time a tragic event occurs.  It is important that we, as a St. Francis community, embrace the difference between a moment and a movement.

Overall, I am truly proud of the conversations our students have had with us about this topic and the leadership they have shown.  Their desire to serve and be a part of the larger conversation gives me great hope for our future

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Pax et Bonum (peace and goodness),    

Elias Mendoza
Principal