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Returning to school after a long summer break is a little bit like a homecoming, whether you’re a student, teacher, staff member or Catholic school family. Sure, we love the time off from the academic year to relax and enjoy the warm weather and fun activities, but a part of us is always clamoring for the excitement of what’s next along with the familiarity of the school community we know and love. Walking through the school doors on the first day brings with it the joyful anticipation of all that is to come — new teachers, new friends, new subjects, new opportunities. 

For some of us, me included, this year may bring a completely new chapter. Perhaps you’re a student moving to a new school or a teacher taking on a new class. Maybe you’re the family of a first-time student, wondering how this journey will unfold. Wherever you are on the path, know that you’re not alone. We are all walking this road together, offering support and friendship, along with the great academic and extracurricular programs that are a hallmark of our Catholic schools.

At the end of the last school year, I did not know I would find myself in this position, serving as Interim Superintendent of Schools. It wasn’t on my radar, but when the opportunity presented itself, I gratefully accepted the chance to serve our communion of Catholic schools in this new role. It’s a reminder that no matter what we have planned, there are often unseen opportunities and challenges up around the bend. We can shy away from them and stick to what’s comfortable, or we can embrace them and allow these moments to expand our perspective and our lives.

That willingness to step into the unknown with hope and anticipation is something fostered each day in our Catholic schools. We give our students a firm foundation in faith, layered with the highest quality academics, and rounded out by athletics, art, music and so many other wonderful programs. This model of education not only prepares our students to achieve great things during their school years but to go on to achieve great things as citizens of the world. We don’t simply teach our students facts; we teach them how to think critically and to make decisions grounded in Gospel values. In other words, we give them both firm footing that provides strength and stability and broad wings that allow them to soar to new heights.

Dr. Christopher Bott is Interim Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Albany.

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