SHA Cordecho Fall 2020

AMessage from the Head of School magine a global deadly pandemic wreaking havoc with everyday life, education, and voting. . . Sounds like 2020, right? Well, let’s hope history repeats itself. A hundred years ago, this country was just recovering from the ravaging Spanish Flu pandemic, and women’s tumultuous fight for the right to vote (prolonged in part because of restriction on assembling due to the pandemic) finally came to fruition with the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment. Closer to home the Stella Niagara Franciscan Sisters had shepherded their students at Stella Niagara and Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart with prayers and right judgment through the pandemic and re-established normalcy in the classroom. In short, our national and local history tells us there are brighter days ahead. So, we persevere, but that is not enough. We are called to more; we are called to innovate, lead and reflect God’s joy on this journey. Now more than ever, we are aware of our many gifts. We know we benefit from a student body that treasures its time together and will be respectful of protocols put in place for its safety. We have a heroic faculty so dedicated to its students that it has embraced innovative use of technology to not only meet the current challenge but improve the delivery of instruction well after this pandemic. Our parents have partnered with us by postponing travel plans and trusting in our preparations. Creative directors, campus ministers, moderators, and coaches are pressing forward and reimagining traditions so that students can build lasting memories and friendships outside of the classroom. And, we are forever grateful for our alumnae who are continuing to respond to the call for financial aid for families in need and to meet the unique and unanticipated expenses connected to our safe reopening. Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart continues to move forward carefully but, at the same time, boldly. To empower the leaders of tomorrow to be nimble enough to pivot when the path to achievement shifts, yet grounded enough to have both feet firmly planted in their core values for the unpredictable patches on the trek, and to have enough spring in their step to inspire companions to join them on the journey, we must first model these practices ourselves. With much planning, we achieved the necessary; the Class of 2020 received the send off it deserved, rich with tradition, yet reimagined. Inspired by this success, we continued our course forward, reconsidering what was possible this year. Students safely returned to school this fall, with masks and distancing and hand washing and health screenings. Less than a month into school, we celebrated what would have seemed impossible just months earlier. We observed our Feast Day with a virtual prayer service, ice cream, and a special virtual blessing from our Sisters. We joined together at two outdoor retreats (freshwomen and sophomores) growing in faith and friendship. Our musical has embraced the well-known theatrical phrase, “the show must go on,” albeit pre-recorded and socially distant. And who knew you could play soccer in a mask or conduct an open house for prospective families and still adhere to all the COVID-19 protocols! As I reflect on the last eight months and all we have overcome, I repeatedly find my footing in St. Francis’ often quoted words, “Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” 2 C O R D E C H O S P I R I T . M I N D . B O D Y . ONTHECOVER The sophomore class experienced its retreat at Stella Maris in Livonia, NY at the end of September. Students were challenged to participate in the day’s activities, which included rock climbing and a high ropes course (see photo on the right). With encouragement from her classmates, each girl stepped out of her comfort zone and experienced something new. Megan Zielinski ’23 is pictured with smiling eyes after ziplining to the ground from a high platform. S P I R I T. M I N D . B O D Y.