SHA Cordecho Fall 2020

Students who do not feel comfortable returning to the building, or who are not feeling well, have the ability to learn from home with the same high-quality education SHA provides its students on campus. Teachers have learned to strike a balance between their in-person and remote students, expertly providing synchronous learning. Our newest students, the Class of 2024, were welcomed with a reimagined Freshwomen Fun Day and Orientation to start their SHA experience. This year, Freshwomen Fun Day took place on two days, August 11 and 25, with socially distant and community building activities. Faith development also remains at the core of SHA’s mission. Class retreats focused on prayer and sisterhood have also been reimagined. On September 30, the sophomore class experienced its retreat at Stella Maris in Livonia, NY. The girls enjoyed a unique day as they challenged themselves ziplining, rock wall climbing, tackling the high ropes course, and engaging in trust and team building games, all while cultivating the seeds of friendship, leadership, and faith. As the sun set over Conesus Lake, the class came together in a closing prayer and thanked God for each other and the beautiful gift of the day. We also celebrated the Feast of St. Francis on October 5 with a virtual prayer service streamed to each classroom with the Sisters of St. Francis singing a blessing to students as a highlight. To continue SHA’s tradition, Sr. Connie and Sr. Mara orchestrated ice cream delivery to each classroom. Our students have responded positively to this new normal; they all work together to keep each other safe, understanding the privilege they have learning together in- person. Students wear masks in each of their classes to help keep each other safe. Many of our students wear masks with clear panels to assist our teachers who are deaf or hard of hearing and rely on lipreading to communicate. S P I R I T . M I N D . B O D Y . C O R D E C H O 7 Spanish Flu to SHA’s Response to COVID-19 Our sophomores participated in a day of team building and prayer on their annual retreat. The Sisters of St. Francis from all over the world offered a virtual blessing to SHA students on the Feast of St. Francis. Freshwomen Fun Day provided our newest SHA girls with the opportunity to meet and build friendships before their first day of class.