A Message from Director of Middle School, Ilse Norris:

Dear Middle School families,

Homecoming Week is behind us! It was a “Vis Got The Beat” kind of week, filled with music, fun, joy and camaraderie. On Thursday, the Middle Schoolers had a special out-of-uniform day and could wear jeans with their homecoming T-shirt instead of their uniform skirt, the only division to get that privilege. The eighth graders came to school with a twinkle in their eye, looking like they just got away with something. The Pep Rally that morning was one of the best I have ever seen. Lucy Berg, the Vis SuperFan, did an excellent job rallying the troops, and the captains of the different sports teams took turns introducing themselves and leading the student body in special cheers. We couldn’t have asked for better weather as we rooted on our Homecoming sports teams on Thursday afternoon. As I watched our Varsity athletes on the soccer field and the volleyball court, I couldn’t help but feel proud of our poised, confident, well-rounded young women who are strong on and off the field and display perfect sportsmanship when the game doesn't go their way. My favorite moment of the evening was seeing our Middle School faculty, Ross Bell and Randi Rexroth, together with their band called the Faculty Lounge and the Three Day Weekend, rocking it out on the grassy knoll. I liked it so much I went to see them twice!

The culminating crown jewel to our fun-filled week was the Opening Mass and Flag Raising. We had the good fortune of having Archbishop Hebda presiding over the Mass. I liked how he tied our 150th anniversary celebration to the reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: “For everything, there is a season. A time to plant and a time to harvest, a time to tear down and a time to build up, a time to grieve and a time to dance. And now, it is time to celebrate: celebrate our past, our present, and what is yet to come.” If my memory serves me right, this was my 19th flag-raising ceremony at Visitation. It never ceases to amaze me how over 600 people can process in perfect silence to the flag poles outside the Heart, flanked by the Senior Honor Guard. Seeing the solemn faces of the many seniors I have had the privilege of teaching always makes me a little nostalgic. Time goes by so fast. As always, the heavens held off until after the orchestra had played and the national anthem was sung to unleash the heavy rainfall. Thanks to all who had a hand in organizing this beautiful tradition: an all-around job well done!

Just a reminder that the Vis/STA Middle School Tailgate, originally scheduled for September 30, is canceled. September 30 is also an out-of-uniform day. Students are asked to bring $1 for the privilege of dressing down. The donation will go to a good cause. 

It is a privilege to partner with you and work with your daughter in this excellent school!

Gratefully,

Ilse Norris
Director of Middle School