May 30, 2020
Dear Visitation Families,
As we awoke to news of another night filled with pain, violence and destruction in the wake of George Floyd's death, I wanted to reach out to our community. Along with all of you, I long for peace and justice. Please know that our school counselors, faculty and staff are available to students to provide opportunities for connection and reflection. It is important that we acknowledge the fear, pain and frustration that permeates our cities and our nation, and we collectively join together as a community to seek answers and pray for peace.
Tomorrow the Visitation community celebrates the Feast of the Visitation, which is also Pentecost Sunday, where we recall the joyful meeting of Mary and Elizabeth in the gospel story of the Visitation. Just as they expressed God's life-giving presence in their lives, we are strengthened by the many ways God is present to us and in our relationships with each other. As a school community, deeply rooted in Salesian Spirituality, we are called to "Live + Jesus" and to "walk humbly, relate gently, live justly and love generously." As we continue to work towards answers, we remember that which is bigger than ourselves. Our faith and Salesian Spirituality anchors and sustains us, even in the hardest of times, especially in the hardest of times. It seems like there is one challenge after another and yet we must remember to look to God and to one another.
While we are not physically connected, our support staff are still available. Our Lower, Middle and Upper School counselors as well as faculty and staff are here to support students during this difficult time. Yesterday, Upper School students were invited to join Dr. Barter for a Google Meet to reflect, listen and express thoughts and concerns. We will continue to provide those opportunities. We know our students are deeply upset, and we are here to listen and support.
As our beloved Visitation Sisters continue to demonstrate to us, we are committed to be forces of compassion, justice and healing now and moving forward. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers every day.
Sincerely,
Rene Gavic
Head of School