Adaptation & Change--How Vianney Stays Nimble

As with many organizations, businesses, and school's it is important these days for St. John Vianney High School to be nimble. 

Just this week we were tested with winter weather, questionable road conditions, and the challenge of educating our students despite the consistency and structure a traditional five day week provides. 

The ability to adjust, adapt and grow is a key trait for success in our dynamic and complex world.  Fortunately the Society of Mary recognized that many years ago.  "Adaption & Change" is one of the 5 Characteristics we seek to educate our young men to handle when they exit our halls as Men of Character & Accomplishment.  

Just like our organizations, individuals within them fare best when they are prepared for ongoing change and provided with the skills such that they, too, can be nimble.

The fall leading in to winter is always a rewarding time for me to be the principal.  From Homecoming to Thanksgiving through Christmas we welcome back our graduates.!

We meet them at reunions, the Thanksgiving Lunch/Yearbook Party, and see them as their college semesters close and they return to enjoy a Spicy Chicken Sandwich or a Hot Ham & Cheese on a Pretzel bun for lunch!

Seeing our graduates return with smiles on their faces and stories of success is rewarding and reminds me of a quote I once read in my undergraduate studies that speaks to the importance of community belonging for relationships but also benefits. 

“True belonging is born of relationships not only to one another but to a place of shared responsibilities and benefits. We love not so much what we have acquired as what we have made and whom we have made it with.”

As the fall and winter unfold each year, we welcome back our graduates from new environments and they tell us that they feel well-prepared for their next stage of life: academically, spiritually, and personally.

We also see our current students and staff adjust to new technologies, higher expectations, more responsibilities, and even Snow Days.!

Upon reflection this week I thought again to the quote above. I thought of the benefits that St. John Vianney High School provides for our community. 

In addition, I was reminded, I “love not so much what we have acquired as what we have made and whom we have made it with.”

Thank you for entrusting your son to our care.  Thank you for being part of the Vianney Family!