Dear Parents and Guardians,
I pray this email finds you well. Part of this newsletter includes remote learning details that I sent to you yesterday. This newsletter also includes other important updates, including Financial Aid information for the 2021/22 school year.
As we shared last week in our written communication, we have had a large spike in positive COVID cases for our students and faculty at Cathedral. That is why we had decided it was the safest and best decision to go virtual even before the Marion County mandate. From the moment we decided we needed to transition to eLearning, our educators have absolutely blown me away. The educators met in their professional learning communities last Friday morning, and they had a chance to start collaborating and planning to make sure our eLearning experience would be excellent. We are even more prepared than we were last spring. We now have expectations for students and expectations for teachers, which will lead to even more engagement and greater academic achievement for our students. We also had a great deal of professional development last summer to prepare for eLearning if and when it was needed.
Educators will teach daily using the synchronous learning model. This model will include live teaching, video presentations, and individual work time. Students are best served by sitting at a desk or table and not in their bed. The expectation is that students will attend all of their classes daily unless they are ill. A parent/guardian should call the attendance line at 317-968-7496 if their child is unable to attend their virtual class.
We put a great deal of thought into our daily schedule using brain research regarding teenagers’ sleep patterns. Please let us know if you have any questions regarding our daily schedule.
The Cathedral counselors have also been working extremely hard and they have prepared a very detailed plan for supporting each one of the students on their caseload. As always, we will be supporting all aspects of our students’ development.
Students in our Language Support and Learning Resource Center will also have numerous virtual and face-to-face supports in place.
Our Learning Commons will have students available every period of the day for students to get help and math support virtually while they connect with one of our amazing tutors. This is a free service for Cathedral students.
We also are planning other special events, such as on-campus prayer services, for each grade level on a specific day during Advent, along with masses on our holy days of obligation and other special activities to help our students and our educators stay connected.
To limit added stress on our students, we will not have final exams for the first semester. Instead, teachers will individually determine the end of the semester reviews and projects to ensure students have a comprehensive understanding of the material in each class.
We know many of you have questions about extracurricular activities, including clubs, performing arts, and athletics. Per the directive of the Marion County Public Health Department, as well as guidance from the IHSAA, extracurricular school activities may continue at this time. However, please know that effective Monday, November 16, these activities are limited to participants, their parents/guardians, and school support personnel. No one else will be granted admission to these activities/events. We appreciate your understanding.
Any family who is having difficulty with internet service is asked to contact our technology department, and they will try to provide some solutions. Please also contact our technology department if your student experiences problems with their iPad or has other technology-related issues. Simply send an email to bhaselby@gocathedral.com .
We told our students on Friday before we left campus, “We are the Fighting Irish and we will be back. We’ve got this!” We are already planning for when we will be back together on the Hill on Tuesday, January 19. Until then, thank you for entrusting your child with us! We are going to work harder than we ever have to make their Cathedral experience the best it can possibly be.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to any member of our administration if you feel any of us can help you, your child, or your family in any way.
God bless you and God bless Cathedral!
Go Irish!
Julie Barthel
A Glance at the Week Ahead
Monday, 11/23 – MONDAY ROTATION
Tuesday, 11/24 – TUESDAY ROTATION
Wednesday, 11/25 – Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, 11/26 – Thanksgiving Break
Friday, 11/27 – Thanksgiving Break
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINT OUT OF THE WEEKLY SCHEDULE
CLICK HERE FOR THE FALL SEMESTER SCHEDULE
CLICK HERE FOR THE SPECIAL SCHEDULE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2
CLICK HERE FOR THE SPECIAL SCHEDULE ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
Parent-Teacher Conferences
While we will not be holding a formal Parent-Teacher Conference night due to COVID, we encourage parents to reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any concerns and want to set up a virtual conference or phone call. Read More
Daily Morning Prayer
Cathedral will continue to pray together as a school each morning. If you would like to join us in prayer, please click this link to find the prayer each day. Previous prayers will also be posted on this page.
Counseling Comprehensive Plan for eLearning
Our Counseling staff will be here for our students every step of the way through this eLearning experience. Please encourage your child to reach out to their counselor if they need guidance or support!
Below, you will find important information and resources from the Counseling Department! Read More
The Learning Commons & eLearning
Mr. Leisure here! I want to remind everyone of the resource that is the Learning Commons. Even though students won’t necessarily visit us in person, please inform them to visit us online on NEXUS. This app is already on their iPads, just search for it on the desktop. Read More
Introducing St. Nick’s Nook
Cathedral would like to introduce St. Nick’s Nook, a food resource for students! Named after St. Nicholas – the Patron Saint of the Hungry – St. Nick’s Nook is located in the Advancement Office (across the hall from Counseling). Read More
Campus Ministry Prayer Services
On each Sunday of Advent, we will gather on the Hill to light the advent wreath and anticipate the coming of Christ. Each class and their families are invited to a Sunday candlelight ceremony at 5:30 p.m. in the circle. Read More
Financial Aid Application Is Open
The Financial Aid application for the 2021-2022 school year is officially open. Read More
ShamrAuction Raffle
Take part in Cathedral’s ShamrAuction festivities as we embrace the construction on the Hill with an opportunity to win a grand prize of up to $15,000* in cash through our ShamrAuction Raffle! Read More
Great Christian Service Link to Service Opportunities
Here is a great link that has many volunteer opportunities for your student. This link is powered by ProLink Indy a group. If you have any questions please contact Shannon Fox at sfox@gocathedral.com or (317) 968-7317
School picture make-ups are Jan. 27
School picture make-ups now have been scheduled for Jan. 27. Students who need to have their pictures retaken or who did not have their pictures taken on Nov. 3 or Nov. 4 should go to the WAC on January 27 anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. No appointments are needed. Read More
Calling All CHS Dads Looking to Get Involved!
Are you a CHS Dad who is looking to get involved? The Dads’ Club has been hard at work on the Hill and welcomes all dads to join the fun and camaraderie! Read More
Moms In Prayer
The Cathedral Chapter of Moms In Prayer International meets a couple of times a month during the school day at a private home near Cathedral. Read More
Writing Center
This Writing Center is a place for students to come and receive advice about their writing from experienced writers. Read More
Lunch Account Over Charges
OPEN POSITIONS AT CATHEDRAL
Cathedral is hiring for the following positions: Read More
Happenings in Our Schools, Parishes, and Community Organizations
Cathedral loves to support our schools, parishes, and community organizations. See what’s happening in our area below. Read More