Thomas A. Kardish, President    Lauren Carr '00, Principal

March 20, 2020

 

Dear Villa Family,

 

The past several weeks have certainly been unthinkable as news reports from afar have become our unimaginable present here at home. Believe it or not, this week was supposed to be one of my favorite weeks of the year, as I planned to travel with students to visit the more than 40 Sisters of St. Casimir in Chicago. Instead, we are facing very understandable questions concerning the future, which can cause anxious laughter at best as we try to communicate that which we just don't know.

 

These days are definitely a time when we all KNOW that God is in charge — not us — and that this is an opportunity to rely on Him who loves us, especially in times of uncertainty and stress.

 

Mother Maria's words can inspire us: "What will sustain us in these dark hours and encourage us to do the right? It is Faith in God's Providence, the Hope of a better, brighter future, and a complete Trust in the help of The Most High."

 

There are some certainties that I CAN report on though — there was a beautiful sunrise on my drive in today to school. We had nearly 100% attendance as students have begun their studies on the online portion of Canvas. And, I have witnessed the most committed faculty and staff respond incredibly well to the challenge of our times.

 

Our faculty has been trained; most technology challenges have been overcome; and our entire community has rallied around each other as we have entered this new world of the present. I know we have had a few light-hearted hiccups (Cameos of younger family members being the most common!)  but I would like to especially acknowledge our IT "Department," Ms. Karla Hurlbert, as she ensured that each member of the faculty was ready to teach and each student was ready to learn.

 

Another certainty we all knew already, but has been on display every day recently, is the leadership provided by our principal, Mrs. Lauren Carr. Our school was prepared, as we were in our third year utilizing the Canvas learning management system, and when it became apparent that we had to adjust quickly, she led us with decisiveness and clarity. I know I am grateful that she is a key member of our community, and no matter what the future brings, I am confident the students of Villa Joseph Marie will always be afforded the best education that is available.

 

As I am sure is the case at your home, the world at the Kardish household was turned upside down in the last week. Christine and I had to move out two children with college dorms closing at 5 p.m. on Sunday. We also brought home two of their classmates, as they did not readily have places to go. So our two-person family is now back to six, and we definitely do not have enough WiFi! Our normal procedures have totally been altered (Do we hold hands to pray grace?), so I suppose the best thing to do is simply live as best we can and try to be considerate as we can to others. We are calling and dropping off meals to the grandparents and trying to do our best to stay healthy ourselves and keep others safe as well.

 

Finally, I'd like to suggest a few things to think about as we attempt to make the best out of our circumstances. With the change in our schedules and daily routines, I believe this is a chance to experience a bit of a different type of Lent. Perhaps there is a book or prayer practice that you "just never could get to"; perhaps there is a new hobby or craft you would like to try. For me, I am finally going to work on that often neglected chore list — including cleaning out my office files — and maybe de-clutter the garage! Now is the perfect time to get outside your normal "box" and think differently about your future goals and plans. It is also a good time to go back to the future with some old-fashioned family activities. For us, that's a puzzle and watching The Godfather;  believe it or not, it's the first time for the college kids.

 

Thank you for your commitment to the education of our Villa Jems and to our amazing community! I find great comfort in these uncertain times to have this wonderful institution to call my home. It is times like this — when my own children (and a few others)  are home — that make me realize at the end of the day, our kids are the only future that counts.

 

You'll be hearing from us often, and we commit to thinking of new ways to bring our community together — even when we are supposed to stay apart. Please reach out to me at any time if we can assist your families. We will get through this together, as a community!

 

Love and prayers (for good health for us all),

 

Tom Kardish, President

It is only through the generosity of each and every one of our Alumnae, Current Students, Past and Current Parents that Villa Joseph Marie has been able to rise to this unprecedented occasion. Through your generosity of your time, your prayers, and your financial support, Villa has been able to continue to embrace our Mission, continuing to empower and challenge our Jems through our digital classrooms and remote communications. Please continue to pray for our faculty, staff, and students, knowing that we hold you, our Villa Family, in prayer, as well.

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