Dear HNES Families,
At the bottom of this message you will find the HNES Back to School Plan for fall 2020. This comprehensive plan is as of today’s date and is subject to change at any time. Your HNES Operations Team has worked diligently to provide these plans, and we will continue to work non-stop to make sure they meet all health and safety requirements. We are still actively building on new information, expect some items to change and some additions to be made to the plan. We also appreciate the community consultants that have partnered with us along the way.
Within the document, you will find on page 27 the link to sign-up for the virtual option. Please take your time reviewing this information and know that we are doing everything possible for your children. Also, attached is an important and timely message from Father Steve Bates.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Fuller
Head of School
Message from Fr. Steve -
Dear Ones,
Hurricane Michael hit on a Wednesday; chapel day. A couple of days after the storm when it was safe for teachers to get back into the school to salvage what they could, Amy Moody sent me a picture of the white board in her room. On the board was the Bible verse for chapel on October 10th. It’s from Mark’s gospel, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” I don’t know if that was a God thing or a coincidence or maybe there’s no difference between the two. But what I do know is that’s how many of us began our journey over the last year and a half of incredible challenges. I find myself once again being reminded of the power of that piece of scripture.
I want to commend the HNES Operations Team and their diligent work is providing a framework that will enable us to come back to our beloved school. I cannot wait to see your children. They are a highlight of my ministry over the past 14 years. I understand the anxiety some may feel as we approach this bold step in regaining some normalcy in our lives. I share that with you. But I take comfort in the fact that I know as much as I’ve ever known anything, that the moment your children enter those doors that they are loved and that everything possible is being done to keep them safe. I know that because I know that the teachers and staff of our beloved school view what they do not merely as a job but as a ministry; a ministry where with God, all things really are possible.
Part of the Christian journey is being made free to allow God to do what we cannot do for ourselves by trusting in his promises. As I told my congregation yesterday, God longs to be a part of wears us down, of our anxiety and fears and uncertainties. And maybe that’s a beginning to how all of us address the unprecedented challenges we face. As we look to the beginning of a new school year, I take comfort in the fact that I know decisions being made and precautions taken have all been put in place after thoughtful and earnest prayer. I hope that provides some comfort for you as well. In the meantime, remember, “Life is short and we haven’t much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us. So, be quick to love and make haste to be kind. And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you and remain up on you this day and forevermore.” For me, this is not merely a blessing or a slogan. It is a way of life.
God love you all,
Father Steve+