After the grandeur, pageantry, and impressiveness of celebrating Ursuline’s sesquicentennial last school year, I found solace in the quiet months of this summer. The campus, once bustling with students and celebration, echoed with a sense of calm. Summer allowed me time to contemplate and plan. I caught my breath, anticipating that the next school year would bring new inquiries and opportunities.

As August arrived, one of the first questions I heard was, “What’s in store for Ursuline’s next 150 years?” I paused and after some thought, answered that the best way for us to move forward into the next 150 years is to honor and celebrate Ursuline by doubling down on what we do best: our shared commitment to the total development of the individual student through spiritual formation, intellectual growth, service to others, and building of community. On the first day of classes, I saw many of our returning students actively helping our new students find classrooms and navigate the campus. On the same day during Activity period, students played nine-square on The Gehan Pavilion. There was a long line of students from each grade level – freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors – eagerly waiting their turn to play.

Classes are now in full swing, and as one student shared with me, “We finished introductions and going over the syllabus, and now we are doing the real stuff.” We celebrated our first school-wide Mass with the Mass of the Holy Spirit, which ended with a reflection to live life fully and in the way God intends for us. There are scrimmages, time-trials, and games. Students are discovering their favorite new study areas. And all-around campus, the girls talk, giggle, laugh, and support one another.

During In-service week and student orientations, we discussed our school theme of the year, Encounter. On the surface, the word encounter simply means to “run into.” However, running into God is the best thing that can happen to us because it transforms us and gives us purpose and direction like no other encounter. I encourage your daughters to consider the encounters they will have this year.

In any given year, during the first week of August, I detect within myself an undeniable anticipation and excitement, and I begin to count the days until empty classrooms come alive with laughter, curiosity, and the promise of growth. As much as I cherish the summer’s tranquility, my heart swells with joy when we welcome students back for the school year. The encounters of each school season continue to inspire us to guide Ursuline into its next 150 years.

Thank you for sharing your daughter’s high school years with us. 

With gratitude,
Elizabeth Smith