Head of School Message

December 15, 2009

Dear St. Richard's Families and Friends,

 As the calendar year comes to an end and the spirit of the holiday season abounds, I would like to reflect on the many blessings that together we are so fortunate to encounter at St. Richard's.  Independent education is currently at a premium for many of our families, yet the value of the experience at SRS is repeatedly noted and not compromised by our parents, faculty and students, even in these difficult times. 

Over the first half of our year, we have much to celebrate:

• The students have successfully completed Term 1 and excelled in their efforts, with 116 fourth through eighth graders receiving honors.
  
• Overall, our students have remained in good health with low exposure to H1N1. And through the efforts of several parents and staff members, the children received vaccinations on-site, with the last being free of charge.
• Our enrollment maintained stability due to the personal commitment of our families, even in the midst of challenging times.
• Thanks to Fund-a-Need at Regalia, 2009, state of the art technology applications are ongoing.
• The eighth graders successfully participated in the We the People competition, placing first and third in the state!
• Athletic achievements are numerous.  Only naming a few, our girl's cross country team won the IISL conference meet and our 7th and 8th grade coed soccer team is the IISL league champion.
• The overwhelming support of our parents continued through the efforts of the Parent Organization, Homeroom Parents and individual participants, as noted most recently by the Gift of Time for the faculty and the generosity of your Christmas gifting.
• Our Civic Responsibility Pillar is being carried out through many philanthropic efforts, as noted by the participation of our students in supporting Craine House, Precious Gifts Daycare, Helping Hands Festival, and Mid-North Food Pantry.
• Stellar musical performances conducted by Mrs. Bender and Mrs. Eizner highlighted the talents of our students, in particular the most recent joyful performances at the Nativity Play and Lessons and Carols.
• Our faculty continued to work hard to assure the success of each student and is projecting a March 1 deadline for the completion of an assessment of our math curriculum.  Social networking guidelines continue to be reviewed in committee.
• Our dedicated Board of Trustees is hard at work developing a Vision Statement that not only celebrates the past 50 years, but also engages our efforts for the next decade and beyond.
• Jody and Tim Root, Annual Fund co-chairs, and Regalia co-chairs, Bobby Bosch and Elizabeth Bearby, are leading our two major development initiatives to secure funding of our current budget year.  Today, our Annual Report for 2008-2009 is being disseminated to our constituents, documenting last year's fundraising successes. The Foundation Board also moved forward with their work by reconnecting many former St. Richard's parents and friends, and most recently helping to make our Master Planning process come to fruition.  Also, the Development Office is using the new Razor's Edge software that will much improve our database and communications.
• Our new "Chef Robert" has added healthy and flavorful choices to our lunch menu and greatly improved our food service program.
  

As we now give thanks for our successes in 2009, we anticipate the start of our 50th year of operation as a leader of PK-8th grade education in Indianapolis.  On the horizon, we can look forward to hallmarking the strength of St. Richard's and paying tribute to many.  Exciting events are scheduled:

•  A collaborative Master Planning process will formally begin in January and culminate in August, just prior to the opening of our 2010-11 school year.
• The annual State of the School meeting on January 27 will announce our 2010-11 projections for the school.
• Recognition events will occur, with the kick-off event being Regalia, 2010.  Additional events will honor former Trinity parishioners, local Indianapolis supporters and former SRS students.  Most recently we received notification that our students will be treated to a visit from former SRS basketball player, George Hill, who is now playing for the San Antonio Spurs.
• Students will once again participate in travel experiences including trips to Waycross, Washington, D.C. and France.
• The eighth grade performance of Beauty and the Beast is greatly anticipated in the spring!                       
• We will host a commencement ceremony for the largest eighth grade class in the history of St. Richard's, with each student being strongly recruited by outstanding public, private and boarding schools.
• Summer alumni events, a more formal guest speaker program, and a huge anniversary weekend are in the works thanks to a host of volunteers!!

With warm regards and blessings,
Patricia Swenson
Head of School

Head of School Message Septemeber 2009