Every school year has a number of important milestones -- yesterday's Registration Night for the class of 2021 was one of them for us. After a year of preparing in different ways, and getting to know prospective students around the Diocese and the greater metropolitan area, we registered the class of 2021. At Open Houses, school tours, shadow visits, meetings connected to our athletic and fine arts events, and other opportunities, we have shared the O'Connell story and learned the special stories of families and students considering Bishop O'Connell. Last evening, things became more tangible for everyone involved and it was, as it is each year, a very exciting evening full of great hope.
Registration night is a reminder of the great trust families place in the school, and therefore a reminder of the important duty we commit to. This reality is made most clear when speaking with parents registering their oldest or only child for our school. The process is new and the questions are many. For the parents, there often seems to be a sense of disbelief that the time has gone by so quickly and they are registering their child for high school. They know their child better than anyone and understand their goals and dreams. They want their children to be happy and to know success. At the school, conversations like these are moments that remind us of both our opportunities and responsibilities as educators.
Registration night is a reminder of the sacrifices made in the service of Catholic education. As the Head of School walking around the event, I observe my colleagues engaged with families and helping to put the school's best foot forward as we more formally introduce ourselves to the families of the new class. "All hands" evolutions like this night ask everyone to assume a role and execute it so that we can best serve the families. Seeing so many colleagues doing this so joyfully and with a sense of pride is inspiring.
Registration night is about community. For as many families and students who come in to register with friends and current school classmates, there is also a lot of initial ice breaking going on as parents get to know other new parents and students start to get to know new classmates...a process that will continue at the 8th grade dance tonight. Taking in the shared sense of excitement is very energizing.
Registration night is about tradition and transformation. Over the course of the evening, we see alumni coming to register their 8th graders and reconnecting with former teachers. We see parents about to register their 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th child at O'Connell seeing other parents they've known over the years but haven't seen in a while. We also see, in the newer conversations beginning around the building, the start of new relationships among parents and students, some of which will grow into lasting friendships forged over volunteer opportunities and cafeteria tables.
Last night was an important and exciting moment in the life of our school that conjured for me important reminders about vocation, duty, community, tradition and transformation.