A new school year is always a time of new beginnings, renewed purpose, and exciting possibilities. It is often a time to welcome new students and families, reconnect with friends and colleagues, and look ahead to another year of learning, growth, and shared experiences. At the start of this year’s school year at St. Rita School for the Deaf, we embraced a theme that beautifully reflects the spirit of our school community: “Better Together”.
These two simple words express an important truth: “education is a shared journey”. It means that a student’s growth is not the work of one person. It is made possible through the partnership of students, teachers, families, staff, and the wider community. Each person brings unique gifts, experiences, knowledge, and encouragement and together, these contributions create an enabling environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive.
As one school, at the heart of St. Rita lies the commitment to education. The classrooms are places of knowledge and discovery, and where confidence is built, relationships are formed, and possibilities begin to take shape. It is very interesting that at St. Rita, every student brings unique strengths, interests, experiences, and dreams. Thus, recognizing these gifts, responding to individual needs, and providing opportunities for every student to experience meaningful growth become big tasks. However, our teachers and staff make this possible through their dedication, creativity, patience, and care. They do more than teaching: encourage students to ask questions, develop independence, communicate effectively, solve problems, persevere through challenges, and discover their potentials. At St. Rita, you find a community of learners not only for today, but for tomorrow.
As one family, the families are essential parts of the St. Rita community, parents and caregivers know their children in unique and important ways. Their insights, encouragement, and partnership strengthen the work we do at the school. When families and educators communicate openly and work toward shared goals, students benefit from a strong network of people who believe in them.
As one community, everyone has a role to play. St. Rita community extends far beyond the classroom. It includes students and families, teachers and staff, alumni, volunteers, benefactors, and community partners, and all who believe in the mission of St. Rita School for the Deaf. Every person has a role to play. While on one hand, some teach, some guide, some encourage, some volunteer, some provide resources, and some offer friendship and support. Others on the other hand, some pray and cheer our students on. Each contribution matters. A strong community is built through everyday acts of kindness, service, collaboration, and respect. It grows when we welcome one another, listen to one another, celebrate accomplishments, and stand together during difficult times. In other words, we are stronger when everyone has a place and something to contribute.
Be that as it may, this year’s school theme is beautifully connected to the words of Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” For students of St. Rita, this means approaching learning with effort, curiosity, and perseverance. For the teachers, it means bringing dedication, professionalism, creativity, and compassion to their vocation. For families, it means offering encouragement, patience, and partnership. For staff and the wider community, it means serving with care and purpose.
Better Together, therefore invites each of us to look beyond our individual roles and recognize the community we share, and what can we accomplish together, how we can encourage each student, support every teacher or family, make each person feel welcomed, and create a school where every student feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive.
As the school year unfolds, may our classrooms be filled with curiosity and discovery, our hallways with friendship and respect, and our community with compassion and belonging. May we teach with purpose, learn with curiosity, serve with generosity, and communicate with respect. May we celebrate one another’s successes and support one another through challenges. Most importantly, may every student who walks through the doors of St. Rita say: I am welcomed. I am valued. I belong. I have gifts to share, and I am not alone. As one school, one family, and one community, we find strength in one another, hope in one another, and a better tomorrow in one another. We are Better Together.
Fr. Charles Onumaegbu
Chaplain, Deaf Ministry