Welcome Back, ICSV!

It was such a joy to stand outside to welcome back our P-8 students this week. This building has been a lonely place without the presence of the smiling faces of our staff and students. Thank you, parents, for your confidence in our ability to follow the health guidelines given to us by the government. Dr. Werner, our school’s doctor, was here to witness the students return. She told me that she was very impressed with how we had thought through the procedures in order to best implement them for the safety of our staff and students. 

I think that a big reason so many students wanted to return is because they missed it here. What we do best is to love on and show every student just how much they are valued. Even though we can do that to an extent virtually, it means so much more to be in the presence of one’s friends in a place where they feel safe and appreciated. 

I’ve been reading a lot during this time away from school. I came across journal entries by this year’s graduates from around the world. They spoke honestly about how they were feeling about the changes that have taken place in their lives because of COVID-19. One student wrote:

“It would honestly break my heart if the school just mailed us our diploma and just said, ‘OK, have a great life.’”

We don’t want to do that. We are carefully reviewing all the constantly-changing regulations in order to determine what we can do for our students to end their year well. They have worked hard and have persevered through a difficult and uncertain time. Right now, we are planning a celebration for our graduates on June 10 at 5:00 pm at the Vienna Christian Church. Details for this scaled-down graduation will be shared by Mr. Ben Hummel, Secondary Principal, in the near future. 

So, it is with sincere joy and an abundance of thankfulness that I welcome you back to the school building! May the next month be a precious time for us all, as we are once again able to enjoy each other’s company and encourage each other in person.

Because of His Faithfulness,

Sharon Brobst, EdD
Director