Roanoke Catholic, Glorious is His Light, So Too The Success Achieved in His Name…
The school greets the start of our one hundred and twenty-third academic year poised to expand upon a tradition emphasizing faith in the Gospel message, familial values and the aspiration for excellence as defining hallmarks of the learning community.
It is often said that past performance is a sound indicator of future success. Last year was a banner year for the school; we witnessed the spiritual growth and development of our students, faculty and parents. We welcomed over 80 new students to Roanoke Catholic School and we ended the year with a budget surplus which has allowed us to continue on our road to fiscal stability and growth.
The Roanoke Catholic School community respects traditional values. We believe that part of our success draws upon the strength of our foundational shoulders. So many have worked so hard to ensure the school’s founding vision established in 1889. Our traditions, derived from a rich history and woven within our plan for the future invigorates the school.
The school’s “health indicators” make a clear statement of viability and strength. Student enrollment is higher this year than last year, it is anticipated that the total population will reach 500 students in the next few years. The class of 2012 joined an impressive list of colleges and universities. These students received some $4.9 million dollars in collegiate financial awards. Innovative educational offerings also compliment this new academic year. With the start of our Renaissance Program in 2010, we have seen an increase in a number of exciting programs including; dance, The National Parks Experience, adult band and our walking club.
As a Catholic school we do not espouse elitism as a fundamental principle. Working hard to achieve academic success and self-discipline are central to developing the college bound student. We believe, however, that this preparation need not be achieved at the expense of other hard working and promising students. We will continue the school’s tradition of nurturing a diverse academic and social community. Efforts to maintain affordability, thereby nurturing a diverse population, continue to be taxed. The challenge of this issue becomes exacerbated, as the demand for enriched programmatic standards continues to grow among our school families. The development of greater financial support from the broader community is of fundamental importance for maintaining the school’s foundational population and its diversity. We are convinced that bolstering financial reserves at RCS can be achieved and that this work will support our school’s ministries.
Change that promotes synergy and establishes vibrancy, while drawing from the core traditions of the Roanoke Catholic School community has been the driving force of our work over the past few months. While each new academic year brings many challenges, it also provides a commensurate basis for confidence in the future of the school. The Blessed Sacrament currently resides in our Chapel, and we walk by faith that our planning exemplifies the Light of Christ. Our Catholic school must be better because of its Catholicity, and not exclusive in its ability to effect the lives of our youth. We welcome the challenge of the new school year and encourage you to continue to be an active part of the community.
Patrick W. Patterson
Principal
