A Message from Suzanne Troxclair, Superintendent of Catholic Schools
June 12, 2020
RETURN TO SCHOOL PLAN
Our priorities as we return to school are safety, presence, and growth:
• SAFETY The diocese is committed to utilizing appropriate safety measures in the context of a return to work and schools.
• PRESENCE The diocese is committed to keeping our schools open and do not want to burden parents with challenging schedules that would make it difficult to work.
• GROWTH The diocese wants our children to continue their academic progress in a safe, secure, and Christ-centered environment in our schools as we work in the ministry of Catholic education to form the whole child.
This Return to School Plan will be updated regularly as we respond to additional guidance received. Our schools will post their Return to School Plans on their school websites, updating as needed.
The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is grateful for the deep commitment of its school families to the ministry of Catholic education and looks forward to welcoming its students back to school in August!
DISTANCE LEARNING
Students, teacher-ministers, administrator-ministers, and their support staffs did an outstanding job to ensure teaching and learning infused with our Catholic identity continued throughout this unprecedented time. They faced these challenges with the Christ-centered spirit and tenacity that make our Catholic school ministry both unique and excellent.
In addition to ensuring that teaching and learning continued through distance education, they made intentional efforts to recognize our students through fun and innovative methods! Whether it included highlighting students on social media or delivering yard signs to the houses of graduating seniors, the students and their families witnessed firsthand the sincere love and support of their Catholic school family. These memories will be forever carried in their hearts and in ours, as we have been blessed to witness these incredible expressions of faith and hope for our students.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONS
CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Friday, June 26, 2020 @ 6:30pm
Holy Cross Catholic Church, Morgan City
VANDEBILT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Saturday, June 27, 2020 @ 9:00am
Stopher Gymnasium
Nicholls State University, Thibodaux
E.D. WHITE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Saturday, June 27, 2020 @ 3:00pm
Stopher Gymnasium
Nicholls State University, Thibodaux
[ CLICK HERE to download a Full Color 1-page PDF of this message ]
Mary 1, 2020
In light of the governor’s latest proclamation and his plans for the upcoming implementation of gradual phases of changes to the Stay at Home order, our high school leaders have been working diligently behind the scenes with the Catholic Schools Office and diocesan officials to offer the most meaningful and traditional baccalaureate celebrations possible and have prayerfully determined the rescheduling of our Catholic high school graduations. Today, Bishop Shelton Fabre and Superintendent Suzanne Troxclair announce the following graduation dates for our high schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux:
· Central Catholic School: Friday, June 26, 2020
· Vandebilt Catholic High School: Saturday, June 27, 2020
· Edward Douglas White Catholic High School: Saturday, June 27, 2020
While the specific details regarding the format of the graduation ceremonies are subject to the directives of our state and local government and health care officials, we are committed to meaningful and spiritual celebrations of our high school graduates and their diligent work throughout their Catholic school formation. Specific details will be released by individual schools as they are confirmed. In thanksgiving, we continue to reflect on the blessings we have received from having had the privilege of educating our graduating seniors in our Catholic school ministry.
April 16, 2020
In compliance with the emergency statewide proclamation issued by Governor John Bel Edwards dated April 15, 2020, Bishop Fabre and Superintendent Suzanne Troxclair are announcing the continuation of distance learning in all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. The diocesan decision is in full alignment with Wednesday’s statedirective ordering the closure of all public schools in our state.
In our ongoing effort to protect the health and safety of our students, faculties, and school staffs, all school buildings will remain closed to our students through the remainder of this academic calendar school year. We are incredibly proud of the hard work of our students, parents, faculties, and staff to ensure our children continue to receive a quality Catholic education while complying with the safety precautions set forth by our local, state, and national authorities.
All schools will continue to be in communication with their students and parents in regards to all assignments, grades, and previously scheduled school activities. We are confident that our students will complete the current school year with the support of our dedicated school staffs, and be ready to begin anew for the 2020-2021 school year in our diocese.
Please continue to pray for the sustained good health of all and for the recovery of all those who are ill. We encourage all of our school families to join Bishop Fabre in prayer each day during the Hour of Mercy at 3:00 P.M.
April 3, 2020
In light of the government extension of school closures and the previous directives issued by Bishop Shelton Fabre and Superintendent Suzanne Troxclair, all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux will remain closed until April 30, 2020.
Our schools will continue their commitment to distance learning during this time. School learning will cease in observance of Easter vacation during each school’s announced holiday period. Please continue to pray for the sustained good health of all and for the recovery of those who are ill.
March 14, 2020
All Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and all public schools in the state of Louisiana will be closed from Monday, March 16th until Monday, April 13th, as Louisiana seeks to slow the spread of coronavirus in the state. Over the last several weeks, our Catholic Schools Office has been preparing for this possibility.
In response, the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux will begin implementing their distance learning plans. Families will receive communication from their child’s school with specific details pertaining to the expectations of their students.
Please continue to monitor messages received from your school’s current family communication method, including PlusPortals, as well as the diocesan website and Facebook Page.