tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34017048059823717752024-03-19T09:01:07.513-04:00The Daily Saint Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-73283427982934191162020-05-11T16:08:00.003-04:002020-05-11T16:08:48.024-04:00Daily Update - Monday, May 11, 2020Fr. Doyle Family,<br />
<br />
In one of his famous Father Brown Mysteries, G.K. Chesterton remarks:<br />
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"One can sometimes do good by being the right person in the wrong place."<br />
<br />
I like to think that this is true for each one of us in this current situation: teachers, students, and families alike.<br />
<br />
We certainly find ourselves in the wrong place. We are not at all where we are supposed to be right now. We should be in our school building, at our spring sporting events, and preparing for exciting end of year activities; however, we found ourselves apart, at home, socially distant.<br />
<br />
Yet, maybe - just maybe - we're just the people to do some good in this not so great situation. So let's remain rooted in Christ, let's remain steadfast in hope, and let's stay #FJVDStrong. We could just be the right people in the wrong place.<br />
<br />Until tomorrow,<br />
<br />
-Mr. PeloquinMr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-4737048840034920222020-05-07T17:30:00.001-04:002020-05-07T17:30:32.603-04:00Daily Update - Thursday, May 7, 2020Dear Fr. Doyle Families,<br />
<br />
We persevere. We carry on. We hope.<br />
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These times are not easy, but deep down we know that - together - we will get through this.<br />
<br />
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Until Monday,<br />
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-Mr. PeloquinMr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-66570632414848556782020-05-06T17:09:00.004-04:002020-05-06T17:09:57.041-04:00Daily Update - Wednesday, May 6, 2020Fr. Doyle Families,<br />
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As this crisis stretches on some things do get easier - like mastering certain learning platforms or completing your assignments in a reasonable amount of time - but other things do not.<br />
<br />
We still miss our friends and family that we cannot see. We still miss all our sports and other extra-curricular activities. We long for regular end of year activities. We miss a sense of normalcy. We miss community.<br />
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There isn't an easy solution to all of this. The fact is, may not get easier for awhile; but I'm glad to be a part of this school community in this very moment, glad to have the support of amazing teachers and parents and glad to be serving such a vibrant and wonderful group of students. I hope you, too, can find some gladness in the days ahead.<br />
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Looking forward to our family parade tomorrow!<br />
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Until then,<br />
<br />
-Mr. PeloquinMr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-20695007614517273952020-05-05T18:08:00.003-04:002020-05-05T18:09:02.580-04:00Daily Update - Tuesday, May 5, 2020Fr. Doyle Families,<br />
<br />
I was reflecting this afternoon on the words of Mother Theresa of Calcutta:<br />
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"God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faithful."<br />
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In this current crisis, success can be hard to find. Stress levels are high, patience is thin, and we have been collectively fighting against this pandemic for what feels like months on end. Indeed, sometimes we may wonder "what does it even mean to be successful amidst all of this?"<br />
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Maybe that's when it is most essential that we acknowledge that our calling is not to success. No, our calling is to something even greater - faith, and with it, hope for a brighter tomorrow.<br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
<br />
-Mr. PeloquinMr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-61551212975160447472020-05-04T16:10:00.002-04:002020-05-05T20:01:20.738-04:00Daily Update - Monday, May 4, 2020Fr. Doyle Families,<br />
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In her daily press briefing today, Governor Raimondo remarked that she has "never been prouder to be a Rhode Islander."<br />
<br />
I think it's safe to say that I've never been prouder to be a member of the Fr. John V. Doyle School community. The way in which our staff, students, teachers, and parents have risen to meet this unprecedented challenge has been nothing short of inspiring. Never has a Teacher Appreciation Week been more apropos nor more well deserved than this week.<br />
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As the end of the year approaches, we are reminded of the unfortunate reality that many end of year events will look differently; however, let us also remember the incredible successes we have shared. Student learning has continued, our community continues to support one another in innumerable ways, and we look with eyes of hope to the return to regular school activities in the Fall.<br />
<br />
Thank you to all of our teachers, and thank you to all of you, for making Fr. John V. Doyle School all that it is.<br />
<br />
Until tomorrow,<br />
-Mr. Peloquin<br />
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<br />Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-79443154086887490212020-04-30T17:47:00.004-04:002020-04-30T17:48:21.400-04:00Daily Update - Thursday, April 30, 2020Fr. Doyle Family,<br />
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Another day of distance learning comes to a close. We worked hard today!<br />
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Time to take a breather. Let go of the logistics of tomorrow, the decisions you'll have to make, the work still undone... It'll be okay. We'll be okay.<br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
<br />
-Mr. PeloquinMr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-86983657438196360362020-04-29T16:12:00.005-04:002020-04-29T16:13:28.837-04:00Daily Update - Wednesday, April 29, 2020Fr. Doyle Family,<br />
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We're already more than halfway through the week with the conclusion of distance learning today, and the end of this week marks the start of May! As we look towards the end of the year, be assured we have some exciting plans coming for end of year activities. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
While we're still working hard to bring you the best distance learning experience possible, it seems as though today, right now, is a good time to reflect upon just how far we've come. We have strong systems in place, students are successfully accessing platforms and turning in assignments, and learning is undoubtedly continuing at a great pace. I'm grateful for each of your contributions to our overall success.<br />
<br />
The journey has not always been easy, and it is far from over, but let's not forget all that we've accomplished today.<br />
<br />
Until tomorrow,<br />
<br />
-Mr. Peloquin<br />
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<br />Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-2303582229415515952020-04-28T17:01:00.003-04:002020-04-28T17:01:41.457-04:00Daily Update - Tuesday, April 28, 2020Fr. Doyle Family,<br />
<br />
I continue to be deeply moved by the hard work, creativity, and dedication of all the members of our community. Not a day goes back that I am not inspired by a teacher's lesson, a parent's willingness to go above and beyond, or a student's creativity in responding to a particular assignment.<br />
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I'm grateful to all of the parents who were able to attend the Principal's Office Hours this morning, and I look forward to hearing feedback and questions from many more families in the weeks ahead. As I've said previously, distance learning is the ultimate team sport, and we can't do this without each and every one of you!<br />
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I leave you today with this thought:<br />
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<i>"School is not closed for the year. The building is... but if you listen closely you can hear the hum of hard working teachers, students, parents, and more. Yes, we are brokenhearted, but these broken hearts will continue to lead and continue to learn."</i> -Peyton Anderson<br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
<br />
-Mr. Peloquin<br />
<br />Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-40488188748864523472020-04-27T15:16:00.001-04:002020-04-27T15:16:49.270-04:00Daily Update - Monday, April 27, 2020Fr. Doyle Family,<br />
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We're back!<br />
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I hope you all had a restful and healthy April break. As we begin distance learning anew this week, knowing that it will continue through the end of the academic year, I am optimistic about our future. Yes, distance learning is still a challenging and at times daunting task for every member of the community. Yes, there will still be bumps and setbacks along the way; however, we are growing and improving each and every day.<br />
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In the weeks ahead, I look forward to working together with every member of the community to continue our mission - providing young people with a solid, well-rounded education rooted in Roman Catholic Tradition. It is a mission of vital importance, but not one that any of us takes on alone, for in the pursuit of truth and transformation, we never walk alone.<br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
<br />
-Mr. Peloquin<br />
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<br />Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-40770348640016743822020-04-17T14:11:00.003-04:002020-04-17T14:12:13.505-04:00Daily Update - Friday, April 17, 2020Fr. Doyle Community,<br />
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April Break has arrived! What an incredible journey the past five weeks have been. They certainly have not been without adversity, but I am incredibly proud of the way our community has responded to the current crisis.<br />
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There is undoubtedly still work to be done - certain programs need to be enhanced, some schedules need further clarification - and these things will come; however, let us take the upcoming week to rest and appreciate the incredible hard work of each and every member of this community from our teachers to our staff to our parents and students.<br />
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There is virtue in both work and rest. I hope this upcoming week you rest.<br />
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We'll see you next week.<br />
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Until then, be kind to one another.<br />
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-Mr. PeloquinMr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-70810612294826413062020-04-16T15:14:00.001-04:002020-04-16T15:14:03.037-04:00Daily Update - Thursday, April 16, 2020Fr. Doyle Community,<br />
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We're one day away from a well-deserved April Break. I am grateful for the collective hard work, patience, and dedication of our entire school community over these past five weeks. As Fr. Woolley mentioned in his homily at the school Mass this afternoon, <b>we continue to serve the mission of our school, providing a well-rounded Catholic education for all of our students.</b> It may currently look different than we ever expected, and it may require many of us to make new and difficult sacrifices; however, we remain steadfast in our commitment to this lofty goal.<br />
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Quarantine is the ideal time to once again enjoy a reading of Tolkien's <i>Lord of the Rings,</i> and I am again moved by his words:<br />
<i><br />"The world is indeed full of peril, but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater."</i><br />
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We are undoubtedly surrounded by much sadness in these times, but I pray that - for each of our families - Fr. Doyle School represents some small portion of what is still fair and good in this world and, despite this sadness, promotes the growth of love all the greater in these times.<br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
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-Mr. Peloquin<br />
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<br />Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-33131370360751628772020-04-15T15:34:00.003-04:002020-04-15T15:34:51.055-04:00Daily Update - Wednesday, April 15, 2020Dear Fr. Doyle Community,<br />
<br />
Another day of distance learning is coming to a close. Over the past few days and weeks, you may have heard discussion of adjusting to a "new normal." While I understand the thought behind this sentiment, I'm not sure that I entirely agree with it. What we are currently experiencing is <i>not</i> normal. We remain in the midst of a tremendous health crisis which has negatively impacted our economy and taken a significant toll on our social-emotional well-being.<br />
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With this in mind, while I am incredibly proud of the way our teachers have worked to continue student learning, I am<b> even prouder</b> of the way our teachers & staff have sought to maintain a sense of community and a personal connection with students and families. Through innumerable Zoom calls, recorded videos, Virtual Spirit Week activities, live streamed Masses, and much more - my hope is that, more than just providing an education, Fr. Doyle has also been an anchor for those that feel anchor-less during this time, a safe port amidst this storm.<br />
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Louisa May Alcott remarked "I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." I hope we've helped our families sail their ships through this difficult time.<br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
<br />
-Mr. Peloquin<br />
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<br />Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-35748575785512371382020-04-14T14:37:00.001-04:002020-04-14T14:42:49.255-04:00Daily Update - Tuesday, April 14, 2020Dear Fr. Doyle Community,<br />
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I hope you have all had a restful and blessed Easter. Though we could not be together physically, there was solace to be found in joining together in prayer as a faith community during these holy days. I hope many of you were able to join us for the Masses and events streamed during Holy Week.<br />
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As distance learning continues on, at least for another week after the April break, it is so important that we continue to stay connected as the community. Today is the first day of Virtual Spirit Week, and we've already seen some great posts from teachers and students alike on our <a href="http://bit.ly/FJVDVirtualSpiritWeek">Virtual Spirit Week Padlet</a>. Tomorrow is Wellness Wednesday - so show us how you practice self-care during distance learning. In addition, you can find the daily Morning Minute on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gofjvdsaints/">Facebook Page </a>or through our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfjzA_DV5H6CGFe539Z_M9Q/featured?view_as=subscriber">Youtube Channel</a>, which also features the first edition of the <a href="https://youtu.be/rckSheAUl3E">Savvy Saint News</a>. These are all great ways to ensure you stay connected.<br />
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In the words of German statesman Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, "The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers, and cities; but to know someone who thinks and feels with us, and who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden."<br />
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Stay in touch.<br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
<br />
-Mr. Peloquin<br />
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<br />Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-2390542127543109742020-04-09T11:39:00.000-04:002020-04-09T11:39:10.013-04:00Daily Update - Thursday, April 9, 2020Fr. Doyle Community,<br />
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Wishing you all a very blessed, happy, and holy Easter! As we begin the Triduum, I hope that you and your families are able to partake in the many <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XA-jpg_AApQXLot6T0C7qZkpDaM9MTSB/view?usp=sharing">different livestream options </a>available through the Saints John and Paul <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ssjpri/">Facebook Page</a> and <a href="https://stsjohnpaulri.com/">website</a>. You do not need a Facebook account to view.<br />
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It certainly may be difficult to feel joy during this current Easter season. With so much of our world in turmoil amidst this global pandemic, it is easy to succumb to feelings of despair. Yet, this Easter Sunday we celebrate that Christ is risen and thus - <i>even amidst great suffering</i> - we have reason to be filled with deep joy and hope.<br />
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May each of you find some respite of joy and hope this Easter season. Enjoy the long weekend, and I'll see everyone again on Tuesday, April 14th.<br />
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God bless!<br />
<br />
Until then,<br />
<br />
-Mr. Peloquin<br />
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<i><br /></i><i>"We are an Easter people and 'Alleluia' is our song!" </i>-St. Augustine of Hippo</h3>
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<br />Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-71870410317456206052020-04-07T13:58:00.000-04:002020-04-09T07:12:31.866-04:00Daily Update - Tuesday, April 7, 2020Fr. Doyle Community,<br />
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<i>"Where there is great love there are always miracles. One might almost say that an apparition is human vision corrected by divine love... The Miracles of the Church seem to me to rest not so much upon faces or voices or healing power, but upon our perceptions being made finer, so that for a moment our eyes can see and our ears can hear what is there about us always."</i></div>
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This beautiful passage from Willa Cather's <i>Death Comes for the Archbishop</i> seems particularly fitting for the Holy Week that lies head of us. When we face great trials & tribulations as we currently do, it is helpful to be reminded that little miracles exist everywhere. We will not be together for the Easter celebration this year, and while this is difficult to accept, it does not mean this time cannot be filled with many blessings and perhaps even a few miracles. </div>
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As Bishop Latour suggests, "where there is great love there are always miracles," and there is certainly great love at Fr. Doyle School. It is evident every day in the interactions between students, staff, parents, and families, and in the love we share for the content, for learning itself, and for one another. </div>
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Have a great afternoon & evening.</div>
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Until tomorrow,</div>
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-Mr. Peloquin</div>
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Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-86718759205277618702020-04-06T15:14:00.004-04:002020-04-06T15:14:54.672-04:00Daily Update - Monday, April 6, 2020Fr. Doyle Community,<br />
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As a history teacher, I have always had an appreciation for President Theodore Roosevelt. Recently, I've been thinking often about one of his most famous quotations:<br />
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<i>Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.</i><br />
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It is an appropriate motto for our current times. While we would all love nothing more than to return to regular school activities, unfortunately this is not currently feasible. Though our current situation is not ideal, we will <u><b>strive to do the best we can with what we have</b></u>. And what do we have? Teachers, staff, students, and parents who continue to go above and beyond to make distance & virtual learning as enriching and successful as possible. This is truly a blessing.<br />
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Furthermore, the final portion of Roosevelt's saying seems particularly poignant. Do what you can, with what you have, <u><b>where you are</b>.</u> We find ourselves in markedly different places from one another both geographically and metaphorically. What do I mean by this? The challenges of distance learning are different for each and every family - technology, work schedules, organization, maintaining student focus, etc. These are real challenges that are not easily resolved or set aside. We can never expect perfection. We can only ask that we respond to these challenges as best we can from <u style="font-weight: bold;">where we are,</u> and that starting location is different for each of us each and every day.<br />
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Keep this in mind the next time you're struggling. Let's not be so hard on ourselves. Just do what you can, with what you have, where you are.<br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
<br />
-Mr. PeloquinMr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-7870071600692752872020-04-03T14:59:00.002-04:002020-04-03T14:59:40.859-04:00Daily Update - Friday, April 3, 2020Fr. Doyle Community,<br />
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Today was a professional day for teachers, and they are hard at work planning lessons and exploring ways to expand our distance learning options in the weeks ahead. I could not be more proud of the way our teachers have responded to this crisis.<b> It is not an exaggeration to say that their efforts have been nothing short of heroic. </b><br />
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It's been wonderful to see our students spreading kindness for #AprilActsofKindness on our <a href="http://bit.ly/FJVDVirtualCommunity">Virtual Community Padlet</a>. Never doubt that these small acts of kindness put together really do change the world! If you haven't posted yet, we'll keep it up throughout the month of April.<br />
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As we prepare for Holy Week ahead, let us unite in prayer for healing and continued good health for all of our families.<br />
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Rest up, re-energize, and get ready for another week ahead!<br />
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I'll see you on Monday.<br />
<br />
Until then,<br />
<br />
-Mr. Peloquin<br />
<br />Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-8819381565256313252020-04-02T14:58:00.001-04:002020-04-02T14:58:18.733-04:00Daily Update - Thursday, April 2, 2020Fr. Doyle Community,<br />
<br />
My apologies, I forgot to post the daily update yesterday!<br />
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I wanted to take a moment to reflect upon a passage from one of my favorite works - J.R.R. Tolkien's <i>The Lord of the Rings.</i> Facing an incredibly dark time in his journey, the main character Frodo Baggins remarks:<br />
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"I wish this need not have happened in my time."<br />
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Gandalf responds:<br />
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<b>"So do I, and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."</b><br />
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We all wish this school year could have looked differently. Many of our students were looking forward to social events, sports seasons, extra-curricular activities and more. These events are likely going to be much different than what we had imagined. Unfortunately, much of this is out of our control.<br />
<br />
Yet, we <i>can</i> control what we do with the time and the resources that we have. I want you to know that we are currently working on more and more creative ways to keep our community together and to cultivate among our students and families a sense of appreciation, recognition, and belonging.<br />
<br />
Once again, I cannot thank each of you enough for your continued support of and dedication to our wonderful school.<br />
<br />
Until tomorrow,<br />
<br />
-Mr. Peloquin<br />
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<br />Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-61028873472703138282020-03-31T15:53:00.002-04:002020-03-31T15:53:34.834-04:00Daily Update - Tuesday, March 31, 2020Fr. Doyle Community,<br />
<br />
We've made it through another day. That may not sound like much to celebrate, but let's remember we're all taking this one day at time. Everything is new to us - we're still adapting to work from home schedules, managing devices and internet speeds, establishing healthy routines such as movement breaks, and working to minimize screen time whenever possible. Not to mention all of the other tasks we consider part of our "normal" daily lives. So, when you look at it that way, making it through another day sounds pretty good.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, I would suggest we've done more than just "make it through." There have been some great lessons going on today, Zoom calls across the grade levels, creative projects submitted, difficult assignments completed, and more! No doubt, these are challenging times, and it looks like there will be more challenging times ahead. But let's take a moment to congratulate ourselves on today.<br />
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Good work everyone - we'll catch you in the morning.<br />
<br />
Until tomorrow,<br />
<br />
-Mr. PeloquinMr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-79546599173964300762020-03-30T16:09:00.003-04:002020-03-30T16:09:37.051-04:00Daily Update - Monday, March 30, 2020Fr. Doyle Community,<br />
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Today we heard from Governor Raimondo that distance learning will be extended at least through the month of April. You can find what that means for our school community in particular by reading the announcement <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T7y8icpbnRJG9PlVHFHW0qpRcM-KDpnN/view?usp=sharing">here</a>, which was also sent to families via email.<br />
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It is difficult news to hear - not because we cannot continue to provide virtual instruction and assignments over the course of the next month. No, our teachers and staff remain fully committed to this goal, and I have no doubt that they will continue to hone their craft in the weeks ahead. This is difficult news to hear because it means a month without being able to experience what truly makes Fr. Doyle special - the sense of community that is built up within the four walls of our school building.<br />
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Through morning prayer service, interactions between teachers and students, sports, theater, service opportunities, dances, social events and more - our school is great because our community and the relationships it fosters is great.<br />
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So where do we go from here? We continue onward - one day at a time. We continue to put families and people first. We continue to provide robust instruction and assignments over a range of digital platforms. And we continue to look forward with hope to the day when we will once again open the doors of Fr. Doyle School for our students and families. May we never again take for granted what a blessing it is to be together.<br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
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-Mr. PeloquinMr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-84371710680155847762020-03-27T14:48:00.003-04:002020-03-27T14:48:27.688-04:00Daily Update - Friday, March 27, 2020Fr. Doyle Families,<br />
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I was reminded today of fictional president Josiah Bartlet from the award-winning television drama <i>The West Wing. </i>In a particularly poignant speech from Season 4, Bartlet remarks:<br />
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<i>"...every time we think we have measured our capacity to meet a challenge, we look up and we're reminded that that capacity may well be limitless. This is a time for American heroes... and we reach for the stars."</i><br />
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We undoubtedly face a great challenge amidst our current crisis, and we find ourselves looking to our American heroes - they're our healthcare workers, our teachers, our priests, and our parents. They're all those who are on the front lines of this crisis making sacrifices each and every day to meet the challenge.<br />
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Not a day has gone by in the past two weeks that I have not been amazed by a teacher, student, or parent has gone above and beyond to make the best of this situation. As we rest and recover this weekend and gear up for the next week of virtual learning, may we look up with eyes of faith and remember that our capacity to meet a challenge - when we do so together - may well be limitless.<br />
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Have a great weekend everyone.<br />
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Until Monday,<br />
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-Mr. PeloquinMr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-4506582204166776502020-03-26T15:35:00.001-04:002020-03-26T15:35:48.992-04:00Daily Update - Thursday, March 26, 2020Fr. Doyle Community,<br />
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In her press conference this afternoon, the Governor remarked that - amidst this crisis - days can begin to feel like weeks. I know this is true not just for those in healthcare or government positions, but for many of our teachers, staff, and school families. The current crisis has disrupted nearly all that was part of our "normal" daily life, and this can be incredibly unsettling.<br />
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Aside form continuing learning progressions, providing enriching educational content, or monitoring the growth of certain skills, I pray that Fr. Doyle has provided our families with some sense of hope and peace in these unsettling times. If we have done that above all else, then we have succeeded.<br />
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To that end, I want to thank Fr. Woolley for offering to regularly celebrate Mass for the school community and for all his efforts in continuing to bring the faith to our families. It is an essential part of who we are as a school and parish community, and it will continue for as long as this crisis may last.<br />
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Have a great evening, everyone.<br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
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-Mr. Peloquin<br />
<br />Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-26269163871680214642020-03-25T15:51:00.003-04:002020-03-25T15:52:39.222-04:00Daily Update - Wednesday, March 25, 2020Fr. Doyle Community,<br />
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Another day of virtual learning comes to a close. I hope you were able to get up and move throughout your virtual learning day today! This was officially our seventh day of virtual learning. For some of us, it may feel like it's been <i>months,</i> and for others it may feel like it's been a wonderful experience. Here are a few things I've seen noticed the past seven days:<br />
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<b>Each Day is Different</b><br />
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For a myriad of reasons, virtual learning seems to create more "ups and downs" from day to day. Some days things run smoothly, there are minimal technical issues, and it feels like we've really found success. Other days... not so much! But what I can say for sure is - no matter what each day brings - our faculty and staff will be there doing everything they can to ensure the continued success of our students. Speaking of our faculty and staff...<br />
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<b>Our Faculty & Staff are Incredible</b><br />
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Not one day out of seven has gone by without a teacher doing something that <i>completely amazes me.</i> Whether it's a creative assignment they have posted, the way in which they reach out and communicate with families, or simply how they care deeply for each and every one of their students - I could not be more proud to work alongside such exemplary educators.<br />
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<b>Some Students are Surprising Even Themselves</b><br />
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While it may have taken a couple days to get into the swing of things, I've noticed many students from across the grade levels really taking initiative, diving into their assignments, and excelling in their work - sometimes to their own surprise! A job well done to each and every one of you - keep up the good work!<br />
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Ultimately, regardless of today's ups and down, tomorrow is a new day of learning - so rest up, recharge, and get ready to tackle another day!<br />
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Finally - a note that <b>tomorrow we will be livestreaming a Mass for all school community members at 2:00pm with Fr. Woolley. Join us on our Facebook page for the Livestream!</b><br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
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-Mr. Peloquin<br />
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<br />Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-67315137181336117612020-03-24T14:05:00.002-04:002020-03-24T14:05:35.467-04:00Daily Update - Tuesday, March 24, 2020Hello Fr. Doyle!<br />
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Another day of distance learning is coming to a close. I hope each of you had at least one assignment today that intrigued or challenged you. We continue to revise our methods and learn more and more each day about the best way to connect with and teach our students. Thank you for your support!<br />
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Ultimately, we know that continuing regular learning progressions is just one part of the incredibly difficult and complex situation in which we currently find ourselves. Many of us may feel overwhelmed, confused, or lost amidst this crisis. For those of you (including me!) who could use a brief respite from daily events, I would encourage you to utilize these beautiful, 3-minute daily retreats provided by Loyola Press. It's a wonderful means to step away for a few moments and can even be completed as a family. Here's a link to access today's retreat:<br />
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<a href="https://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer">https://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer</a><br />
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In the words of St. Padre Pio - "pray, hope, and don't worry."<br />
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Wishing you all a great evening.<br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
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-Mr. PeloquinMr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3401704805982371775.post-49657589012424414232020-03-23T13:39:00.001-04:002020-03-23T13:39:42.414-04:00Daily Update - Monday, March 23, 2020Fr. Doyle Community,<br />
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Welcome to Week 2 of Virtual Learning!<br />
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Thank you again for your feedback regarding our fist week of virtual learning. We're working hard to continue to adapt and adjust our platforms and expectations to ensure our students are having the best possible learning experience.<br />
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As we continue with our virtual learning, here are few tips for a successful home-learning environment, which I also discussed in today's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKRWcG1CxuY&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2MqXNrCsG7GfrNjJNmplIhFd1hDUr05duY7BfULsya0xyu4vFSR4kaMLc">Morning Minute</a>:<br />
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<b>1. Create a Designated Learning Space</b><br />
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It's helpful to have a specific location in your home where you know you will be completing your work and learning each day. Ideally, this location should have limited distractions and a clean, organized, flat surface on which to place devices, notes, and other materials.<br />
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<b>2. Keep a Schedule</b><br />
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Without the regular ringing of our school bell, it can be difficult to keep a schedule and make sure all of the necessary work is completed within an appropriate time. <i>Start each day by reviewing assignments and composing a tentative schedule. Tackle the work and assignments you find most challenging first, when you will likely be most focused and energize</i>d. Don't forget to schedule in lunch and frequent breaks (see below).<br />
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<b>3. Take a Break!</b><br />
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Often times, virtual learning involves focused work in a stationary location for long stretches of time. With that being said, <i>schedule in frequent movement breaks throughout the day</i>. These breaks may include taking a quick walk, playing with a cat or dog, enjoying time with siblings, or even just doing a few jumping jacks to get the blood flowing! <i>Research suggests frequent, short breaks are most effective.</i><br />
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I hope these tips are helpful for you and your family. I'm looking forward to continuing to grow together as we explore this new learning reality together!<br />
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Until tomorrow,<br />
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-Mr. Peloquin<br />
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<br />Mr. Peloquinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01679318125794750542noreply@blogger.com0