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Dear Corpus Christi School Families,
Welcome to our 2010-2011 school year at Corpus Christi School! The first day of school this year, is August 30th. It is an exciting time in the field of education throughout this country, but even more so with Catholic Education communities throughout the Arlington Diocese and the United States of America. Those of us in education, together with our extended community of families who believe in the importance of private Catholic education are truly fortunate to live in a country that allows us the religious freedom to develop values-intensive programs that allow us to provide education programming based on superior academics in a Christ-centered community. It is my sincere hope that by working together, our faculty, staff, and families will guide our children into the second decade of the 21st Century. I have faith that many of these students will be stepping forth into leadership roles in their church and community in the coming years. They truly will become the leaders of tomorrow, and with humble faith I share a hope with many others, that from within our student ranks, along with the doctors, nurses, governors, nuclear physicists, astronauts, and professors, that there may also be some future priests and nuns to nurture our faith in the future.
As we venture forth into 21st Century education, I am reminded of comments made by former United States Secretary of Education, Richard W. Riley, "We are teaching our students to be able to work with technologies which have not been invented yet, to solve problems that haven't even been conceived." It is precisely with this idea in mind that we formulate our vision for the academic programs at Corpus Christi School, which must stress superior academics in a Christ-centered environment. It is our goal this year to strive to be in the top 10% academically of our diocesan schools. I must stress that this is a goal, and I remain a firm believer that by establishing achievable goals, we will advance much further than if we venture forth without them, and even if we do not reach it this year, I am convinced that we will next year.
Corpus Christi School is named after the most solemn and perfect of all gifts from God, our redeemer… the Body of Christ, as we receive him through the Holy Eucharist. This is an honor that we must bear with grace, as we pursue the educational endeavors of our young students. It is a mission which our staff and I take very seriously. It is also interesting to stress, that we operate three distinct, highly-rated education programs on two campuses, which are based in two parishes; hence we are designated as an inter-parish school.
Our Preparatory Preschool and Kindergarten Programs are nestled among the picturesque, tree-filled campus of St. Philip Catholic Church. This location provides many amenities which are conducive to a solid program for our youngest students. The 55,000 square foot physical plant at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church provides the space for both our Elementary School (grades 1 - 5), and our Middle School (grades 6 - 8). Our educational curriculum is geared to prepare our students for success in any Catholic or public high school in the country. As most of you know Corpus Christi School received recognition as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2009. This year our faculty will continue to build on our already strong academic programs. As we move forward over the next 2 to 3 years we will commence to incorporate the standards and criteria necessary to become the first Primary Years and Middle Years International Baccalaureate School in the diocese.
I feel truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with this educational community and school. Additionally, I am excited for the opportunity to work with our two new Pastors; Rev. Kevin B. Walsh at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, and Rev. Denis Donahue at St. Philip Catholic Church. It is also humbling and exciting to be working with a cadre of educators and colleagues who are veteran teachers at Corpus Christi School.
Our Corpus Christi School family continues to mourn the loss of our dear friend and colleague Mrs. Hudock whose death is a tragedy to her family, colleagues, and friends. Please continue to keep her and her family in your prayers.
All staff at both campuses are looking forward to working with you and your children during this new school year. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance as the school year progresses. Please remember us in your prayers on a daily basis; please pray for Corpus Christi and all Catholic Schools.
May the peace of Christ be with you throughout the coming academic year.
Pax Christi
Al Garcia, Principal
Corpus Christi School
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"The students at Corpus Christi School are shining examples of Jesus's mandate to be a light to the world."
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