Dear Parents, Alumnae, and Friends of Notre Dame Academy,
October has been a beautiful reminder of how blessed we are to be part of the Sisters of Notre Dame family. Our month began with the Foundation Day Mass celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of Notre Dame, a moving tribute to their courage, vision and faith. Bishop Iffert presided and reflected on leadership as a way to create, nurture, and build. This is the type of leadership modeled by the Sisters that we strive to empower in our students every day.
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This week, I am writing from Chardon, Ohio, where I joined NDA Board members Jeanne-Marie Tapke and Erin Woods at the annual ministry leaders’ meeting. We were inspired by Sr. Mary Ann Culpert, Superior General of the Sisters of Notre Dame, who spoke about our shared Catholic identity and global mission.
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We were also delighted to welcome four exchange students from Liebfrauenschule, our sister school in Vechta, Germany. Their program director, Maria Drahman expressed gratitude for NDA’s hospitality and shared stories of their school and SND heritage. The students will be with us through December, with two more joining in January. Programs like this allow our students to experience the global reach of SND and the Catholic church. |
Notre Dame Academy’s Catholic identity is truly at the heart of who we are. Throughout the month, our students deepened their faith through freshman retreat and the first senior retreat, morning Mass, and Rosary. The freshman class built community by throwing a Halloween party for the children of alumnae and faculty members. We were blessed have the Verdin Carillon Bells installed in the chapel and ring them for the first time. These bells serve as a reminder to all that hear them of NDA’s commitment to outwardly celebrating our Catholic faith. You can listen to the bells in the video above. |
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October also brought our largest community celebration, Light the Night for NDA, raising funds to support the exceptional education offered at Notre Dame Academy. In addition to the generous support raised throughout the evening, our Raise Your Panda Paw appeal contributed more than $30,000 toward the Sr. Mary Reina Memorial Art Garden, an outdoor classroom that will enrich learning across disciplines and serve as a lasting tribute to Sr. Reina’s legacy. We are deeply grateful to all who supported Light the Night for NDA and continue to make a difference in the lives of our students.
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Finally, on Foundation Day, I was deeply honored to be installed as the fifth president of Notre Dame Academy. I step into this role with an open heart, profound gratitude, and a steadfast commitment to preserving our rich heritage while guiding NDA toward a vibrant future. Together with the Board of Directors, NDA leadership team, faculty and staff, we will ensure that Notre Dame Academy, a living legacy of the Sisters of Notre Dame, continues to form transformative women leaders who embody God’s goodness in the world.
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As the colors of autumn brighten our days and leaves begin to fall, I wish you and your family peace and blessings this November.
In Notre Dame,
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Ms. Lauren Hitron
President, Notre Dame Academy