Dear Ms. Harrigan,
On behalf of my wife and I, we would like to share a few closing thoughts as we say goodbye to Visitation Academy. We are so thankful that Mossimo was able to spend his last three years at VA because it has made such a difference in his life. When Mossimo entered sixth grade as a new student, there was plenty of anxiety and many rough mornings with tears involved and second guessing going on. We were so concerned about his transition and the tough time that he was having, but the faculty, staff and students not only accepted him, but welcomed him and made him feel like he had always been part of the Visitation family. Mossimo found such caring and encouraging teachers as well as wonderful and supportive friends. We have watched him grow both personally and spiritually and blossom in ways we could not have imagined, and for that we are truly grateful. The entire VA community has played such an important role in our lives. It has helped Mossimo excel academically and socially and also provided us with experiences and relationships that we will always hold dear to our hearts. Attending Visitation Academy has touched him in such a positive way and inspired him to do great things. Visitation has changed his life and because of that he is a better person. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for proving to us that our decision to come to Visitation was definitely the best decision we could have made.
Sincerely,
Christopher & Norma Tampol
Hello everyone,
I am Sr. Asteria, a student teacher from Felician University in Lodi. Time flies! This semester is coming to an end, so is my student teaching experience here at Visitation Academy.
At Felician University, each student who studies in the Teacher Education program is provided an excellent opportunity to experience the real classroom situation starting from the second semester of the freshmen year. I am no exception. As my study at Felician comes to an end, I have to say that Visitation Academy is the best school that I had ever been placed in. From the moment that I walked into the school, I felt I was welcomed by everyone, including the parents. This is exactly what happens in the Gospel when Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth. From this perspective, I would say that the community of the Visitation Academy really lives up to its name.
We know that student achievement not only depends on the school and the teachers, but the parents as well. My experience at VA tells me that these parties are really the paramount element for students’ high achievements. I have seen how the teachers are dedicated to teaching; how the teachers’ passion for teaching drives student learning. Every creative idea that comes from each teacher every day is a driving force for the students. I have seen how parents are involved in the various school activities; how parents have been supportive in their children’s learning and school life. I am sure that parental involvement gives the students a sense of belonging and a sense of community here at VA. Such a wonderful school community truly makes me feel at home, and I have definitely become a part of it.
As the time goes by at VA, I realize that all good things come to an end, yet, I know in my heart that each of you I have met here has touched my heart and my life so much. You have been the second inspiration of my teacher dream here in the United States. I will keep you all in my heart and in my prayers wherever I go. May our Blessed Mother, Mary, always be your guardian and protector!
Sincerely yours,
Sr.Asteria
SMIC