Footprints
on the moon.
They were
not seen until since July 20, 1969, and new ones have not been seen since.
This is uncharted
territory.
The world
has not experienced anything of a similar nature until 2020, when the COVID-19
virus has descended upon us.
Life goes
on, but not in the way to which we have become accustomed.
To do their
part and limit the spread of this health adversary, schools across the nation
are closing at least temporarily.
That
includes Xavier College Prep, Brophy Prep and other schools in the Valley
operated by the Diocese of Phoenix.
On Thursday
(March 19), Xavier will be practicing “distance learning,’’ through programs
such as Canvas, a learning management system and online course platform that
provides a digital learning environment.
Students
will experience a similar school day as before, except not on campus. It will
be on their laptops, and even a daily roll call will be a part of the process
through at least March 27.
Girls were able to come on campus through Wednesday to pick up books and other learning materials.
“I even saw
a few walking down the hall today. We are getting ready to do this thing, and
we want to be able to do it the right way,’’ said Sr. Lynn Winsor, XCP
Vice-Principal for Activities and the school’s long-time Athletic Director.
“We are
making sure we communicate with everyone on all of the issues. The girls told
me they are checking their e-mails (XCP group e-mails) every day to keep up
with what is happening.’’
Perhaps it
is safe to say that athletics are the most near and dear to Sr. Lynn’s heart.
Games will
not resume until March 30 at the earliest, according to a decision made by the
Arizona Interscholastic Association. And no team activities or practices for
Xavier until that time.
The AIA is
hoping that there still will be enough time to hold state tournaments in the
spring sports (for girls: beach volleyball, softball, tennis and track and
field), in late April and early May. The AIA is due to meet again on Monday
(March 23) for an update, according to Sr. Lynn.
Athletes have
been in communication with their coaches, but it bears repeating that no team
practices will be held. If an athlete wants to maintain their edge on their
own, that is permitted, but nothing in groups.
“We will
continue to evaluate our next steps from the Governor’s (Doug Ducey) office,
the CDC (Center for Disease Control), and of course, the Diocese,’’ Sr. Lynn said.
The school’s
maintenance staff has done a great job making certain that all the places
around campus receive a thorough cleaning, including buses.
“You want to
make sure that everything is perfectly safe,’’ Sr. Lynn said.
Some school activities
over these few weeks have been canceled or postponed, and Sr. Lynn said she feels
bad for the seniors.
On March 16,
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted suspended all weekday and Sunday masses, effective
immediately, until further notice.
That doesn’t
mean that people can’t slip inside the church and pray, Sr. Lynn said.
“There are a
lot of prayers going on. There are a lot of victims, whether they are ill or
have passed away,’’ she said. “The
Xavier community has always been good about praying. It is what we do. You
always want to be positive and upbeat.’’
During this
last week, Sr. Lynn has experienced another rare occurrence in the wake of
these life-changing times.
“Just about
every day, I don’t get home until at least 8 (p.m.) because all of the
activities,’’ she said. “This week, I have been getting home by 3. That just
doesn’t happen, certainly not for a full week.
“The bottom
line is, I miss being out there with the kids.’’
Hopefully,
we all will return to normal sooner rather than later.
No comments:
Post a Comment