Jan/Feb 2012 - Central Catholic High School

State of the School 2012
Th ank you for being a part of the Central Catholic family! As we begin
a new semester, new calendar year and new season of registration, it is
a good time to refl ect on where we have been and where we are going.
Many of our families recently took part in the CCHS Satisfaction
Update asking the questions: “How likely is it that you would recommend
Central Catholic High School to a family member, friend or colleague?”
I am happy to report that once again our score is at the top of
the range for parochial school according to benchmarks given by the
diocese. Th is confi rms to me that the state of our school remains strong.
Parents shared that they appreciated the “structured environment,” and
“the teachers, who are willing to put in extra time to review lessons and
help students.” Another parent commented that “I am proud to send
my children to CCHS and recommend the school to all parents.” I am
encouraged by these comments and will continue to work hard to make
sure all parents have this same pride and willingness to promote CCHS.
Also, as we requested, parents shared their concerns or reasons they
might not recommend CCHS to friends, family and colleagues. I appreciate
the feedback from all parents who took part in the update
because only with accurate and complete information can we truly
achieve success. A couple of the concerns parents voiced, I wish to address
in this letter.
As is the case when we do any of these updates, tuition is the number
one reason parents are reluctant to recommend CCHS to other families.
Still, it is clear that parents continue to recognize the immeasurable
value of a Catholic education for their students. Please know that everyone
at Central Catholic understands and appreciates the sacrifi ces you
make to give your sons and daughters a Catholic education.
Knowing that times are tight and increasing tuition is making it increasingly
unfeasible for families to fi nance their student’s education,
our fi nance council, partner parishes and school leadership are working
together within diocesan parameters to make CCHS aff ordable for
families. A heartfelt thank you to those who were able to participate in
the Together in the Work of the Lord campaign which will reduce our
building debt. As the costs of running a school continue to increase
every year, we are constantly working to ensure the appropriate mix of
Advancing the Mission
In Malcolm Gladwell’s book, Outliers, he recounts how Bill Gates’ success
is a result of not only his work ethic and ingenuity, but also a concerted
eff ort by parents in a private high school to provide the very best
for their children. Gates, at thirteen, was able to spend countless hours
working on a time-sharing computer, a rarity in 1968, through his
school’s computer club. Th is technology was available because a group
of parents came together, held a rummage sale which earned a few thousand
dollars, and bought the best technology of the age to give their
children the very best opportunities. Little did these parents know, the
support of their kids’ school in 1968 would transform the world.
I relay this story to show that your support of your school - your desire
to give your children the very best opportunities - may have signifi cance
far beyond what you immediately see. Moreover, the opportunities you
off er your children with a Central Catholic education have a greater
Vol: 19 | Iss: 3 | Jan/Feb 2012
revenue to help CCHS remain at a sustainable enrollment. With only
three primary sources of funding – tuition, parish subsidies and advancement
income – it is important that we do not overly burden any
one revenue source with the cost of education.
Th at being said, scholarship resources are available. If you know of a
family where fi nance may be a concern or you know of anyone considering
leaving the Catholic school system because of tuition, please have
them give me a call so we can fully discuss all of the options available.
A few parents also commented that they felt CCHS was not as welcoming
as they anticipated. Th is is very disheartening for me. CCHS
is fi rst and foremost a community in Christ and a family in faith. We
strive to show that our unity in Christ is inclusive and welcomes new
families whether they are from down the street or across the sea. I will
welcome input and ideas to address this concern.
In particular, for students, we have launched a new student orientation
program and mentor program. Th rough the mentor program, upperclassmen
are able to off er advice from a student’s perspective. Also,
Catholic Schools Week is approaching. My prayer is that this week will
truly refl ect the unity within our school and among all of our Catholic
schools in the community. Th is is also a time for us to help all Christians
value a school where Christ is ever-present.
For parents, we have various volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved
in CCHS. Some great ways to be a part of the community are to
participate in the annual auction gala, Saints Alive, and the many other
athletic, fi ne arts and fundraising volunteer opportunities. If you would
like to get more involved at CCHS, please come see me or contact the
advancement offi ce.
While we constantly work to improve CCHS and to make it the best education
option for parents in McLean County, we remain proud of our
strong traditions and our bright future. Th ank you for being a part of the
Central Catholic community where Our Diff erence Is Our Strength.
Blessings,
Joy Allen,
Principal
value and more of an imperishable impact than any fi nancial gain. You
give you student a head start in adulthood as a Saint.
An illustrative example: one of our Saints who recently graduated
never liked theology class, struggled with her faith in high school and
rebelled against the structure and rules of Central Catholic for all four
years. When she came back for homecoming aft er life away at college
she told one of our theology teachers, “I was really surprised how much
I had to defend my faith in college – and I go to a Catholic college!
I’m so glad I had apologetics my senior year. I had to come back home
and get my notebook so I can look back at my notes. I got involved in a
bible study on campus and hope to lead one next year.” And the Saints
go marching on…
Paul Gesterling
Director of Advancement