Dear Friends, Families, and Alumni of Notre Dame Schools,

I am so honored to be able to write this message to you all. I will tell you why in a minute.

This summer, Northeast Ohio was the place to be.  The outstanding weather we were blessed with was a welcome relief to the cold, wet and confining weather that marked the spring.  Unquestionably, the weather gave us all a chance to regroup and re-arrange our lives and schedules to meet the challenges we face.  A more welcome respite I could not have imagined.

That respite proved invaluable to our dedicated and talented staff as we regrouped and re-arranged our school to welcome students back as safely and as practically as possible.   Even through the hard work and constantly changing guidelines from local, state, and federal governments, our people performed admirably, keeping their spirits and their enthusiasm for the mission of education high.  As a team, we accomplished so much in a short period of time, all the while anxiously awaiting the return of the students and families that make Notre Dame Cathedral Latin and Notre Dame Elementary Schools so special.  I am proud to serve with our talented administrators, faculty, and staff who emulate daily our core values of Justice, Respect, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Now, well into the school year, I am equally in awe of the resilience of our students, parents and families.  Even during the uncertainty of this pandemic, your love of your families, love of one another, and your love for our school community has been inspiring.  I cannot thank each and every one of you enough. Learning and growing in mind, body and faith is continuing here at Notre Dame Schools.  

All of you have created, in uncertain times, a certainty of hope, faith, joy and love that exemplifies our mission “to educate leaders to transform the world, as Jesus did, by living the truth in love.”

Whether the future offers certainty or uncertainty, I know we can face it head on, together.  And so, we look forward to the future with a positive approach that will lead to success.  For us at Notre Dame Schools, know that we will continue to educate leaders to transform the world, and we thank you for your love and support.

May you know God’s goodness and provident care in this time and in all ways,

Sincerely,

Michael Bates, Ed.D.