Please note: An update to this communication clarifies the dates of campus closure
Dear Parents,
Earlier this evening, government officials recommended that all schools in the metropolitan St. Louis area close for an indefinite period of time in order to help our region combat the spread of Covid-19. After consultation with our Catholic and ISSL peers, I have decided to close our school until April 3, at which point the school’s leadership will re-evaluate the safety and security of re-opening our campus.
In the coming days, Dr. Rashford will communicate with you our plan for continuing your sons’ education. If you have not already done so, please be sure to complete the Distance Learning Questionnaire we sent on Friday to help us understand any technology needs you might have for your son at home.
For now, please know that all athletic and co-curricular activities are suspended so long as our school remains closed. School-sponsored parent and alumni events are also postponed or canceled.
I realize that this news will affect each of you in different ways. We are entering into a time of great uncertainty and even fear. Please know that all of us at Priory will be taking every step we can to ensure the safety of your sons and the continuation of their education. I ask that you partner with us as we try to navigate through these difficult circumstances to fulfil our commitments to you.
As this situation develops, we will continue to evaluate all of our spring trimester activities and events. We will be working to ensure that our faculty, staff and administrators are available ‘virtually’ following Spring Break and throughout the school’s closure to assist you with any questions or concerns you might have regarding school operations.
Tomorrow, the school’s leadership will meet to discuss our next steps and to prepare further communication with you. I’m sure that tonight and tomorrow you will have many questions about school operations in the coming weeks. As the situation remains fluid, l ask for your patience and understanding as we work to consider your questions and determine the best path forward for your sons and the School. For now, please know that you and your families are in our prayers.
In Christ,
Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B.
Headmaster