School News

PTO SPONSORS NEW PRINCIPAL COFFEE HOUR

August 13, 2008

On Wednesday, August 13, more than coffee was offered the packed gymnasium audience as new CJCR principal Bob Morissette spoke to parents regarding his plans for the school. Mr. Morissette introduced his wife Diane and himself and remarked at being “humbled by the turnout and happy to be a part of the school family.” Morissette spoke of his desire to meld the old with the new, as CJCR becomes Immaculate Conception Catholic Regional School next fall. “We are blessed with a wonderful faculty –each of whom I have met this summer- and a solid mission to develop the unique skills and abilities of our students,” the new principal stated. Along with the new facility “we will be positioned to be a premier school of choice for parents seeking the best education for their children” the principal commented.

As an experienced educator and school administrator CJCR’s principal offered parents his simple philosophy of education: “The message we must send all students is that what we are doing is important, they can do it, and we won’t give up on them.” During the evening Morissette fielded questions both about the upcoming school year and the year to follow. Beginning in September, 2009 Cranston-Johnston Catholic Regional will leave its present building on Poplar Drive, Cranston for the new 46,000 sq.ft. facility a short distance away in Garden Hills. The school will be adjacent to the church and parish center. The new school will also serve students in Pre-K through Grade 8.

“This was a truly enlightening and useful evening event,” remarked one parent of three children who attend the school. “I came away knowing the new principal’s expectations and plans for the future. This kind of clarity is useful to allay any fears we may have about what may change.” Morissette addressed the school’s desire to attract students who are interested in creative thinking, independent projects and who demonstrate a curiosity for learning. Plans are to create a middle school honors program that will provide the “solid foundation necessary for successful private, parochial or public high schools. We will begin by addressing the need for more enrichment and independent projects,” Morissette stated.

Amy Webber, Parent-Teacher Organization president spearheaded the event with a small committee of parents. “We are pleased to be able to do this,” she commented. “The turnout was excellent and I believe everyone went away with answers,” she added. The PTO sponsored free babysitting during the event. As far as parent involvement is concerned, Principal Morissette made much of the important roles parents serve and will continue to serve in the school. “Each parent who participates in PTO or the sports program, or volunteers on committees is fulfilling an essential role of stewardship of the faith and this stewardship benefits the students directly,” he said.

At the end of the evening, with cookies and treats dwindling and coffee carafes drained, parents got to know their new principal a bit better. And for Morissette, “I had my every suspicion confirmed that this is the greatest group of parents I believe I’ve ever worked with” he commented with a huge smile and sense of satisfaction.