Principal's Newsletter
Some thoughts for the starting school year
V + J
“The measure of love is to love without measure.”
~ St. Francis de Sales
Good Afternoon IHM families,
Happy 1st week of school! We are so thrilled the children are back and new students have joined our community! Happy 1st day to our Preschoolers! It was great to see their smiles as they explored the school building this morning.
School was buzzing Monday morning with excitement as the students made their way to each classroom. They settled in quickly and started to learn new and familiar routines. Grades 1-8 attended an opening of the school year assembly where new faculty and students were introduced and administration spoke to the students about our themes for the school year.
We are expanding our Holy Moments program this year with monthly themes. The August/September theme is “Holy Moments of Gratitude.” The children are being encouraged to look for opportunities to give thanks in different areas of their lives. We encourage you to build on these themes at home as well.
Last week, all faculty attended the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s annual convocation of teachers. This is a gathering of teachers, staff and administrators across all archdiocesan schools. Bishop Parker celebrated Mass and afterwards, many awards were given. The Doris Musil Award, which is the highest honor bestowed by the Department of Catholic Schools, is presented annually at the convocation to an individual who has made a profound impact on Catholic education. Named in memory of the late associate superintendent, Doris Musil, this award reflects the qualities she exemplified throughout her career: vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to Catholic education. This year, the award was given posthumously to our own Sister Susan Louise Eder, former principal at Immaculate Heart of Mary School. Here is an excerpt from the presentation about Sr. Susan Louise: “Sister Susan Louise was a true model of Salesian spirituality—her gentle fidelity to her calling and her grace under pressure were evident to all who knew her. Even while undergoing cancer treatments, she continued to lead with strength and optimism."
Sister's ministry spanned several states, serving in school leadership roles in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Delaware. Among her many achievements, she founded Holy Cross Academy in Fredericksburg, Virginia, which received national recognition and accreditation under her guidance.
Sister Susan Louise joined the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 2019, serving as the principal of Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Towson, where she faced significant challenges. Yet, she approached these obstacles with remarkable faith and resilience. Her leadership revitalized the school, improved its curriculum, and strengthened its community ties. Her efforts were transformative and have made a lasting impact.”
Let us remember Sister Susan Louise together as we start this school year and honor her memory with such a well deserved award. She will always be remembered as a transformative leader at Immaculate Heart of Mary.
I wish you all grace and peace as we complete our first week of school and look towards the long weekend! Please encourage your children as it is a big transition they have made back to a structured routine after the relaxation of summer!
In faith and gratitude,
Mrs. Surine
If your child is going to be absent due to illness or other, please email your child's homeroom teacher by 8:15am.
If your child is receiving an early dismissal, please email your child's homeroom teacher by 8:15am.
If your child has been absent with illness for 3 or more days, which requires a doctor's note, please email Nurse Mary Bowen, RN at nurse@ihmschoolmd.org.
Families can review the IHM Attendance Policy by "clicking" the link below this message.
