With a blanket of snow, life felt gloriously normal

Is there still such thing as a snow day?

When the world essentially shut down last March at the outset of the Coronavirus pandemic, and schools discovered it was possible to teach and learn virtually, many people looked ahead, wondering if technology would mean the end of the coveted snow day. The answer came this week.

As pandemic, snow and Catholic Schools Week converged, families in some South Jersey Catholic schools discovered that old traditions die hard, at least for a day. With sleds and saucers, igloos and forts, snowballs and snowmen, life felt gloriously normal. 

“We believe that family is a big part of education in Catholic school,” said Deacon Joe Rafferty, principal at Saint Rose of Lima School in Haddon Heights. “A snow day is a chance for families to have fun together.”

Deacon Rafferty acknowledged that, with technology platforms comfortably in place, teachers and students could have attended school virtually both days. Instead, the school decided to take advantage of the snow that began Sunday and continued into Tuesday in many parts of the Diocese of Camden.

“Catholic schools have stood tall. We are a light to others,” he said, praising teachers for going “above and beyond” to educate and care for their students. “Having a snow day is a chance to take a breath.”  

For Saint Rose and other schools throughout the Diocese of Camden, the weather also meant adjusting some Catholic Schools Week schedules. 

“We’re just shifting activities to next Monday and Tuesday,” said Deacon Rafferty. That shift includes a Mass to commemorate the school’s 100th anniversary, which was to be celebrated by Bishop Dennis Sullivan. 

At Saint Teresa Regional School in Runnemede, students were prepared for “Dress for Success” day, when the snow came. A favorite Catholic Schools Week tradition, students wear attire that reflects the profession they envision for themselves in 20 years. Like Deacon Rafferty, Principal Sister Nancy Kindelan was fine rescheduling for next week.

“We felt a snow day would bring some ‘normal’ for everyone, especially the children,” she said. These are challenging times, so we can’t forget fun and happiness. If that means being flexible with schedules for Catholic Schools Week, we adjust to make it work. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces is priceless.”