Fall School Update

Episcopal Schools Update

Mary Katherine Duffy
Deputy for Episcopal Schools

As the long, lazy days of summer wane, a familiar feeling stirs in the air: the anticipation of a new school year. August was a busy time for schools and for me - I spent much of the month visiting the various campuses and training new and old board members alike. During those visits, I can felt the excitement! For students, parents, and teachers alike, summer has offered a welcome respite – a chance to recharge, embark on family adventures, and simply enjoy time away from the structured rhythm of academics. From vacations to backyard barbecues, the past few months have been filled with cherished moments and well-deserved rest.

Now, as our Diocesan Episcopal Schools open their doors for a new year, there is a blend of emotions. As you can imagine, these emotions will vary depending on whether you are a student, parent, or teacher! While the freedom of summer might be missed, there's a palpable excitement building for the Fall. I’ve talked with several of our school heads and some teachers, and all of them say that they are looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and forging new bonds with their students. Parents are eager to see their children embrace new challenges and continue their educational journey. In just a few short weeks, teachers will be preparing their classrooms, brimming with fresh ideas and a renewed passion for guiding young minds.

The fall season promises a vibrant return to learning, community, and growth. All of our schools will be hosting back-to-school events, with their festive atmosphere and the chance to catch up and prepare for the year ahead. The return to chapel services provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection and strengthening community ties. Most importantly, everyone is looking forward to the vibrant energy of the classroom, the thrill of discovering new subjects, and the shared experience of embarking on another year of learning and discovery. It's a time of fresh starts, new possibilities, and the enduring promise of education.

I hope you will join me in lifting all of our schools in prayer.

O Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities - especially the school in the Diocese of West Texas - that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

TMI Episcopal Convocation Day

Each year, TMI Episcopal starts the new school year with the tradition of convocation.  This year, the service was held outside in the Johnston Amphitheater for the dedication of new academic building - Harthan Hall.  The Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, D.D., Bishop of West Texas, gave the invocation, Fr. Scott Brown, President of TMI, gave the opening remarks, and then the Bishop asked God’s blessing on the building.  A long standing tradition at TMI is that every student is greeted by the faculty. This year, every student went through the threshold of our newly blessed building to begin the new year.  

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