SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH. OF NoRTHwssTERN, PENNSYLVANIA, {Good morning. ‘To start let me share litle bit of our history. In 1860, the Sisters of St. Josegh First arived in the Ele Diocese to teach young women at St. Ann Academy in Corsica, Pennsyhania, Since then education has ‘always been one of our priorities. in 1892, we established Vila Marla Academy fr grades 2-12. Inthe late 19205, the schoo! became two entities: Vila Maria Elementary for grades 1-8 and Vile Maria ‘Academy for grades9-12. We also founded Villa Mara College and, over the years, we collaborated with the Diocese by staffing nary 40 elementary and secondary school there was a need-we responded (Our Constitutions state: We commit ourselves to constant response tothe ever-changing needs ofthe world. To do that, we periodically review the direction of our lives and our ministries. Thishas led to some monumental changes which have always allowed us to continue responding to the needs ofthe day, We let go of sponsored institutions and ministry priorities ofthe past when we realize the needs no longer existed, or were being met by others. tn-2007, we began coking at the future of our education ministry. That led to some changes, most notably, the very sucessful merger of Vila Maria Academy and Cathedral Prep in 2008. In 2014, the Diocese began a planing process including a review of Catholic education. Vila Maria Elementary is ‘ot a Diocesan schodl, however, was Invited to participate. In light ofthat, we decided NOT tomake any ‘more changes until tat process was complete. The dacese release the results ands plan for education n February We learned that current demographics do not support keeping all the Catholic elementary schools open Given tat, and our cesire to ensure the best Catholic elementary education options in the Erie ares, we have come to anather pivatal momentin our history: Villa Maria Elementary School wil lose atthe completion ofthis, the 2016-17 school year.‘Many things have led us to this moment Including lo of prayer and discernment and being open tothe oly Spits guidance. We have tried to see things otherwise, but its lear thatthe time is ight, nd es the right thirg todo, With the establishment of Erie Cathole School System, the need is being met and we must letgo and aval ourselves to respond to others (Our Sisters aired this decision this past Saturday. The Vila Maria facut, staff board and families ‘were informed yesterday, transition team willbe formed to ensure this school year ithe best ever for VME studens, ‘This was not an easy decision. For 125 yeas we have committed ourselves and our resources to Vika ‘Maria Elementary. Thousands of children have graced the halls of VME and gone onto great sutcess in life, We foo lowed te have played 2 significant role in their corliest education end eth formetion, We are grateful to so many who have committed themselves to tis ministry, most especially at thistime to Damon Finazz,2rnepal, and the outstanding faculty and staf ‘The diocesan pani robust and comprehensive and ensures strong and viable future for Catholic ‘education in the Diocese. We do net want, or need, to compete with the Docese. The Erie Catholic Schoo 5ystem ul bring more collaboration and less competition, ensuring consistency in eveything {com tuition to curriculum. Famles of students inthe Ere Catholic Schoo! System wil benefit from shared resources and economies of scale that a system can provide ~ something that will become. Increasingly chalengng for stand-alone schools. (Our commitment Catholic education continues as we now put our energes into suppartng ths new system, rather trana standalone school. This is @ proactive response that reflects our bali that together we are stronger and can more effectively fulfil the Gospel mandate of preaching and teaching God's Word. Letting gos hare, bu, as sia tells us, “Behold, am doing @ new thing: now it orings forth, doyou not perceive it?” This decision affects many people and wil be dificult for some. We know thatthe Vila Farily will come together and willkeep the students atthe center of transition efforts. We are committed to mating this, the best year ever and to provide whatever is needed to ease this process. Together, we wil eo forward remembering and honoring all that VME has been for 125 years as we let goand allow the new to unfold,