"Why I Love CJ" Presentations Help Welcome Freshmen

Why do you love CJ?
For some, it’s the curriculum or athletics. For others, it’s the memories and lifelong relationships. Many would say it’s the incorporation of faith and mission into every endeavour.
All roads tend to lead back to one place though: community.
Religion teachers Mick Mominee, Brendan Dillon and Abbey Saurine made it a priority to welcome their freshmen students to campus by bringing together a variety of CJ faculty and staff members to discuss why they love CJ and welcome them to the CJ family.
“Through discussions with my students and from reading the notes they took, I know that it was an enjoyable and impactful experience,” said Dillon. “What a great way to start off their time as CJ students in hearing from people who have dedicated years (and decades!) of their lives to this community.”
Mominee knew creativity would be crucial coming into this new school year and wanted to determine a way to incorporate these deep conversations and presentations into the curriculum without the ability to put together traditional, hands-on activities.
The result? Welcoming over 20 faculty and staff members into the three classrooms and encouraging each presenter to dive into what the CJ community means to them, when they started, how they’ve grown, and, most importantly, why they love CJ.
“The students enjoyed the presentations and felt they both grew to know some new faces, and came to better understand why CJ is like family,” said Mominee. “They appreciated the time each person offered and felt more connected to CJ as a result.”
Presenters came from several different departments, featuring teachers, administrative staff, school leadership and more. A bevvy of experience was on display as well, with some presenters having been at CJ for decades, while others had been at CJ for no more than a fewmonths.
“The stories were inspiring, heartfelt and very encouraging,” said Mominee. “Both I and the students could tell how much each of the presenters love this place, feel a calling to their jobs, and care deeply about the community. I know CJ is a special place and these students are blessed to have people like the presenters in their lives. I am inspired to work with them, and value the contributions they make to our community.”
This story was published on October 20, 2020.