by Ray Heilmann, Principal January 2005 Dear Alumni of QND, On behalf of the QND community, I wish each one of you a most joyous and holy New Year. We have completed semester one of the present school year and it was a great one. For the first time in school history the QND student body took its semester exams prior to Christmas break. There are some logistical challenges (public school schedule, driver education, and Vo-Tec students from QND), but virtually every comment by students and parents has been positive about having exams before break and allowing Christmas to be a time for family and relaxation. For the second year our students are enjoying the benefits of a collaborative effort with Quincy University. Dr. David Edgerly teaches college psychology to seniors at QND. Dr. Bryan McGovern teaches American History to the Advanced Placement junior students. Students who wish college credit pay a reduced tuition cost and receive college credit and credit at QND. Both the QU and QND Administrations have found this program to be outstanding. This is an enhancement to an already rigorous curriculum that serves our graduates in the best way possible. We have three new teachers at QND: Nan Wood, Choral Instructor; Michael Young, Religion Instructor; and Joe Schweitzer, English Instructor. Each one does a superb job. They have joined a talented teaching staff and have come to know the real meaning of "Raider Pride." One of the most exciting experiences I have several times each year is giving tours of QND to alumni and families of alumni. If you have not been in the doors of QND for a while, please do not hesitate to contact me for a tour. It is great when you can visit the school when it is in session. I truly believe our students are our best spokespeople and marketing agents for QND. If the school day is not convenient for you, let me know if an evening or weekend is a possibility. Thanks to a wonderful job by the QND Foundation Board and the QND School Board, QND's facilities and grounds have been enhanced and improved. Great teachers, staff members, students, parents and stepparents create excellence in the school. A comfortable and safe school environment certainly helps in this area. The past year and a half has brought so much positive media attention to QND. Academic scores, scholarships, fine arts achievements, and athletic accomplishments have been outstanding. All the credit must go to dedicated staff members, moderators, coaches, parents, stepparents, and everyone who supports QND in some way. The volunteerism and financial generosity of many people make QND an institution of faith, excellence, and tradition. Thank you for being a part of QND. People outside of QND think "Raider Pride" is strictly associated with athletic competition. I can honestly say that "Raider Pride" goes far beyond the court or field. I certainly see it in the classroom. It is very evident in the community of 500 students and over 55 employees. The time when "Raider Pride" is most evident is during challenging or tragic times. During my thirty-two years at QND I have never seen "Raider Pride" more alive and vibrant than during times of loss-the passing of a member of the QND Family or some type of difficult challenge at the school. You may witness a sea of blue and gold at basketball games, but that same involvement is evident during times of sadness. The individual traits of the QND Family members mold into a supportive system, a prayerful system, and a proactive system. I can honestly say that during times of loss there is no better place to be than QND. Thank you for whatever you do for QND and its young adults - prayer, financial support, good public relations, volunteerism, Every act of kindness and generosity you do for QND impacts our future leaders - our students. God bless all of you. Ray Heilmann, Principal Quincy Notre Dame High School
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