Notre Dame-Fairfield Aids Storm-Ravaged Community In Louisiana

FAIRFIELD, CT — “There is no doubt that our world could use as much kindness as it can get right now,” observed Chris Cipriano, principal of Notre Dame High School in Fairfield.

That’s why the concept of kindness—and a special accompanying initiative—was put in place at the school at the start of this year.

Toward that end, Cipriano and Scott Bannon, assistant principal, spearheaded a donation drive that culminated in a try to bring supplies to a school in Louisiana that was hit especially hard by Hurricane Ida last month.

“Each school year, we seek to identify a theme that will positively impact our entire school community,” Cipriano said. “Most recently our theme was gratitude.”

This year’s choice for kindness, he said, was aimed at inspiring staff, students and even the greater community to be proactive.

Thus, the seeds for a “crazy idea,” as Cipriano called it, were planted.

“All of us at Notre Dame are working to do our best to help make the world a better place one kind act at a time,” he said, but this time they wanted it to be personal.

The administrators did a search and ultimately decided on the St. Charles Catholic High School in LaPlace, La., about 25 miles west of New Orleans.

“A community was in need,” Bannon said, “and Notre Dame wanted to help.”

Within 48 hours the school had organized a massive collection of supplies, contributions and good tidings that Cipriano and Bannon decided to themselves drive down to the school, some 1,400 miles south-southwest of Fairfield.

“Our entire community demonstrated kindness through donations, prayers and actions,” Bannon said, with more than $15,000 in contributions collected within the two days.

Cipriano called the work of his school community both humbling and inspiring, with additional help coming from other area schools and churches. A U-Haul truck, which was donated for the journey, was literally packed with items to help out the St. Charles’ community.

After making the entire drive within 48, Cipriano and Bannon arrived in time for a morning mass at the school.

Despite the school still not reopening, more than 30 students, parents, faculty and staff came out to help them unload the contributions.

“The experience was humbling,” said Bannon, with the community members grateful but upbeat amidst their challenges.

“The St. Charles resilience was inspirational,” Cipriano said.

Both educators hope that this lesson, as it were, helped make a large impact on their students.

“Beyond educating our students, we have a responsibility to help educate the whole student and instill important life lessons,” Cipriano said.

“Coming together to support those in need is certainly an important lesson,” he said, “one which I hope our efforts for LaPlace help to highlight.”