From time to time, issues arise between teachers and their students or their student’s family, between administration and parents, or between fellow team members at the Academy.

Oftentimes, the issue is merely a misunderstanding or miscommunication. This can be remedied by clear and direct communication, giving each party the benefit of the doubt. Other times, a wrong or injustice (small or large) has occurred and needs to be remedied with understanding, humility, contrition, forgiveness, and love.

In accordance with our Lord’s teaching in Matthew 5, we seek to preserve love and koinonia by quickly addressing and resolving conflicts that may occur in this all-important effort to educate children. We all must resolve to kill the twin spirits of gossip and strife.

St. Gregory the Great says, “Lo He is not willing to accept sacrifice at the hands of those who are at variance. Hence then consider how great an evil is strife, which throws away what should be the means of remission of sin.”

Therefore, the Academy policy regarding conflict resolution is as follows:

• If you feel something is “off” or that perhaps you or your child has been wronged in some way, contact the relevant person directly first.
• Phone calls and in-person meetings are better than email for these tough conversations.
• If that person does not listen or respond satisfactorily, then contact administration and set up a joint meeting.
• For parent-teacher issues, parents should contact the teacher directly first, then the headmaster (if need be), then the chairman of the board.
• For internal staff issues, employees should contact their colleague directly first,then the headmaster (if need be), then the chairman of the board.
• For issues with the headmaster, parents or staff should contact the headmaster directly first, then the chairman of the board (if need be).