The Knight's Roundtable
March 2021 V7
Dear Families,
The Knights Roundtable is the Diversity, Equity, and Unity newsletter created for DJO students, family, and community. Each month will center around a theme. The initiative on Diversity, Equity, and Unity is key to the ability of Bishop O'Connell to fulfill its mission and to have a positive effect on society. This fact has been evident in the past year as our nation has faced a series of incidents, tragedies, and challenges that have had a profound effect on us. As we struggled to learn, to lament, to heal, ask hard questions, and acquire wisdom, we came together as students, alumni, parents, faculty, and administration in efforts to implement change. Sit back, grab a snack, and enjoy reading about current events, student stories, and how to be involved in making O'Connell a place that all students feel proud to say, we are family. GO, KNIGHTS!
Women's History Month
March is Women’s History Month! This month we are looking at a few of the MANY incredible women of our past and present. The history of women in the United States was not an easy one. From fighting for the right to vote, to earning their place in the workplace, being a woman was, and still is, not easy. Together, let’s celebrate the achievements, contributions, and history of women.
Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock
Phenomenal Women Saints
Saint Joan of Arc was a fearless leader and soldier for the French military during the time of the Hundred Years war. Ever since she was a young girl, she had visions of different saints who told her to stand up for her country. She accepted this challenge and went on to become one of the most well known religious war heroes in history. While there are many sources and videos that talk about her life, we linked two below that we believe are the best embodiment of her character. You can find a video link on Formed for a film about her life, and an article version from catholic.org.
Movie of the Month
Every month, we highlight a movie that we think embodies the culture and heritage of the chosen month. This month we are recommending Wonder Woman! Not only is the character herself extraordinary, actress Gal Gadot is exceptional as well.
Movie summary: Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, Diana meets an American pilot who tells her about the massive conflict that's raging in the outside world. Convinced that she can stop the threat, Diana leaves her home for the first time. Fighting alongside men in a war to end all wars, she finally discovers her full powers and true destiny.
Clubs for Young Girls at O'Connell
At O’Connell, we have several clubs that are a part of the women’s empowering movement. Several examples include the Keyettes, Fiat club, and the Young Women’s Executive club. The Keyettes are an all-female service organization open to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors. They will be accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year starting in April! The Fiat club is dedicated to helping young women grow in their faith. Finally, the Young Women’s Executive club’s mission is to promote leadership and inform about professional qualities, manners, life skills, and behaviors to assist young women in prevailing in the educational and business world. Below you can find the moderators to email if you are interested in joining!
Keyettes: hmartenson@bishopoconnell.org
Fiat: mcarroll@bishopoconnell.org
Young Women’s Executive: cknauf@bishopoconnell.orgWomen Owned Businesses in the DMV Area
Looking for some women owned businesses to support? The website below lists a plethora of businesses, ranging from food to furniture. Some of our favorites are Georgetown Cupcakes in D.C., Cheesetique in Del Ray, and Toli Moli, also in D.C.
https://www.washingtonian.com/2017/03/06/map-women-owned-businesses-dc-area/
Exciting News : DEU Retreat
We will be having our first DEU RETREAT!!! Please refer to the information below. The retreat is open to everyone, if you have a friend outside of DEU bring them along. The sign-up will cap at 100 students, once that is filled a wait-list will be created in the event someone drops out at the last minute.
One in Christ is a partnership between the Diversity, Equity and Unity (DEU) Council and Campus Ministry to create a two-day retreat experience built on the theme of "How are we all made one in Christ?"
WHERE: Bishop O'Connell High School: 6600 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA 22213
WHEN: March 27-28, 2021. Students will report to the auditorium at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 27, and be picked up in front of the school at 9:00 p.m. We will continue with the retreat on Sunday, Mar. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
WHAT: The retreat experience will include small and large group activities with presentations from DEU council students, as well as special guest appearances by Br. Mickey McGrath, OSFS, Tevin Lucas and more to come. Instead of the traditional overnight retreat model, students will return home at night and come back to school the next morning.
PAYMENT: $25 includes meals and materials. Payment is due March 15. Credit card payments can be made via this form. Checks should be made payable to Bishop O'Connell and delivered to Campus Ministry.
CONTACT: If you have any questions or need financial assistance, please contact Mr. Fitzpatrick at efitzpatrick@bishopoconnell.org or Mrs. Davis at bdavis@bishopoconnell.org.Did you miss the last newsletters?
September: https://www.smore.com/41kvb-the-knights-roundtable
October: https://www.smore.com/109cs-the-knight-s-roundtable
November: https://www.smore.com/dfub1
- January: https://www.smore.com/9af4q
- February: https://www.smore.com/6ta8m
Care to Share, We'd love to hear from you!
instagram: @djo_diversity
Email: bdavis@bishopoconnell.org
Website: bishopoconnell.org
Location: 6600 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA, USA
Phone: 703-237-1400
Twitter: @DJOdiversity