In 1847, the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) embarked on a mission to educate the underprivileged children of German immigrants in America. Their approach was not only about providing education, but also about offering the necessary support for these children to succeed.

This commitment to high-quality Catholic education and comprehensive support continues through Notre Dame School of Milwaukee (NDSM). Established by SSND in 1996, the school serves the Hispanic community on the South Side of Milwaukee.

Today, Notre Dame School of Milwaukee is comprised of three separate campuses: Mother Caroline Co-ed Primary School, Blessed Theresa Girls' Middle School and St. Florian Boys' Middle School, all located within a few miles of one another on Milwaukee’s South Side. The school has grown from 26 girls to 700 girls and boys, ranging from K3 to 8th grade. The school model initiated by the SSND years ago continues under the guidance of the current faculty and staff, embodying the sisters' values and charism.

“While there is much I will hold in my head and heart from this pilgrimage, it is the remarkably beautiful and resilient people that will stick with me most. A generous people of deep faith and rich culture who make the best of what they have and seem to stay positive even when faced with great challenges – for water, for education, for opportunity, for basic human rights and dignity. How can one not be inspired by the way so many live simply and in harmony with the rest of creation? We have much to learn from our neighbors to the south.”

This is just portion of a reflection penned by Tim Dewane, Director of Shalom - Justice, Peace, & Integrity of Creation, for School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province, following a recent visit to Guatemala.

Tim made the journey with his wife, Nancy, traveling alongside Sister Jan Gregorcich and others to witness the rich culture and natural beauty of the country, as well as the impactful work of SSND in the region, especially as it relates to water access.