July 3, 2015 Dear Parents, Some of you already are aware that Margie Winters’s annual employment contract was not renewed, and she is not returning to our school this fall. For some, this letter may be how you learn this news. Like you, I truly value Margie and appreciate her amazing contributions to our religious education and outreach programs. Margie certainly has enriched the lives of everyone in the WMA family. As WMA’s principal, however, my duty is to protect our school’s future. In the Mercy spirit, many of us accept life choices that contradict current Church teachings, but to continue as a Catholic school, Waldron Mercy must comply with those teachings. While specific WMA employment decisions are confidential and not discussed, I am sharing the context in which I made this decision. Waldron Mercy Academy is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. Along with the Sisters, our school recognizes the authority of Archbishop of Philadelphia, especially in the teaching of religion, because we call ourselves Catholic. Even though I have primary responsibility for personnel matters, I consulted with our Trustees and Sisters during my decision-making process and I studied how other schools managed similar situations. The Sisters also consulted theologians, ethicists, canon lawyers and their Institute President. Everyone involved in these recent discussions clearly recognizes there are conflicting thoughts, principles, values and feelings. I realize some disagree with my decision. I believe, however, I have acted in the best interest of the Waldron Mercy community and preserved our heritage as a Catholic school. We are not alone in this plight. My hope is the pain we experience today adds to the urgency of engaging in an open and honest discussion about this and other divisive issues at the intersection of our society and our Church. My hope is our shared commitment to your children will continue to unite us. In Mercy, Nell Stetser Principal