As the start of the 2024-2025 school year approaches, we want to warmly welcome all incoming freshman and transfer students and families joining our QND family! You are about to start an exciting new chapter, and we hope to make your transition to QND as smooth as possible.
Where to Begin
We recognize that every student brings unique talents, backgrounds, faith journeys, and perspectives to our school. As you make new friends and meet your teachers, know that you are part of a welcoming environment that celebrates what makes you unique.
Tips for Your First School Year at QND
- Familiarize Yourself with Your Class Schedule: Understanding where and when your classes are will help you navigate your first day. Don’t worry if you get a bit lost. There’s always someone around to point you in the right direction!
- Stay Organized: High school introduces a new level of academic challenge. Keeping track of your schedule, assignments, and deadlines will help you stay on track. Use FACTS Family Portal, a planner, or mobile apps to keep up with your homework.
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Be Open to New Experiences and Get Involved: High school is the perfect time to explore new interests and passions. Step out of your comfort zone. Join clubs, organizations, or sports teams that interest you, even if you're trying them for the first time. More than 90% of our students participate in a sport, club, or school activity!
Feel free to look through our sports teams and student organizations to get an idea of where you might like to get involved.
- Connect with Friends: You may see familiar faces from grade school activities, like PMO Band or sports events. Connecting over your shared interests could lead to new friendships!
- Seek Support When Needed: Remember, asking for help is okay. Whether it's academic support, personal advice, or spiritual guidance, our faculty and staff are here to support you every step of the way.
- Take Care of Yourself: A new school can be overwhelming. Remember to look after your mental and physical health. Talk to friends or reach out to someone at school if you feel like you’re struggling.
Our House System
Quincy Notre Dame introduced the House System at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. The House System was implemented to create a sense of community within all students, regardless of their grade year. It fosters healthy competition and encourages students to attend or participate in school events and activities throughout the year.
As a freshman or transfer student, each student will be assigned to a specific community and house within that community. The four communities are named after Saint Matthew, Saint Mark, Saint Luke, and Saint John. Our student body averages around 400 students per year, so each community has approximately 100 students. From there, each community splits into four houses, bringing together around 25 students from all four years into one unit. Students remain in their assigned houses throughout all four years of high school.
Student leadership is a big part of our House System. There are two school captains, four community captains, and every house has a junior and senior leader. In total, there are thirty-eight student leadership positions. Our staff mentors each house, but students are encouraged to lead and make decisions together.
The 2024-2025 freshman will be the first class to enter a school year in which every class above them has been part of the House System.
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Faith and Service
As a Catholic high school, faith plays a huge part in everything we do. It shapes our values and how we treat each other. We encourage students to participate in mass, retreats, Catholic Heart Work Camp, and various service opportunities. Our faith-based programs and community service projects help others within our community while promoting our students’ personal and spiritual growth.
Even if you aren’t Catholic or are still figuring out your spiritual path, you’ll find support and an open environment at QND. We welcome students of all religions; 14% of our student body is of other faiths.
Looking Ahead
We can't wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish during your time at Quincy Notre Dame High School. You're beginning an incredible chapter of your life, and we're so fortunate to be a part of it. Should you have any questions before the school year begins in August, please do not hesitate to contact our Director of Enrollment Management, Natalie Genenbacher, at ngenenbacher@qndhs.org or call 217-223-2479 ext. 326.
We look forward to seeing you at QND! Go Raiders!