Immaculate Conception High School Really Listens

“IC Listens” is this year’s theme at Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair.

The importance of truly listening is the message that Principal Jo Ann Degnan would like to impart to students. In this fast-paced, technology-driven world, Degnan believes it is crucial that students also learn the lasting value of making eye contact, being observant of others’ expressions, and picking up cues from body language. 

Degnan quoted Kierkegaard: “The ‘immediate’ person makes demands; the true man of prayer attends,” Kierkegaard said. True listening is about looking at the person speaking, not interrupting, asking questions, showing with body language you understand, and repeating what you heard (adapted from Groark Learns to Listen, Live Wire Media). All students at Immaculate Conception are learning the vital message of actually listening to one another, instead of relying on faster forms of communication, such as text messages. 

Students are on board with this year’s theme as well. Representative samples of this year’s freshman class were asked what “IC Listens” means to them. Students unanimously responded that one of the most important tenants of listening is respect for others. Their comments were not only impressive but also insightful. 

Alexandria English remarked, “You have to listen to get somewhere … [when someone is speaking] you must look at the person.”

“You must not only listen but comprehend what someone is saying … you need to show that you care and not only act like you care,” said Destiny Vanderveer.

Gregory Beaubrun added that students should “respect other people’s problems and not look down on them.” 

Along the same lines, Jay Brown said that students need to “do what you need to do in school” and Zamier Clemons said that “IC Listens” means “having respect for others and listening to everyone’s opnion.” Hannibal Smith summed up their feelings by saying, “Be respectful and just do what you have to do.” Devi Rishilakram gave an example of listening: “when you stop reading a book and listen to your parents.”

The freshman class at Immaculate Conception High School is made up of thoughtful students. Respect was certainly the theme of all of the students' comments. Carlos Nonjulca commented, “You must respect and listen to everyone and make yourself understood to everyone.” He continued by saying that he feels he will gain more respect for others and gain self-esteem this school year. “Immaculate Conception High School listens to opinions and this makes it a better school,” said Justin Moss, and Ezra Wrice was sure that listening will make him “study better.” Mirza Ali remarked that listening makes you “understand where a person is coming from.”

The students only talked positively about the school’s theme. Junior Taylor Valentin echoed the sentiments of the freshman and remarked, “Everyone in school has ears to you and they listen to what you say.” She has witnessed the listening spirit of Immaculate Conception High School for two years now.

All students concurred that, as Isaiah Arrington stated, “Immaculate is here to help and not watch you fall.” Christian Chavis also said, “All teachers and staff are there to help you.” Although Immaculate Conception is a small high school, it is taking on big issues and students will reap many benefits by learning the benefits of listening.