Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child was proud to co-sponsor the second “We Were Called” New Jersey Catholic School Diversity Conference on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Delbarton School, which was attended by more than 100 school representatives throughout the state and organized by Oak Knoll, Delbarton, and St. Benedict’s Preparatory School student leadership.

Following a thoughtful keynote reflection by Dr. Ellieen Ingbritsen, the conference offered a platform for meaningful connection throughout the day, delving into the essential work related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging in our schools.

“The most impactful experience for me was the keynote speaker, Ellie Ingbritsen,” reported Victoria DaSilva ’26. “Dr. Ingbritsen’s message focused on the start of transformation: how we can transform within ourselves, how others can cause or influence that transformation within us, or how we can start the change in others. Her words resonated with me, and I could connect this message with various other activities throughout the conference.”

According to the conference theme of Transformation, participants were encouraged to reflect on their unique calling, considering their gifts and roles in their communities while exploring the concept of being called to justice, community, action, and equity. In a pod of 21 representatives from Oak Knoll – spanning from our Board of Trustees, Head of School, administration and faculty and staff, to students, alumnae, and parents – each attendee considered what it truly means for our schools to embody this mission, how we could work together, and what Transformation means and looks like for each of our schools.

As Catholic Schools, we embraced the extraordinary opportunity to build this work around our mission and core values with a rich tradition in equity and justice. The event was a testament to the power of community and the Transformation that can occur at Oak Knoll when we live by faith, learn by doing, and lead by example.