Welcome Back Message from the Principal

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2023-2024 school year. I am looking forward to many memorable events and activities throughout the year that will bring us closer to God and each other. As a leader in Catholic-Jesuit education in Florida, we will continue to fulfill our mission of educating young men with the skills necessary to defend our faith while encountering Jesus Christ, on a personal level, in everything we see and do. 

I am happy to announce the addition of 15 new members to our faculty and staff in Theology, Social Studies, Math, Science, Technology, School Counseling, and Security. In conjunction with our amazing returning staff, I am confident they will enrich our school community with their God-given talents, knowledge and faith.

I am also pleased to report that we continue to expand and improve our school facilities thanks to the generous contributions to the Fund for Belen by our community. This summer ten additional classrooms were renovated and transformed into student-centered active learning rooms. These state-of-the-art classrooms will provide flexible spaces for our students to engage in collaborative experiences, using multimedia capabilities, so teachers can guide our students to explore and expand on topics beyond the pages of their textbooks and notes. Construction of the Roberto Surís Athletic Center also progressed at a rapid pace. This facility will include a two-story weight room, a second gymnasium, an athletic training room, two large locker rooms, coaches' offices, a video room, and meeting spaces for all major sports. The new student parking lot was also completed this summer, adding 95 much-needed parking spaces to our campus.  Finally, the Baseball Complex, including our fields, stadium and surrounding Cafe Belen, is currently being renovated. These projects, which will undoubtedly enhance our academic and athletic development, have the primary purpose of helping us implement Belen's core values: Magis - to do the more, Cura Personalis - to care for the entire person, and Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam - to do everything for the greater glory of God.   

During these first few days of school I encourage you to make time to set goals for yourselves as individuals and as families. I urge you to decide what you want to accomplish this school year, what you want to experience, and what you want to learn. But most importantly, consider who you want to be this school year.  Who is God calling you to be? What kind of family is God calling you to be? And, what can you do this school year to encounter Jesus or become closer to Him and to build His kingdom here at Belen and in your homes? I urge you to take advantage of the many opportunities at Belen to expand your Catholic faith and reach all your goals.  

I pray that this 2023-2024 school year is all that God wants it to be for you, your families and our Belen Family!