Head of School's Message — Summer 2022

“We never know what we can do until we try. Perseverance gains the crown.”
 
As I reflect back on the amazing 2021-22 school year these words of Cornelia Connelly resonate with me deeply. I am so profoundly grateful to all the members of our community for persevering with such heart and determination despite the challenges and difficulties we have faced. It has been a year of great growth and progress—we have so much to celebrate!
 
First—I want to honor our amazing 2022 graduates for keeping us all going this year. They showed unfailing perseverance and courage leading our school with joy and love. We thank them for being such incredible role models for our younger students and for being so appreciative and supportive of their teachers.
 
We were thrilled to be able to celebrate their outstanding accomplishments with beautiful Baccalaureate and Graduation ceremonies. I invite you to watch the inspiring reflections given by our Senior Class president— Avalon Dela Rosa ‘22 and our graduation speaker—Sr. Sheila McNiff ’56, SHCJ which were particularly moving.
 
I also want to thank our amazing faculty and staff from the bottom of my heart for their unwavering perseverance. I don’t think anyone could have anticipated all the ways in which our teachers would be asked to pivot and adjust this year—but they did so with great creativity and graciousness, keeping our Holy Child mission always first and foremost.
 
Thanks also to our parent community for the trust they placed in us as we continued to navigate uncharted waters this year. Our parents have had to persevere in dealing with the changing restrictions imposed by the pandemic—masking, testing, Zooming—we got through it all together.
 
Finally, I want to thank our alums, past parents, members of the Board of Trustees and other Mayfield Senior friends. Your words or encouragement and love saw us through some difficult days.  Your sustaining generosity and support have allowed us all to persevere—a blessing beyond measure.
 
And that perseverance has really paid off! Our careful adherence to all COVID-19 protocols allowed us to finish the school year with minimal disruptions. Most of all the amazing renovation of our beloved Strub Hall has been completed—on budget and on time. Now we can’t wait to show off our beautiful new spaces with celebrations in the fall!
 
As we say goodbye to the 2021-22 school year, we also bid farewell to retiring faculty and staff members who have made such an enormous impact on our school. We thank Dance Teacher Denise Leitner, Social Studies teacher Sr. Pegeen Connelly, Theology teacher Frank Karl, and Director of Facilities Connie Peters for their devoted service. We hope to see them back on campus often.
 
We also say goodbye to several faculty and staff members who will be leaving Mayfield to pursue exciting opportunities. We will miss math teacher Annie Pontrelli, science teacher Alli Akagi, theology teacher Carol Fitzsimmons, Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (JDEI) Coordinator Sarah Briuer Boland, and JDEI Director Cassandra Gonzales. We thank them for inspiring us all.
 
I want to thank in a particular way Nicole Cosand Burcham for her years of service as Director of Alum Engagement. Nicole is leaving Mayfield to become the Development Director for South Central LAMP, an organization that means a great deal to us. We are so grateful that Nicole will remain a part of our Holy Child community in this new role.
 
Finally, as I begin to prepare for my own retirement at the end of the 2022-23 school year, I want to thank everyone for their affirming and kind messages. Serving Mayfield is such an honor and a blessing. I continue to be so grateful for our beloved community.
 
I pray that you all have a wonderful healthy summer—filled with family, friends, and fun.
 
With Love and Gratitude,
Kate Morin
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Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.