Head's Weekly Message — Feb. 1, 2019

Dear Mayfield Senior School Parents,

I’m so glad to be back at school today after almost a week in San Francisco serving as part of a California Association of Independent Schools accreditation team. I had an extremely interesting time learning about some great programs and observing some top-notch teaching. But, more than anything, I was affirmed in my belief that there is something very special at Mayfield Senior School. Our Holy Child mission “to help others to believe that God lives and acts in them and in our world, and to rejoice in the divine presence” permeates everything we do. There is no place like home!

While in the Bay Area, I had the wonderful pleasure to meet with some of our impressive alumnae. I enjoyed listening to their memories of beloved teachers and hearing about some of their hilarious antics. They all continue to be so grateful for their excellent Mayfield education and for the lifelong friendships they still maintain over so much space and time. It was particularly interesting to meet Liesl Pike Moldow ’83, whose Actions Not Words spirit led her to co-found SafeSpace. The goal of this Northern California non-profit is to support, educate and help young people advocate for better mental health services in their schools and community. We have an enduring bond to Liesl as Pike Auditorium is named for her grandparents, Tom and Katherine Pike!

This morning I was blessed to be able to attend First Friday Mass in our beautiful Connelly Chapel with members of our Mayfield community—such a perfect way to begin the month of February. Today we also welcome members of our dedicated Board of Trustees for their annual visiting day. Trustees will have the opportunity to attend classes and help celebrate our incredible faculty and staff at our annual appreciation lunch, co-hosted by our fabulous Parents Board. I’m so looking forward to breaking bread with my friends and colleagues this afternoon!

Finally, while I know it seems a long ways away—it is time to start thinking about summer! Registration for Mayfield’s summer academic classes will open soon. During this six-week program from June 17 to July 27, students will have the opportunity to earn a full-year credit in Geometry (with departmental approval) Chemistry (for rising tenth graders) or Biology (for rising eleventh graders). If there is enough interest we would also like to offer U.S. History (for rising eleventh graders) and Fitness. While taking a class over the summer is a big commitment—in order to receive credit students can’t miss more that one class period—summer school can also be a lot of fun and can allow a student to accelerate in a particular discipline and/or have more flexibility in her school-year schedule. Stay tuned for more information.

With Love and Gratitude,

Kate Morin
Back
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.