Mission Effectiveness visiting team recognizes Mayfield for its compassion and dedication to Holy Child values
Faith. Community. Curiosity. Justice. Respect. Growth. Tradition. These words represent the Catholic, Holy Child goals that distinguish Mayfield and speak to the heart of all we do. This Holy Week, our community was blessed with special days of reflection and renewal as five educators from Holy Child schools throughout the country visited campus to evaluate our commitment to our Holy Child education.
“We truly came to understand what is meant when Mayfield is described as a community of dynamic learning and compassionate leaders,” said Karen Craig, chair of the visiting committee and a social studies teacher at Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac, Maryland. “Throughout our time here the visiting committee was impressed with the friendliness of the community and the overwhelming sense of welcome.”
Their visit culminated the internal, year-long process of our dedicated eight-member Mission Effectiveness Steering Committee, co-chaired by Ann Pibel, Director of Library Services, and Cathy Cota, School Nurse. The process is an accreditation of sorts and calls on each Holy Child school to examine every six years how it is meeting the seven goals embedded in the philosophy and vision of our founder, Cornelia Connelly.
On Wednesday, the committee offered a series of commendations and recommendations that will be presented to provincial leadership of the Holy Child Network of schools, who will certify our standing in the network and approve an action plan for the next six years.
Highlights of the report, explained to the faculty and staff during a prayer service on Wednesday, included:
- An appreciation for how our Mayfield team has dedicated their work to Sr. Barbara Mullen, SHCJ, our beloved Mayfield educator who passed away nearly three years ago. “This touching addition exemplifies the impact an individual can have and the spirit of love that is inherent in Mayfield.”
- A nod to our theology teachers who emphasize that Cornelia’s teachings are about “joy that springs from duty...The focus in learning about Cornelia's life is on her loving relationship with God.” Life has its stresses, trials and injustices, but in the midst of it all, joy can be found.
- A recommendation that Mayfield continue to provide more opportunities for “constructive, respectful and structured, facilitated dialogue between students who have differing political and/or religious views and values.”
- Praise for how students and alumnae care for each other and exemplify “the generous heart of Mayfield.”
- Special appreciation to the high-energy and meaningful work of SMEC, the Student Mission Effectiveness committee who produced creative videos and sponsored fun activities to teach their classmate about the seven Holy Child goals.
- Recognition that students are excited about their classes and express a sense of ownership over their academics. The academic program is “both challenging and supportive, creating a balance between a student's intellectual curiosity and her overall wellness.”
- A recommendation that the school further develop a transparent decision making process that includes more frequent communication and opportunities for input from faculty and staff.
- A notable appreciation for community service that encourages Mayfield to continue to look beyond the gates of Bellefontaine to help those in need.
- Acknowledgement that the Board of Trustees should continue to follow a long-range plan to ensure financial sustainability that allows the school to maintain its diverse population.
In thanking the visiting committee Head of School Kate Morin embraced their report and said she is eager to continue to move forward.
“We know that we are a creative and loving school with amazing teachers and an incredible community,” she said. “This year-long process has showed us that we are all working together for the good our students and their growth as young women of faith.”
Special thanks to the tireless work of the Mayfield Mission Effectiveness Committee:
Co-chairs: Ann Pibel, Director of Library Services and Cathy Cota, School Nurse.
Committee Members: Ron Castelo, theology teacher; Julie Condon, Board of Trustees member; Nicole Cosand, Director of Annual Giving and Alumnae Relations; Annie Pontrelli, math teacher, Jade Stewart ’09, Asst. Director of Admissions, Tina Zapata, social studies teacher.
Thank you to our Visiting Committee:
Karen Craig, Chair (Connelly School of the Holy Child, Potomac)
Robin Beaver (Holy Child School, Rosemont)
Jacqueline Ciaccia (School of the Holy Child, Rye)
Dorothy Morris (Cornelia Connelly School of the Holy Child, Anaheim)
Rebecca Mull (Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, New Jersey)
Committee Members: Ron Castelo, theology teacher; Julie Condon, Board of Trustees member; Nicole Cosand, Director of Annual Giving and Alumnae Relations; Annie Pontrelli, math teacher, Jade Stewart ’09, Asst. Director of Admissions, Tina Zapata, social studies teacher.
Thank you to our Visiting Committee:
Karen Craig, Chair (Connelly School of the Holy Child, Potomac)
Robin Beaver (Holy Child School, Rosemont)
Jacqueline Ciaccia (School of the Holy Child, Rye)
Dorothy Morris (Cornelia Connelly School of the Holy Child, Anaheim)
Rebecca Mull (Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, New Jersey)
No comments have been posted
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.
