Head's Weekly Message — May 10, 2019
Dear Mayfield Senior School Parents,
Happy Mother’s Day weekend! After our beautiful Mother-Daughter celebration last Sunday I’ve continued to reflect on that special relationship all week—especially my relationship with my own mom. As I have often been reminded, I was not the easiest of adolescents. I was stubborn and argumentative, even a bit rebellious. I think I was hard on my mother in particular, and way back then our relationship was often strained. My father, who had a Ph.D. in psychology, would look on with sympathy and comfort my mom with the observation that the reason why we butted heads so often was because we were too much alike. I have to admit; at the time I did not take this as a compliment. Now, I just pray that it is a little true.
My mother enjoyed seeing so many of you last Sunday. Although at 90 she is a bit confused and forgetful, she is still the loving, generous, and joyful person she has always been. Thank you for making her feel so loved and welcomed. I am so blessed to be able to share my Mayfield community with her.
Yesterday’s Parents Board Luncheon also very much reminded me of the strength and generosity of our community. To look out at the room filled with mothers who have given so much of their time, energy, and creativity to our school all year really brought me to tears. We could not do nearly all we do at Mayfield without the loving support of our parents. I want to thank Courtney Hotchkis especially for her outstanding leadership this year—I am so grateful for everyone who helped in so many ways. I also want to thank Nancy Tupy, who will be assuming the role of Parents Board President. You are all amazing.
Finally I want to send out congratulations to all our sophomores for their NGO project presentation. I felt incredibly inspired last night hearing all about their research using Design Thinking to develop initiatives to change the world. Whenever I feel a bit discouraged, I just need to remind myself of the power of our amazing girls. Thank you parents for all your support—and kudos to April Garcez and John Duvall for creating this transformational curriculum!
One last note—as we speed towards the end of the school year—please remember not to speed on campus. Lately we have noticed a number of parents driving way too fast. Please slow down—life is too short!
With Love and Gratitude,
Kate Morin
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.
