Head's Weekly Message — Sept. 10, 2021

Dear Mayfield Senior School Community,

 

I hope you and your families enjoyed a wonderful long Labor Day Weekend. It feels so great to be settling into our school routine after so long—what a joy it is to hear happy voices echoing throughout Strub Hall again!

 

At Mayfield one of our most important goals is to help our students find and develop their voices with confidence and strength. Our founder, Cornelia Connelly, wrote,“Trust the children and never let your confidence in them be easily shaken. Confidence begets confidence.” JoAnn Deak—one of the premier researchers and writers about educating girls—has helped us understand how essential it is to give girls the opportunity to build their confidence through authentic means. Participating in service opportunities and taking on leadership positions are two of the most effective ways that girls can grow in their self-confidence and strength. At yesterday’s annual Clubs Assembly our students learned all about many exciting extracurricular opportunities. Our clubs are all student organized and driven, and many are related to important social justice issues. I suggest that you talk to your daughters over the weekend about clubs that they might like to join, helping them hone their leadership skills through “Actions Not Words.”

 

I know this morning’s Mass of the Holy Spirit—organized by our Campus Ministry Council—will show our Mayfield students’ leadership skills in faith-filled ways. I’m so looking forward to our first all-school liturgy in eighteen months and this time to pray for peace, strength, joy and generosity together as a community. We are extremely blessed that Father Greg Boyle, S.J., founder of Homeboy Industries, will be celebrating our liturgy. Father Greg always gives the most inspiring homilies—touching our hearts and helping us reflect on the boundless nature of God’s love, mercy and forgiveness.

 

I’m also looking forward to this evening when we will be welcoming all our Mayfield parents to campus for the opportunity to build community, make new friends, and reconnect. Although we are still putting the finishing touches on some of our spaces, I can’t wait for you to see all the progress we have made on our renovation project so far.

 

As we continue to move forward, I ask that you be particularly mindful of traffic etiquette during drop-off and pick-up times. Our neighbors have been extremely understanding and patient with our building project, and we want to make sure that we continue to show them respect. I especially request that all drivers be very careful to avoid blocking our neighbors’ driveways in the mornings and afternoons, so we don’t hold them up during this busy time. Thank you so much for your help.

 

Senior parents—I also ask you to mark your calendars for our in-person College Information Evening scheduled for next Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in Pike Auditorium. This will be a great opportunity for you to meet Amy Lareau, our new Co-Director of College Counseling, and to get all your questions answered.

 

Finally, it is with a very heavy heart that I let you know of the passing of our dear friend, Julie Condon. A past parent (Amy ’91) and former member of the Mayfield Board of Trustees, Julie was one of the first friends I made when I arrived at Mayfield six years ago. Always supportive and generous with her wise counsel, I will miss Julie’s thoughtful advice—firmly grounded in our Holy Child mission. She leaves a powerful legacy of love.

 

With Love and Gratitude,

 

Kate Morin