Head's Weekly Message — Oct. 22, 2021

Dear Mayfield Senior School Community,

 

I feel so blessed to have been able to attend the beautiful mass honoring the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus at the magnificent Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia last Sunday. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez celebrated the liturgy with such grace, and he gave an inspiring homily on Cornelia Connelly’s life and legacy.   What a joy it was to have the opportunity to pray in gratitude with so many Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus for our beloved Founder and the mission that guides all we do at Mayfield. I returned to California renewed in my dedication to Cornelia’s legacy of love and service—a blessing beyond measure.

 

I really enjoyed connecting with some of our Mayfield alums in Philadelphia as well. It was particularly wonderful to spend some time with Jessica Mennis Viets ’08, our 2020 commencement speaker, and great-niece of Sr. Elizabeth Strub ’47, SHCJ. Sr. Liz was unable to attend the Mass in person, but Jessica had the chance to visit with her afterwards and made sure to send her all our Mayfield love.

 

Next Thursday, Oct. 28, we are honored to welcome back to Mayfield another beloved alum, Mary Nally Ternan ’79, her husband Ed, Mary Harding '16 and Teresa Ternan '12, who will talk with our students about the dangers of the “fake pill” made from fentanyl. Mary and Ed founded the non-profit Song for Charlie after the tragic death of their son in 2020. On Friday, during our advisory period, we will have the opportunity to discuss the message of the assembly in our small groups. I know that this will have a big impact on our students, and I suggest that you talk with your daughters about this important issue as well.

 

In addition, I would be very grateful if you could review our medication and attendance policies with your daughters. These policies are in accordance with best practices and are designed to keep our students safe and healthy. Nurse Cota is available to answer any questions that you might have.

 

As we move into our cooler fall weather, please also go over our uniform policies with your daughters. We want everyone to be as comfortable as possible and girls are encouraged to wear uniform pants to school or leggings or tights under their skirts—sweatpants are not allowed.

 

Finally, I look forward to seeing all our fathers and daughters together next Friday, Oct. 29 for our fall festival. Delicious food, fun games, and dancing on campus will be a wonderful way to celebrate the season! I also want to congratulate our amazing volleyball Cubs on their decisive victory last night against a strong Heritage High School team, for our first post-season win in many years! Next, we face Summit High School in Fontana on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. Go Cubs! Go Dodgers!

 

With Love and Gratitude,

Kate Morin