Head's Weekly Message — Sept 16, 2022

Dear Mayfield Senior School Parents,

First, I want to thank everyone for their kind words of congratulations on the birth of our grandson Nate. It was such a blessing to be able to spend those first few days of his life with him and our “Long Island” family. Everyone seems to have settled in well–especially big sister Maddie who has shown herself to be a very good helper.

While I very much enjoyed my time on the East Coast, I was very happy to return to my beloved Mayfield last weekend and really get into the swing of things this week. As we continue to launch this school year–we are reminded that one of our most important goals is to help our students find and develop those 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 a leadership position are two of the most effective ways that girls can grow in their self-confidence and strength. At yesterday’s annual Clubs Fair, 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 students—will show our Mayfield students’ leadership skills in faith-filled ways. I’m so looking forward to our time together to pray for wisdom, strength, joy and generosity as we begin our new school year. 

I’m also very much looking forward to seeing you all next Thursday, Sept. 22 at our annual Back to School Night. This is an opportunity to follow your daughter’s schedule through 10-minute “mini-classes” and hear from each of your daughter’s teachers about their curriculum and plans for the year. As the evening’s schedule is very tight, please set aside a different time to talk with teachers if you have specific individual concerns that you would like to discuss.

You will be receiving a printed copy of your own individualized schedule from your daughter’s advisor but here is a run-down of the evening:

6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.—Welcome and Introduction in the Mary Wilfred Gymnasium

6:45 p.m. - 6:55 p.m.—Meet with your daughter’s advisor and receive your individualized schedule of your daughter’s classes

7:00 p.m. - 9:10 p.m—Follow your daughter’s schedule with brief presentations by each teacher

If you arrive after 6:55 p.m., please go to the Main Office in Strub Hall. We will have a copy of your daughter’s schedule there for you and we will help you get oriented.

Refreshments will be served in Strub Hall throughout the evening—I hope to have a chance to visit with many of you during “a free” if you have one!

With Love and Gratitude,

Kate Morin