Head of School's Message — Easter 2023

Last week as I enjoyed a lovely Spring Break, I had some time to reflect on what makes Mayfield Senior School so special. As always, I was drawn back to our beautiful Holy Child mission: “To rejoice in God’s presence and to help people believe that God lives and acts in them and in our world.” During this Lenten season, especially during this holiest of weeks, I have been struck by the power of those words which I found echoed in the message of Pope Francis’ Palm Sunday homily when he said “When I feel lost and confused, when I feel that I can’t go on, He is with me, He is there. In the thousand fits of "why" and with many "whys" without answer, He is there.”  

This sustaining theme was picked up this morning in our Holy Thursday Prayer service. With the help of the members of our Girls Learn International (GLI) Club, our Campus Ministry Council chose the theme of “Mercy and Renewal.” Through prayer, scripture reading and music, our community was reminded of the greatest act of Mercy of all time–through the force of the strongest love imaginable. I feel so blessed that I have had the opportunity to serve our school and Cornelia’s educational vision these past eight years. This experience has transformed me in a profound way, and I will be forever grateful.

I am grateful for all the support that our school has received which has allowed the development of programs, such as our Formation of Self curriculum, addressing the needs of our students especially in the context of health and wellness. As we read about the mental health crisis that teenage girls are experiencing especially in the wake of the pandemic, I feel so blessed that we have the needed support structures in place.

I am also grateful that we have been able to complete our Strub Hall renovation project giving our girls the most beautiful, safe, and comfortable environment in which to grow and learn. This amazing project is now receiving wonderful attention and accolades including most recently being recognized by the California Preservation Foundation with a 2023 Preservation Design Award. Please contact us if you would like a tour and more information about how you can support this work. I absolutely love to show off our lovely home!

Most of all, however, I feel blessed that I have been able to experience the spirit of Mayfield Senior School–our Holy Child Mission in action–on a daily basis. As I greet our students each morning, I am continually struck by their grace and kindness. As I observe classes, I am incredibly impressed by the skill and care of our teachers and the brilliance of our girls. As I attend sporting events, the grit and determination of our athletes overwhelm me, and as I enjoy arts exhibits and performances, I am awestruck by the talent and beauty. In assemblies, prayer services, and liturgies—in every facet of our Mayfield experience—I find the beautiful Holy Child mission alive as we all “rejoice in the divine presence” in each other.

My prayer for the Mayfield Community as we conclude this holy time of Lent, and enter into the joy of the Easter season, is that we all take a little time to reflect upon our many blessings as we give thanks for the gift of Mayfield Senior School.