Head of School's Message — Winter 2018
Dear Mayfield Community,
Happy New Year!
I’m thrilled to introduce this first 2018 edition of the Messenger and I know you will enjoy reading about all the exciting happenings at 500 Bellefontaine. Our fantastically creative and dedicated faculty and staff have already accomplished so much this school year. However, we are not resting on our laurels. Instead, as Cornelia Connelly wrote, “This is the time to ask for great things: faith, zeal, generosity, humility, charity.”
Cornelia is such a wonderful role model for all of us because she was never satisfied and she never gave up. Earlier this month we celebrated her 209th birthday by honoring her resilience, bravery and determination. She served as the epitome of a growth mindset—always seeking and striving for excellence in her drive to create the most transformational learning environment possible. Cornelia thought “BIG” and so she accomplished “BIG.”
Our Formation of Self program, which has garnered national attention for innovation, is one example of how we are “thinking big” this year. Developed by our very own team of experts this curriculum is helping our students grapple with “big” issues and “big” challenges preparing them for success here at Mayfield and beyond. Now, perhaps more than ever, it is imperative that our students learn how to take good care of themselves—their minds, bodies, and their spirits.
Adding to this awesome curriculum—renewed and rejuvenated after a semester’s sabbatical—our beloved fitness guru, Helen Wade has returned to Mayfield bringing “big” ideas and new initiatives from her study in the UK. I want to thank Annie Mergenthaler ’09 for doing such a fabulous job filling in for Ms. Wade while she was away and for providing an incredible model of “Actions Not Words” especially for our youngest Cubs!
As we look ahead to the next few months we have many “big” things to be excited about. Our teachers continue to work their magic in the classroom—weaving in real life problem-solving and creative collaboration taking on pressing issues of the times. The impressive talents of our student artists are on display in the Student Commons and I highly recommend that you check out the beautiful pieces as well as the works of five of our students featured in the annual Robert Graham Memorial Student Art Exhibit at the Los Angeles Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Magnificent!
With the curtain rising this weekend on our Choreographers’ Ball and rehearsals for our spring production of Godspell well underway, Pike Auditorium is buzzing with energy. School spirit is also high as we cheer on our winter athletes who are meeting with great success. In particular I can’t wait for Spirit Week, especially our “big” Red and White Day, coming up next month. Go Cubs!
And—before we know it—it will be March 10, time to “step right up” for The Greatest Show on Bellefontaine Street! I’m so looking forward to our annual benefit at which we will honor three beloved members of our school community, alumna Joyce O’Hagan Nores’49 and past parents and trustees Julie and Tom Condon. You will be hearing so much more about our honorees at the event in the weeks ahead. Please help us celebrate and click here to find out about all the ways you can support this fabulous event.
With Love and Gratitude,
Kate Morin
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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.
