Head's Weekly Message — Jan. 25, 2019
Dear Mayfield Senior School Parents,
I hope you enjoyed a wonderful long weekend in honor of the 90th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I feel blessed to have been able to take a little time myself to reflect on the importance of Dr. King’s life and legacy, especially its relevance to this time in our nation’s history and how it relates to our Mayfield community. In his famous Letter from Birmingham Jail, written in April 1963, he wrote, "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied to a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." At Mayfield we cherish the power of this mutuality. Our diversity, in its many forms, makes our community richer and stronger through our shared respect for each other.
As we focus this school year on our Holy Child mission through the Mission Effectiveness process, we regularly remind ourselves of the importance of the Seven Goals that inspire and guide us. Holy Child Goal Five speaks specifically about the importance of respect and diversity:
Goal 5: Holy Child Schools create a learning climate based on trust and reverence for the dignity and uniqueness of each person.
- The school community affirms the value of each person.
- All members of the school community consistently model and teach respect through courtesy and consideration of others.
- Students are provided with opportunities to take initiative and act responsibly.
- Students are challenged to explore, develop, and share their unique gifts and to appreciate and celebrate the gifts of others.
- The school community respects and celebrates the diversity among its members and provides opportunities to develop knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of other cultures and perspectives.
- The school fosters attitudes of collaboration, cooperation, and healthy competition.
Yesterday’s Diversity Assembly, planned and led by members of the Student Diversity Council, was a magnificent example of how our community is seeking to celebrate and respect the uniqueness of each individual. Our students reminded us that we all enjoy complicated and multi-faceted identities, and we come with many perspectives and points of view. At Mayfield, we strive to see these differences as enriching our community, not pulling us apart. Granted, sometimes it is uncomfortable and challenging to listen with loving ears to really hear those with whom we might disagree. But that is how we grow and stretch ourselves into the people God wants us to be. I am grateful that our students are given this precious opportunity every day, guided by wise teachers and our Holy Child mission.
I am thrilled to announce that a beloved Mayfield alumna exemplifying our Holy Child mission and especially our “Actions Not Words” motto, has agreed to serve as our 2019 Commencement Speaker! Dr. Betsy Sinclair ’98, a professor of Political Science at Washington University in St. Louis is a renowned scholar, author, and innovator. Her studies have focused particularly on the power of social networks and how they influence our political actions and decisions. Dr. Sinclair visited with a group of our seniors on Wednesday, and they had a wonderful conversation about life after Mayfield. I’m so looking forward to her words of wisdom on graduation day.
To close—just a few reminders.
First, we have heard from some concerned neighbors that some drivers during drop off and pick up times are making U-turns on Grand Avenue so that they can more quickly turn right onto Bellefontaine rather than wait at the intersection of Grand and Bellefontaine to turn left. Please avoid making this maneuver. It is both dangerous and causing our neighbors additional inconvenience. I would also ask, as a courtesy, that when you see a neighbor trying to back out of their driveway that you please give them space and time to do so.
Also, first semester grades will be available through iMSS on Saturday—please see instructions below. I will be away from Mayfield most of next week serving on the accreditation team for a school in San Francisco. While I will miss being with our girls for a few days, it will be great to experience the culture of another school and learn all about their programs.
With Love and Gratitude,
Kate Morin
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.
