Head of School's Message, Lent 2015
As we come to the end of Lenten Season, I am delighted to share the joys and blessings that our Mayfield Senior School community has experienced over the winter months. This is a time for looking inward through prayer, reflection and fasting. It is also a time for reaching out to others. As we focus on our spiritual growth, we also look forward to the promise of new life that come with spring and the celebration of the Easter season. We are reminded of the continued growth that await our students in the months ahead and the gift of fellowship that is the hallmark of our faith.
Our community gathered on March 7th for our annual benefit. The theme was All You Need is Love and was a particularly special one for me, as this was the last time I will attend this event as Head of School. As I greeted parents, grandparents, friends and alumnae I was reminded of the blessings of the past 13 years and how I have watched freshman students grow into successful young women. During my tenure the school has experienced many transformations including the addition to the gymnasium, the completion of state-of-the-art classrooms in the former convent wing, new indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, a new library and the implementation of our iPad and e-learning program. As I watched attendees bid electronically in the silent auction for the first time and generously raising their paddles to support the refurbishment of classrooms, I recalled Cornelia’s words to “sustain a bright and joyful spirit”. It is the joyful spirit of our community that ensures a bright future for our students and our school. In addition to my school community, I was also surrounded by family and dear friends and was filled with gratitude for their support and the many blessings bestowed on me that evening and throughout my tenure.
Mayfield Senior School will soon be welcoming many newly admitted students and their families. The Class of 2019 will enjoy the recently renovated spaces and classrooms, but more importantly they will benefit from the spiritual, nurturing and challenging environment that is the foundation of a Mayfield education. We will embrace each young woman with joy and look forward to getting to know them as an individuals as we guide each to discover their unique gifts and inspire them to become the person God wants them to be.
With spring just around the corner, it is a time of action and preparation as await the gifts and graces that come with Easter. It is also a time of growth, change and renewal. In that spirit, I am privileged to share with you through this Messenger the many ways our Holy Child mission informs our work and inspires our students and the Mayfield community to flourish and thrive.
Yours in Christ,
Rita C. McBride
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.
