Head of School's Message, Winter 2014
As fall comes to a close, I am reminded that our freshman class is already half way through their first year and our seniors are thinking about graduation day. With this in mind, it is a joyful experience to see future Mayfield graduates walk on to campus during our school tours and explore how their gifts will be enriched and “come alive” by the educational experience that distinguishes Mayfield Senior School. As always, we welcomed prospective candidates from a myriad of schools throughout Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley to tour our campus. Over 500 visitors attended Open House on Sunday, December 7! It was a privilege and pleasure to share the beauty of the holiday season with these wonderful young women and their families and provide opportunities to “catch the spirit” that is such and integral piece of being a part of our Mayfield community.
As a Holy Child school, we place a special emphasis on teacher/student relationships. Our classroom environments foster critical thinking enriched by supportive technology. Joyful and spiritual learning that invites challenges and provides students with ample support to grow and thrive is a central part of a Mayfield education. As a result, current and future students not only set high standards for themselves but they are generous supporters of their peers.
That spirit is seen in all aspects of school life. Congratulations to our Volleyball, Cross Country and Golf teams who all advanced to CIF playoffs. As a school recognized by CIF as a Champion for Character, they along with our tennis and water polo teams have continued the tradition of sportsmanship and teamwork that characterizes the Mayfield approach to interscholastic athletics. I am proud that we are known not only for the excellence of our play but also for the manner in which we conduct ourselves on the field and the court.
This fall, we have seen highly skilled work by our performing and visual artists. It was a joy to see so many students and the community, participate in our very first student-run All Arts Night. Our Cyrano de Bergerac production was a stunning success and a perfect example of artistic gifts coming to life. Currently, the Photography and Visual Conservatories have their fall shows decorating the hallways of the school with a special tribute to Choral Director, Mr. Andrew Alvarez. In addition, there is a beautiful art exhibit on display in Turner Gallery.
As always, the arts and conservatory programs have continued to utilize and reach out with their gifts to the community. Students, Grandparents and Special Friends were treated to a performance filled with beauty, grace and spirit by the Dance, Music and Theatre Conservatories. On Thursday, December 4 students travelled to A Noise Within to see a live performance of A Christmas Carol. As a special follow up, experts from A Noise Within came to campus and offered workshops on all aspects of theatre performance and production. A Nutcracker Knight is a new addition to the Conservatory’s repertoire. This one of a kind production will be performed on Saturday, December 13 at 4:00pm in Pike Auditorium. Carol Night is one of our most treasured traditions, and the Instrumental and Vocal Conservatories will treat us on Thursday, December 18 at 7:00pm.
We have also set aside plenty of time for fun this fall. Our freshmen participated in Team Building Day. This exercise provided an opportunity to gain group skills, improve communication and develop class-bonding. The fall is also the time when sophomores and juniors participate in their class retreats. Sophomores, led by their peer retreat leaders, unplugged to examine how we see ourselves, each other and God when the distractions of the digital world are silent. Juniors, with their retreat leaders, reflected on their unique gifts at a two-day retreat. This program is another way in which students are supported and support one another in the pursuit of a rich interior, spiritual life.
In addition to the energy and enthusiasm that are a part of daily life at Mayfield, we continue to look ahead. As we come to a close on our $13 million Faith in Our Future campaign, I am so grateful for the new classrooms, renovated library, new Turner Center and Student Commons and am thankful to all of our supporters for their gifts. Reflecting on the emphasis we place on relationships, and thanks to the overwhelming support, we have created an inviting place for learning, interaction and relaxation that will benefit all members of our community. The campaign comes to close on December 31st, and though we have reached many milestones, we still have $250,000 remaining to meet our original goal. If you haven’t already, please consider responding to Connelly's admonition to "meet the wants of the age" so that we may reach all of the objectives that will advance mission, program, community and stewardship and ensure that Mayfield's legacy as a girls' Catholic school of distinction remains strong
I wish all of you and your loved ones a cheerful and joyous holiday season.
Blessings,
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.
