Page 3 - Priorities #46 2010-March/April

B FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear Priory Community,
By the time you receive this issue, we will have started the final quarter of this school year; the rain will begin to dwindle, our high school play will be a memory, our spring sports will be in full swing (high school baseball is back) and our spectacular annual auction will be drawing near.
The flow of every school year is a bit different, and that makes for the excitement that working in a school environment brings to students and teachers alike. No two weeks are alike. Every day there are activities and events that remind us the Priory is truly a specal place. We are eye to eye with students on a daily basis and as we laugh and smile or furrow our brows at some of their antics, we are reminded what a pleasure it is to be such an intimate part of a young person’s developmental years. While those in the teaching profession don’t always make a lot of money, they do make students wonder, question, analyze, criticize, write, and read. In the long run, teachers make a difference.
Our faculty had the opportunity at the end of February to attend the annual conference of the National Association of Independent Schools in San Francisco with over 4,000 educators from around the country. Our faculty visited workshops and listened to some of the cutting-edge thinkers in education share their expertise about working with young people. The experience was a reflective one on the eternal and inspiring impact secondary education provides for teenagers as they transition through the “wonder years.”
The highlight of the day was listening to the Priory’s Chamber Choir as part of a combined high school group, sing to the entire assembly. Our students made up about 2/3 of the choir and their performance was outstanding. We were all so proud of them, their smiling faces and professional poise a tribute to the Priory performing arts program.
There are three articles in this issue that are very worthwhile. The first is a look at our Performing Arts Center at age three. Our three-building complex has added so much to our community and benefited the entire school in so many ways. It has far exceeded our expectations and provided us with a state of the art auditorium and space for all the performing arts. I think you will enjoy it and wonder how we got along without this facility for so many years. The second article takes a look at our Academic Resource Center (ARC) at age five. The ARC provides specific academic help and assistance for all our students and, in this age of overstressed students, provides a haven from the ever-increasing academic demands. Finally, there is an article on the vision for our Middle School. Take some time and read about the exciting plans for its relocation on campus and the creation of a developmentally appropriate space and curriculum for those in grades 6 through 8.
Last week we paused for a few minutes in our weekly Chapel service to remember Father Egon on the 2nd anniversary of his death. Once again, we were all reminded of what a debt of gratitude we owe to him and the other Founders for their vision and commitment. Since those first days, the Priory has focused on preparing our students academically, spiritually, and personally for a “world in need of their gifts.” While the number of monks has declined, our dedicated lay faculty and staff continue to model the Benedictine educational philosophy of teaching and educating the whole person while following the words of The Rule – Listen ...with the ear of your heart.
The Priory is able to maintain its high standards and success only through your constant support and belief in the school at 302 Portola Road. For that we are grateful, pray that it continues, and strive to be good stewards of those resources you share with us.
May your life always be balanced with Ora et Labora, Tim Molak, Head of School
“The flow of every school year is a bit different and that makes for the excitement
that working in a school environment brings to students and teachers alike.“