Page 3 - Priorities #43 2009-April

From the Head of School
Dear Priory Community,
Irecently was looking for
something in my wallet
when I came across my
copy of the Priory’s Mission
statement. They are the size
of business cards and we
give them to students when
they enter the school. As I
read it over, I was once again
struck by its tone and some
of the powerful words and
phrases that it contains. It
continues to be the guiding force in the decisions we make, whether they be curricular, financial or spiritual in nature. Our current students are well versed in the five Benedictine values which are the underpinnings for living a well-balanced and productive life both now and in the future. Our Mission speaks of “students of promise”, who “serve a world in need of their gifts” and “values being made real in a community in which every student is known and loved” – it challenges our past and present students to reflect, renew and reach out to those in need. This Mission is at the heart of what we do on a daily basis to make our school one that is good for kids.
This month marks the 1st anniversary of Father Egon’s death. We had a special Mass in his honor and are thankful for the many who turned out to celebrate and remember him. Father Egon referred to the Priory as “an American Miracle”
– he was right, and we see the fruits of his vision in the students who leave here as well-prepared graduates.
In mid-March, we had a festive gathering to officially throw the switch on our solar installation. Mayor of Portola Valley Ann Wengert, Town Manager Angela Howard, and Jonathan Allen from Representative Anna Eshoo’s office were on-hand to help us celebrate. You can monitor the system’s production and environmental impacts such as carbon offset, pollution reduction, and cost savings, on the Web at www.prioryca.org/solar.
Our girls’ soccer team battled #1 ranked Santa Cruz for 4 overtimes before losing on penalty kicks 4-2. The Seniors completed the best four-year record in Priory soccer history and won two league championships. The boys’ basketball team was CCS runner- up and lost to #1 ranked Saint Joseph/ Notre Dame of Alameda in the first round of Nor Cals. The Seniors won two league championships and at one point won 37 straight league games.
Our class of 2009 has received early acceptances to a number of outstanding local and national universities, and there were eight members of the class who were honored by National Merit as commended, semi-finalists or finalists.
Our admissions Open Houses this year were very well attended. Mr. Zappelli and his staff, as well as the numerous faculty, staff, and students who gave their time, need to be complimented for their fine, conscientious work. At this point, we are confident we will meet our enrollment goals.
The Circus is coming to town! On Saturday May 2nd, the Cabana Hotel and Resort in Palo Alto will host the 2009 Priory Auction. Please join us for dinner, dancing and, of course, bidding on an array of fantastic auction items. If you cannot attend, please support the auction by underwriting.
Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” I’m excited to see this in action all around me every day at the Priory. Whether it’s a senior mentoring a middle school student, a maintenance staff person keeping our grounds and open spaces manicured and clean, or a parent volunteering to put fresh flowers in Founder’s Hall, everywhere I look people are serving each other. It’s a blessing to witness
this, and as always, to serve you and our Monastic community.
Our current students are well versed in the five Benedictine values which are the underpinnings for living a well balanced and productive life, both now and in the future.
Sincerely,
Tim Molak Head of School
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