Page 2 - Priorities #30 2005-April

Woodside Priory School
Celebrating 47 Years of Benedictine Education
In This Issue
Headmaster Tim Molak reflects on the meaning of community and neighborhood, especially in light of the WPS proposed revised Conditional Use Permit and Master Plan, which was unanimously approved by the Portola Valley Planning Commission. Headmaster’s Letter, page 3.
Winter at a Glance, Page 4-5
Kalman Field gets a dedication plaque as well as a berm to retain excess water; a new digital- capture whiteboard is clarifying things in Computer Science classes; students visit the Andes on an adventurous as well as spiritual trip; and the Priory community wins an award for generosity. That and more in Winter at a Glance, pages 4–5.
The ability to forgive is crucial for emotional well-being, stress reduction, and better physical health, according to Dr. Fred Luskin. With some practice, just about everyone can do it, he told Priory parents, students and friends. Dr. Luskin’s Stanford-based research demonstrates success in a variety of settings from the conflict in Northern Ireland to a Fortune 100 business environment. Community Forum, pages 6–7.
Fairytales can come true...It can happen to you—at “Once Upon An Auction . . .” WPS’s annual gala, banquet, and fund-raiser for next year’s needs. The medieval castle, costumed students, live music and fantastic foods and wines will delight guests, and the array of desirable items for bidding will entice everyone to help the school’s dreams come true. Auction 2005, pages 8–10.
The Woodside Priory Board of Trustees welcomes three new board members this year: Peter Campagna, Dale Pfau, and Andrea Zulberti. The Board is studying the long-range issues of diversity and Benedictine identity. Trustee Profiles, page 11.
Steven Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” is the Priory Theater’s first Broadway musical production. The challenging songs and characters were a great match for talented voices and actors. Theater, page 15.
The Priory is blessed with a community filled with people who willingly give their time, brainpower and resources to help the school. What motivates them? Zuzka Fedorkova, Class of 2000, asks several people who are supporting the Golden Jubilee Campaign to reflect on their reasons. Not surprisingly, some motivations are shared and others are entirely individual. Campaign Update, pages 16–17.
Students and librarians imagine the Priory’s anticipated new library and student center. These facilities, plus the auditorium and performing arts classrooms, are the “Trinity Project” that the Golden Jubilee Campaign leadership hopes (and prays) to have completed by the school’s fiftieth anniversary in 2007-2008. And—good news for existing classrooms!—the annual budget will fund improvements in all of them this summer. Campaign Update, pages 18–19.
On the cover: Characters from this year’s all-school theatrical production coincide exactly with the theme of Auction 2005. They jump off the pages of Dean of Students’ John Erkman’s storybook and come alive as he dozes. You can see additional fanciful types from Mother Goose Casting in the “Once Upon An Auction . . .” story beginning on page 8, and the write-up of “Into the Woods”, on page 15.
For admissions information, please contact Al Zappelli at (650) 851-8223, azappelli@woodsidepriory.com. Downloadable forms are available on the school Web site: www.woodsidepriory.com. Click on Admissions.
Community Forum, Page 6-7
Auction 2005, Pages 8, 9, 10
Alumni News & Notes, Pages 12, 13, 14
Campaign Update, Page 18-19
Board of Directors
Abbott Matthew Leavy, OSB Father Mark Cooper, OSB Brother Edward Englund, OSB Father Martin Mager, OSB Father William Sullivan, OSB
Board of Trustees
Mr. Dave Arnold
Dr. Kristen Brew
Mr. Peter Campagna
Mr. Al Ebneter
Ms. Betsy Haehl
Mrs. Anne Hannigan
Mrs. Dotty Hayes
Fr. Eric Hollas, OSB
Mr. George Huertas
Mr. Craig Johnson
Mrs. Virginia Kavanaugh Mr. Steven Krausz
Mr. Alfred Li*
Fr. Maurus Nemeth, OSB Mrs. Janiece Bacon Oblak Mr. Dale Pfau*
Mr. Bill Roberts
Ms. Alicia Rodriguez
Mr. Ray Rothrock
Mr. Andy Schilling
Mr. Bob Simon
Dr. Stuart Young
Ms. Andrea Zulberti
* Special Representative
Priorities magazine is published in October, January, April and July by Woodside Priory School for its alumni, parents, students, neighbors and friends. Contact the Communications Office at 650-851-6193 or the school at 650-851-8221.
Editor: Carolyn Dobervich
Asst. Editor: Zuzka Fedorkova Design/Production:
Jim Kirkland, Copperline Multimedia Photos: Carolyn Dobervich, Zuzka Fedorkova, Rebecca Rappaport, Jennifer Hammer, Amanda Davison, Father Martin Mager, Jim Kirkland
Chapel Services
Masses at 7:15 a.m. Monday-Saturday
9:30 a.m. Sunday
11:00 a.m. Sunday Hungarian service
8 p.m. third Friday (Taize) ecumenical service All are welcome.