Page 3 - Priorities #74

Dear Priory Community,
Woodside Priory is special. We have something that makes us unique in a way that is of immense value: a distinctive spirit that animates all we do. That spirit is reflected in the accomplishments, the optimism, and the fundamental goodness of our students, it is reflected in our alums and the generous way they serve our world, and it is reflected in Tim Molak in his three decades of humble service to our community.
As I meet parents and students, faculty and staff, and alumni, I am struck again and again by the unanimity of this conviction that Priory is special, it is a shared experience. We are not just another school; it is not just a place to prepare our students for college or the world of work, though we certainly do that well. We are informed by a larger mission, and this has been true since our humble beginning over 60 years ago. Our mission is to form young women and men of integrity, who develop and share their gifts in the service of others, and who recognize the innate worth and dignity of every person. We balance the education of the mind, the exploration of the soul, and the emphasis on community and rely on our 1500 year old Benedictine tradition to show us the way. The need for this kind of education–the Benedictine way–is greater now than ever, and we have a golden opportunity before us; to form leaders who will transform our world.
The Priory is well positioned to live out our mission as we journey into this third decade of the 21st century. We have a strong community of Monks who live their vows in very authentic ways and show us what is most important in life. We have a caring and committed faculty who are excited about the prospect of this work and see it as their vocation. We have a diverse student body open to the gifts of this Benedictine education, one that involves a standard of academic excellence, the opportunity to reflect on one’s spiritual life, and calls for the development of lasting and life-affirming relationships. Finally, we have a dedicated, supportive, and caring group of parents ready to share their gifts and talents and invest in our community.
The Priory has a great mission and a bold destiny. In only a few short months, I have seen the strength of our school and the heart of this extraordinary community. I’m excited about what is on the horizon and I look forward to getting to know you as I serve this community.
Always We Begin Again.
Patrick Ruff Head of School
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HEAD OF SCHOOL