Page 59 - Priorities #74
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                                 Yvonne Faisal
After 16 years at Priory serving in roles of Mathematics teacher, department head, class mentor, Director of Systems & Innovation, and chaperone extraordinaire for global trips, Yvonne Faisal will be moving on to the San Francisco Girl’s School as the Director of Academics.
“Yvonne was an invaluable lead or team member in nearly every innovative Priory evolution through the course of the past fifteen years,” said Brian Schlaak. “She leads with her heart, is devoted to the wellbeing of kids and has an abiding passion for education. The Priory would not be where it is without her,” Brian added.
With two daughters as Priory alumnae, Yvonne admitted, “My children grew up here and I deeply appreciate those peers who helped raise them along the way. In fact, I will miss that for myself as well.” Yvonne also reflected on the quiet heroes of the school, “I will miss the care and attention from the Kitchen Staff and Facilities crew. They are the epitome of stewardship and make communal meals, hanging out on our beautiful campus, and serving our individual purpose both possible and meaningful.”
Tim Molak recently described Ms. Faisal as, “a teacher, mother, department chair, administrator, mentor, advisor, master scheduler, colleague, Senior sleepout survivor, always a call or email away–the source of solutions to concerns or problems and always listens with the ear of her heart.”
B13 the original Tinker Lab is dedicated to Yvonne Faisal. Yvonne was always ready to help, create a new space or class, encourage innovation or just “tinkering” a bit.
Todd Turner
Todd Turner has been a staple of the middle school for 22 years. Middle School Head Caitha Ambler said, “Todd has a unique way of “being a kid” with his students, but also has one of the most orderly classrooms on campus. It is this balance that is so magical. The bottom line, the kids absolutely adore him and will miss him immensely.”
Mr. Turner has been known to create unique and fun nicknames for almost every single middle school student and this is evidence to his commitment to getting to know the students beyond the classroom. Students Nate Chen ’24 and Carter Baginskis ’24 put together a farewell video for Mr. Turner and several students of all grade levels expressed their favorite memories and words to describe Mr. Turner like “funny, welcoming, dedicated, encouraging, happy, and energetic,” were mentioned repeatedly. Students reminisced on his famous “Simon Says” games, “Agent Turbo” and “Pit” math challenges, the blind toss of the dried out marker into the trash can, and his uncanny ability to scare the hiccups out of anyone.
Mr. Turner was also the recipient of the St. Stephen Teaching Award this year. During the awards recognition, Tim Molak described Mr. Turner as “all those who rub shoulders with him every day know the affection the students have for him and the engaging, funny, thoughtful, inspiring, creative teacher he is.”
As Mr. Turner plans to attend grad school to earn a degree in Educational Leadership, he will remain a part of the Priory Alumni Engagement Office and will continue to connect with alumni and attend events throughout the year. Mr. Turner commented, “The Priory will be the best job I ever had. I love our students first, parents, coworkers, and our campus.”
The Priory is honored to dedicate Room C7 to Todd Turner. We honor his dedication, love of learning, and commitment to coaching and teaching students especially those in the middle school.
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  FAREWELLS





















































































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