Page 3 - Priorities #45 2010-January

From the Head of School
who writes a spiritual newsletter called Vision and Viewpoint, tells us that “Advent
is about learning to wait. It is about not needing to know exactly what is coming tomorrow, but understanding that whatever it is, it is of the essence of sanctification
for us. Every piece of it, some hard, some uplifting, is a sign of the work of God alive in us.” In our Tuesday Chapel, we ask our students to reflect on what actions they can take to make themselves better people and members of our community during Advent.
The magic of this time of year only occurs when we become introspective and let our lights shine for others.
We also begin our annual food drive to help those in need in the local community. It brings
a smile to my face to see students bringing in canned food to fill up the many barrels we place in Benedictine Square, or the monetary donations they make, both big and small, so other families may have a happier holiday season.
During the Thanksgiving break, I had the opportunity one sunny morning to walk around the campus, and I ended up on top of the hill above the Monastery and the Briggs Science Center. As always, I was absolutely stunned at how beautiful our little piece of paradise is and how fortunate
we are to have this piece of property. In his book Beginnings, Father Egon mentions that it was only by a bit of luck that he found the Gilson ranch. The property wasn’t listed; one of his friends called to tell him that the Gilson Ranch was for sale. Father believed strongly in the role Divine Providence played in his journey to California and more specifically to Portola Valley. It seems once again God smiled on our group of monks and found a home that would inspire many generations to call the Priory their own.
I wish you a blessed Christmas and New Year. Keep the monks in your prayers as they do you in theirs and may the New Year bring you and your family good health and prosperity.
“Our Mission and Vision have been to provide the best learning environment which includes a “balance in daily living” learned from The Rule of Saint Benedict and the proclamation that we ‘listen ... with the ear of our heart” to those we teach. “
“In his book Beginnings, Father Egon mentions that it was only by a bit of luck that he found the Gilson ranch. The property wasn’t listed; one of his friends called to tell him that the Gilson Ranch was for sale.”
Dear Priory Community,
Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year to
one and all!
It’s 2010 – unbelievably we are
10 years into the 21st century
and over 50 years from the
founding of the Priory. The past
50 years, and more importantly
the past 10, have witnessed a
growth and evolution like no
other time in our history. We
have seen robust enrollment
growth, completion of expanded educational facilities, and enhancement of our curriculum and programs, all of which combine to serve our students better.
Patrick Bassett, President of the National Association of Independent Schools, in the recent article When Parents and Schools Align (www. nais.org) listed the top things parents should consider when selecting a school; some of Basset’s considerations included: Mission-Driven, Small Size and Low Student-Teacher Ratio, High Quality and Committed Teachers, and Healthy Culture and Climate. The Priory, with its Benedictine tradition as its foundation, provides all of these qualities to our current students and to the many more who
are looking and applying for admission each year. Our Mission and Vision have been to provide
the best learning environment which includes a “balance in daily living” learned from The Rule
of Saint Benedict and the proclamation that we “listen ... with the ear of our heart” to those we teach. These two concepts are our cornerstones in helping students achieve a balanced view when dealing with the demands of today. We believe that all aspects of growing up – emotionally, physically, intellectually and spiritually – need to be nurtured in a “community where they are known and loved”. The Priory is one of those “best schools” whose vision and future are soundly rooted in Benedictine values and wisdom.
During the next few weeks we begin the season of Advent. Sister Joan Chittister, a Benedictine Sister
Sincerely,
3
Tim Molak, Head of School