Page 3 - Priorities #69

Dear Priory Community,
A Happy New Year to all!
This year is a special one as the Priory celebrates its 60th anniversary. 60 years of being Benedictine,
60 years of educating young people,
60 years since opening the doors to fourteen young male students, 60 years of a growing campus from 16 to 51 acres,
60 years of Monks roaming that campus,
60 years of Listening ... with the ear of our hearts.
The student body has appropriately named the theme for the year, “Timeless.” In this issue, you will see “timeless” photos, a mix between the past and present, a representation of how much Priory has changed in 60 years, yet Priory is still Priory.
This past fall, we started the school year with three completed construction projects on campus. The pool is now completely renovated and is regulation size for water polo. The new Joe Montero Aquatic Center also sports a large scoreboard capable of displaying videos. The Garden Pavilion is a beautiful addition to the Franklin Garden, it creates a classroom environment for the students and
also provides a storage room and an office. The track houses located by the Father Christopher Field, provide a much needed all inclusive locker room for the football, soccer and lacrosse teams as well as restrooms, a training room, and storage. The LaureL Stream Center is completed, perfectly situated on the top of the campus, with a breathtaking view of Windy Hill. Your sons and daughters are now enjoying a learning environment second to none.
The beginning of the school year was filled with excitement from the success of Priory student Sergio Calderon ‘18. Sergio competed over the summer on a music competition television show called “Boy Band” and was crowned a winning member of a five-person band, called “In Real Life.” Sergio continues to thank the Priory for the support and is a common visitor to the campus in between his performances. We are thankful that Sergio could find success in doing something he loves as he lives out our mission to “productively serve a world in need of their gifts.”
In the last few months of 2017, the Priory lost two long time beloved members. Julianna Székely, who worked in the dining hall for the past 32 years, died on September 17th after a battle with cancer. Joe Montero ‘76, a faculty member, alumnus, and coach, died on December 21st after a heart attack. Julianna and Joe touched the lives of many, stretching over three decades. They will be greatly missed and remembered as the special people they were. We also ask that you continue your prayers for Father Pius as he deals with his health issues and remembering his many years of service to our students as a language teacher.
I like our Tuesday Chapel services because they speak to the heart and soul of each of us–student, faculty, staff and Monks. The songs and talks challenge us to reflect on the greater meaning of our life and the importance of each one of our relationships. One song’s refrain particularly resonates with me and our Priory mission:
We are called to act with justice,
We are called to love tenderly,
We are called to serve one another and walk humbly with God.
Wow–three lines that speak volumes of what we strive to attain as members of the Priory community. Happy 60th birthday Woodside Priory School and a wish for many more!
Head of School
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HEAD OF SCHOOL