Page 3 - Priorities #48 2011-January/February

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WFROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear Priory Community,
We are slowly approaching the midpoint of this school year. The Christmas holiday looms on the horizon and our school community is alive with spirit and enthusiasm. Why? Because the theme for this year, selected by the student government, is TGIP – Thank God It’s Priory!
In this issue, we celebrate the unique aspects of our community – Benedictine Monks, boarding students from all over the world, staff living on campus, and a very strong commitment to develop “lifelong learners and stewards.”
I see the reason for this theme every day. I see it in our Seniors who are great role models for the younger students and their willingness to share their time and talent with others. I see it in Middle School students whose energy is boundless. I see it in our faculty and staff who understand their responsibility here, not as a job, but as a ministry of educating the minds, hearts and souls of each of our students. I see it in our boarding students who open themselves up to the experiences of living in a new culture. I see it in our parents who feel fortunate to have their children and their families a part of an inclusive and welcoming environment. Finally, I see it in the eyes and voices of our alums when they return to the campus. The alumni are proud and thankful for the education they received from the Monks and the many lay men and women who taught them every day.
In this issue, we explore the vastness of our International Priory:
• Priory students traveled to Argentina under the guidance of faculty Gulliver LaValle to work with and alongside native tribes, thereby gaining a better understanding of their role as a global citizen.
• Priory alum Dr. Andy Kuchins ‘77 is a well respected international senior advisor in the area of Russia and Eurasia relations.
• The Alumni Reunion Weekend where alums from all around the world returned to campus to see classmates, tour the new facilities and swap stories of the old days.
• The recent conference at Saint Ottilien Archabbey in Germany of the International Commission on Benedictine Education. Representatives from around the world came together to share prayer, information, community, and to hear about the richness and diversity of what Benedictines schools are doing world- wide. To learn even more visit the website - www.osb-icbe.org.
• The Student Advisory Program which provides regular opportunities for faculty and students to engage in more meaningful and thoughtful explorations on matters that affect their daily lives.
Numerous times a day, students find their way to my office, not wanting to talk to me specifically, but to find out what kind of candy is in my candy bowl. They pause, look over the offerings and then make a selection. Sometimes, they will thank me for having their favorite candy or suggest a possible new one to buy. I see many smiling faces coming in and going out. For teenagers the lure of snacks, especially chocolate, is just too strong to ignore, and I am well aware of that fact. Therefore my bowl is always full. Just the other day, as one of the middle schoolers was leaving, he said “Thank God It’s Priory. “ I couldn’t agree more.
May the spirit of Christmas be in your heart this season, and may your family be blessed with good health and the faith that God will always be with you.
Tim Molak Head of School
In this issue we celebrate
the unique aspects of our community – Benedictine Monks, boarding students from all over the world, staff living on campus and a very strong commitment to develop “lifelong learners
and stewards”.