Page 3 - Priorities #31 2005-July

From the Headmaster
his “American miracle” and as I look through the “Fast Facts” that we prepare in our marketing materials,
it certainly seems true. One-third of our senior class achieved National Merit recognition and about 10% were National Merit finalists. The seniors scored an average 632 in English and 658 in mathematics on their SATs. Our student-teacher ratio is still amazingly
low—about 6 to 1. Our goal is for students to be accepted at and do well in a college they are excited about, and I have no doubt that every student in the class of 2005 is well prepared to succeed next year.
Our class size averages 14 to 18 students, and is much lower in advanced and special-interest subjects. We have a financial aid pool of almost $1 million,
and we hope to grow that amount. It was interesting to me that seniors mentioned in their exit interviews that greater diversity would improve their education, and adequate financial aid is an important part
of achieving that goal. As I look back on the year, students’ enthusiasm was high, discipline issues were negligible, and their contributions to the community were admirable. It is pleasure to be here and, Father Egon, I thank you.
The first year of our girls’ boarding program was
a huge success. Nine girls lived in the dorms and created a strong community and bond that will be a foundation for year two. Next year the Anselm House (upper dorm) will be all girls and Benedict House (lower dorm) will be all boys. Eric Carlson, Dean of the Boarding Program, is very excited about this “new configuration” and believes it will provide an even better learning and living environment. Check out his latest Boarding Newsletter at www.woodsidepriory.com.
Finally, I want to let you know that you will not be receiving a September Priorities Magazine. Carolyn Dobervich, our Director of Communications and Priorities editor, will be using the early fall months to create more user-friendly online communications.
Best wishes for relaxing and rejuvenating summer. Peace,
Tim Molak Headmaster
Everyone will be receiving in the mail over the next several months a brightly colored brochure about our “Trinity Project.”
Summer is upon us, and the campus is lively as dozens
of children enjoy our “Camp Unique” day and sleepover camp. Already we are preparing for the fall. Classroom renovations are under way, and improvements to the storm water drainage system will begin soon, as will some minor renovations in the boys locker room.
Everyone will be receiving in the mail over the next several months a brightly colored brochure about our “Trinity Project.” This is our final push to create three much-needed facilities for our students and faculty by the school’s 50th anniversary in 2007-2008. This three-part project begins with new performing arts facilities, then an expanded library and media center, and finally the campus’s first student center. It will be a challenge to complete it all by 2007, but we have strong support (and good architects with plans ready to submit). Please take a look at the brochure and the footprints of each space. We have submitted to the Portola Valley town planner a fairly aggressive timeline for approval of the required preliminary work and the beginning of our Performing Arts Center in spring 2006.
I mentioned in the last issue of Priorities that Nancy Newman, our indefatigable Dean of the Faculty, was retiring. I also want to tell you about some other transitions. Our Development program is laughingly called Doug Ayer’s “Million Dollar Baby” because it brings in that much and more in funds for expenses that tuition can’t cover. Doug founded the department about nine years ago, and he retired at the end of June with his wife, Barbara, who worked part time in the department.
Lesley Roberts-Mason, who has been with
the Priory for 10 years and head of the English Department for most of that time, also retired in June. Lesley’s colleagues selected her to receive the Board of Trustees’ Teacher of the Year award, which comes with a $1,000 check. Lesley is retiring to Canada with her husband, Tony. Probably, everyone receiving this magazine will remember Louis Kovacs—read about his retirement on pages 4-5.
Father Egon Javor, who founded the campus and still lives in the monastery, calls the Priory
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