Page 34 - Priorities #71

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Happy Spring!
Our winter rains coalesce in January and February, painting Portola Valley and the 51 acres of Woodside Priory School a vibrant green. This oasis in the heart of Silicon Valley is indeed flourishing and accentuated as a place of healthy growth.
The growth on the hills is a metaphor for the growth that happens in the classrooms, on the field, in the gym and the pool, in the studios and labs, in the Garden and the Dorms, on the court and the theatre, and in the casual interactions between teacher and student. Day in and day out, our incredibly dedicated faculty and staff assist our students in creating meaningful and balanced lives.
That dedication and commitment was palpable during the candle ceremony at our recent Faculty and Staff retreat. “Priory: A Place Where Relationships Matter“ was organized by Campus Minister Molly Buccola and led by Father Matthew Leavy, O.S.B. Gratitude was the overwhelming theme during the candle ceremony, for the monks, for our students, for each other and for the opportunity to be a part of this extraordinary community. Father Matthew emphasized our work is not just about information, but formation and ultimately, transformation.
Your support of this transformational work through time, talent and treasure makes all the difference. We are exceedingly grateful to our parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, and friends whose consistently generous support assists in our ability to provide each student with an exceptional educational experience.
This year’s Annual Fund is evidence of this gratefulness with 87% of all parents participating so far, thanks in part to the devoted volunteers and leadership of our 14 Annual Fund Class Chairs pictured here. Devoted volunteerism is abundant at Priory– thanks to the leadership of PPA Co-Chairs Carolyn Putney and Kristi Patterson and Gala co-Chairs Lisa Putnam and Nicole Chambers, our parent community works to build community is support of every single student at Priory.
Our alumni outreach continues to expand and engage 2,000 alumni around the globe. The increased number of college-aged alumni who visit campus has amazed and inspired our faculty. Alumni parents recently returned in large numbers as well to help pack special treats to be sent to college alumni for Valentine’s Day. Evidence of the impact the Priory community has made on all their lives.
We are making a difference here in Portola Valley. With abundant generosity, commitment and dedication to our Benedictine values, we advance our mission of assisting students in creating meaningful and balanced lives, developing as lifelong learners and stewards, and productively serving a world in need of their gifts.
We couldn’t do it without you.
“The growth on the hills is a metaphor for the growth that happens in the classrooms, on the field, in the gym and the pool, in the studios and labs, in the Garden and the Dorms, on the court and the theatre and in the casual interactions between teacher and student.“
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Suzanne Couch
Director of Development
DEVELOPMENT