Page 3 - Priorities #19 2002-July

From the Headmaster
Dear Priory Community,
The theme of this issue of the Priorities magazine is "A Sense of Accomplishment." That sense is reflected in an article beginning on page 8, A Conversation With Liz, Miranda and Taylor, three students who have pursued their passions to very high levels. The hard work and dedication gives them a great sense of fulfillment, they say.
I find myself reflecting on the sense of accomplishment I hope is felt by all of our graduates—the High School class of 2002, and Middle School class of 2006. In a small school, it is still possible to know personally each student to whom I hand a diploma, and as I did so it was gratifying to remember briefly the maturation and accomplishments of each.
In the Middle School graduating class, I see a familiar name—Kate Molak. I can say, based on the experience of watching Kate grow, that I now have a greater respect for all parents of eighth graders.
I have watched with a "sense of awe and amazement" as Kate has matured over the past three years to an independent, confident, mind-of-her-own adolescent. It is with a "sense of pride and humility" that I have watched her navigate the pitfalls and opportunities of Priory academics, teenage social life and the ever-increasing demands of what is needed to achieve success.
I have also found that Benedictine education and the values for daily living that we impart to our students have helped Kate to grow up with balance in her life. So it is with a great "sense of satisfaction" that I watch as Kate and all of our graduates end this phase of their lives. I wish for them a successful, productive and balanced life in the phase ahead.
In the last issue of Priorities, I shared a few positive notes from our State of the School report. They pointed to progress in SAT and Advanced Placement performance, new technology across the campus, work on curriculum development, and more. Here are a few more notes:
• New faculty positions this year include an athletic trainer, student activities coordinator and student
health coordinator. A faculty mentoring program now helps new teachers quickly assimilate the culture and values of Benedictine education. It includes a handbook, regular meetings with department heads, and supervision by the Dean of the Faculty.
• Last year, our per- student gift support for current operations was first among Bay Area independent schools. Giving
has increased 268% over the past five years. This giving helps to maintain our low student-teacher ratio and helps make possible our competitive position in faculty compensation.
• Summer grants last year enabled teachers to improve their courses in sports medicine, linear algebra, European history, AP economics, metals, AP art, world cultures and religions, freshman English, and chemistry. Faculty also used grant funds to improve their technical and/or teaching skills. Several grant-funded projects are under way this summer.
Among end-of-year activities was a reception to say good-bye to Holly Thompson, who has resigned as Academic Dean but will be involved with the Priory next yearinherotherroleasaparent. Iwanttosayhow grateful I am to Holly for the excellence she has brought to her work. Her vision and academic focus shepherded us well through a time when our student population was bothgrowingandchangingveryquickly. Youwillfind other transitions mentioned throughout this issue.
I hope you all will enjoy the summer and begin the fall with a sense of renewal and satisfaction.
Sincerely,
Tim Molak Headmaster
I have watched with a sense of awe and amazement as Kate has matured over the past three years to an independent, confident, mind-of-her- own adolescent.
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