Page 18 - Priorities 6

curriculum. As the decline in student population hit California schools, the Priory was able to accommodate relatively more foreign students. Also during this decade, the school’s leadership began gradually to increase the school size, when it became clear that a school of 150 could not be made cost-effective in these times.
An often-found motto was “Most prep schools teach you how to get to college. We teach you how to stay there.”
Six weeks throughout the academic year the entire
student body focused on a key issue, such as world hunger, drugs and alcohol, and the political instability in Central America. On the social scene, students, faculty and parents dined together in a “Supper Club” program that included cultural entertainment. School field trips included the ballet, opera and symphony performances in San Francisco. (From the 1986 brochure.)
1977-78
The student body had 171 students.
Fifteen monks and 71 students lived on the campus. Faculty numbered 31.
Suzanne Eyre’s Gardening Committee gave a $25,000 check towards the construction costs of the Olympic size swimming pool.
1981
Priory monks had over the years developed a firm friendship with their neighbor, “Mama” Gambetta. During this time she moved to a retirement home but was unhappy and wished to return to her house by the Priory. The monks moved her back and Louis Kovacs watched over her. His wife, Klara, with their baby, Suzi, often went to spend part of a day with her, although Klara spoke little English and Mama no Hungarian. Klara has been the Priory Bookstore Manager for many years and Suzi graduates from the Priory this year.
The first annual Priory Auction was held – this year’s Ruby Ball is the 17th annual.
By the end of the third decade, the school facilities had increased to include the pool (1978), the student pick-up sheltered area (1979), an expanded Chapel (1982), the third level Assembly Hall, tennis courts (1983), and faculty
housing (1984 ) Science Teacher Trudelle and his young were among the occupants
year
.
Paul family
that
Fourth Decade
In August, just four days into the new school year, a fire destroyed the Administration Building. Almost immediately, campus leaders developed a plan to replace the farmhouse with a bigger, more flexible building – Founder’s Hall. Parents and community friends raised more than 90% of the needed $900,000 within the next 12 months. A plaque in the entry hall commemorates them.
In this decade, the Priory campus grew, accommodated contemporary techniques and standards but held on tight to the Benedictine values even while the number of teaching monks declined.
1987-88
The student body had 143 students.
Thirteen monks and 90 boys lived on the campus. Faculty numbered 32.
Tuition was $6,400 for day students, $11,800 for resident students.
(This information is from the 1986-7 school brochure – the 1987-8 is missing.)
The campus celebrated Shakespeare’s birthday with costumes and performances. Shakespeare’s Birthday Bash has become a campus tradition that still continues as “Will’s Week.”
The first campus-wide computer technology installation was made possible by a grant from the Wiegand Foundation.
1988-89
Brother Edward arrived as Housemaster in a very full dorm. The current directors’ lounge held four beds.
1991
The Priory became a co-ed school. Applications from eleven young women were accepted for grades seven andeight. Louise(Mrs.RalphK.)Davieshostedthe first party for this pioneer class – a fashion show in her home with the girls as models.
Transition from an all-boys environment was very
smooth. The difference, wag, was
w e r e teeth once
most noticeable according to one
“guyswho brushing their or twice a year
Remember?
In the early days, one of the neighbors reported “colorful language” coming from the sports fields. The monks wouldn’t know – they hadn’t learned any cuss words. The story goes that the problem was solved by bringing in a monk from service in the
military.
Priory Monks today: These Woodside Priory Benedictines live on the campus or are actively involved from St. Anselm Abbey today: In addition to Fathers Egon, Mark and Martin, pictured earlier, they are:
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Father Pius arrived in 1960.
Brother Maurus (later Father) arrived in 1963.