Alumni Congé 2013

June 14, 2013

We were delighted to welcome approximately 200 alumni and guests to the recent Alumni Congé Reunion. Special honor classes included graduates from 1953, 1963, 1973, 1988, 1993 and 2008. Read more…

Last Day of School

May 28, 2013

The final day of school on May 24 featured the annual Closing Ceremony for Primary through Fourth Class students and the Prize Ceremony for Fifth through Seventh Class students. In a tradition begun by St. Philippine Duchesne in the summer of 1819, students receive recognition for character traits and academic accomplishments. Before dismissing the students, Sister Glavin encouraged them to read a little, rest a little, play a little and pray a little over the summer.

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ASH Wins CYC Track Meet

May 24, 2013

The Academy track team finished in first place in the CYC Championship Meet, also known as the Ken Biermann Memorial Meet, following the finals May 18 at Bishop DuBourg High School.

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Gratitude for this Sacred Trust

May 23, 2013

As we close out this academic year with our students, I want to thank you for the opportunity to partner with you for the sake of your child’s growth. It has been our complete and total privilege to do so. In fact, I consider it a sacred trust. Cognizant of the fact that this choice is a huge financial sacrifice, allow me to reassure you that, as you continue to make this choice, you are not only providing your child with a lifelong gift, but, through him/her/them you are providing a gift to our world!

I am very aware that you, as parents, not only work hard to provide this education, but you work diligently as the primary educators of your children. You nurture and monitor your child’s development constantly:

  • in every conversation which helps reframe perceptions
  • in experiences you provide which broaden horizons
  • in having the strength to provide clear, age-appropriate boundaries
  • in creating a home atmosphere which models the Goals and Criteria
  • in guidance with choices
  • in the respectful, consistent use of consequences
  • in providing support in developmentally predictable struggles
  • in always communicating your love and care in the midst of it all

Through your and our collective efforts, much GROWTH has indeed occurred. Throughout the course of the year I have seen the following:

  • Acquisition of new knowledge in each academic discipline
  • Development in analytic, creative or synthetic thinking
  •  Increased skill in organization, work ethic and stamina to execute on goals
  • Maturation relative to self-knowledge, self-acceptance and acceptance of others
  • Heightened awareness of that which is right and that which is wrong
  • Growth in the capacity to choose one’s behaviors in accordance with Christ-centered values
  •  Increased awareness of the needs of others
  •  Maturity to make choices that are sensitive to those needs
  •  Heightened awareness of the ways in which our hearts can be opened to the amazing and unconditional Love of God, Creator of the Universe, whom we can come to know through and in the person of Jesus the Christ.

So, thank you for being those other adults, who, with help have tried hard to facilitate the growth that will eventuate into beautiful-hearted young men and women who develop the gifts God has given them, and who use those gifts to contribute positively to their family, their community and their world.

May God bless each and every one of you throughout these summer weeks ahead and we look forward to seeing you in late August.

Maureen Glavin, rscj

A Beautiful Week

May 16, 2013
Field Day on Monday for our 1 – 8th Class children was equaled with just as beautiful a day for our PP and Primary Field Day, yesterday. I join you all as we continue to linger with deep gratitude over these delightful days.
 
On Tuesday, we held our traditional Eighth Class Dinner. Mr. Kevin Tollefson was an eloquent emcee for the evening while the students were endearing, fun, funny and adult-like as they socialized with their parents and teachers. Most importantly, Eighth Class students used the evening as an opportunity to thank their parents for the gift of this education. It is a huge sacrifice for most people to send their children to this Academy. The full effect of the enormity of this gift is not experienced by our children until they are on the verge of their departure. (And for some, the depth of this discovery comes later).
 
Today, as I write this, we anticipate yet another of our most treasured traditions: our May Crowning Liturgy and Ceremony. Whether we crown Mary’s statue in Rauch Memorial Gym or in our beautiful outdoor grotto (depending on the weather) we take time to honor the mother of the person who was for us the perfect human revelation of God. The interior beauty of this woman who was able to nurture the development of Jesus as a baby, growing boy and emerging young man, inspires us to want to not only honor and emulate her virtues, but to ask her to intercede for us with her Son, as we pray for God’s Graces to help us to lead similarly virtuous lives. 
 
Two other happenings today: our Maypole Dance, which was introduced in the first half of the 20th century, inspires our children to beauty, grace and elegance. The other is a tradition we began today – an inauguration for our Eighth Class boys into the spiritually courageous life of St. John Francis Regis, Philippine Duchesne’s favorite saint and after whom our Regis Hall is named. It is a tradition we hope to continue with our emerging young men of the Sacred Heart.
 
Finally, tomorrow we have what is one of the most special and formal days in our school year – our Eighth Class Prize Day. Every Eighth Class student comes forward to receive a gift from the school, each one receives a special personalized merit, and special prizes are distributed for various virtues, character traits, the living of our Goals and Criteria, and for demonstrated excellence in academic classes. The first Prize Day ceremony occurred on this campus in the summer of 1819. Continuing this, one of our oldest traditions, is our way of honoring the journey of each child into the fullness of who they are meant to be.
 
These days are special and treasured. They are so, MOST OF ALL, becausethrough them we form, honor and hopefully continue to transform the lives of all of our students, who, through the living of their lives, will CONTINUE to give Honor and Glory to God! 
 
United in God’s All Embracing Love,
Maureen Glavin, rscj

End-of-Year Band Concert

May 15, 2013

BandSldCongratulations and thank you to the ASH student band for sharing what they’ve learned this year with the school community. All enjoyed the end-of-the-year band concert in Rauch Memorial Wednesday morning.

Cover photo: Band Director Mr. Frank Goessler with Eighth Class band members Alison, Ethan and Veronica

Seventh Class Students Earn Duke T.I.P. Recognition

May 10, 2013

Congratulations to our 23 Seventh Class students who took the Duke T.I.P. ACT test alongside high school juniors and seniors last fall. The ACT test covered math, reading and science, and gave an overall composite score. All of the students did an outstanding job! Fifteen earned State recognition, eleven earned Academy for Summer School Eligibility, and four earned Center for Summer Studies Eligibility. For further information about the Duke Talent Identification Program, go to www.tip.duke.edu.

Summer Spirit Wear

May 10, 2013

spring tNew Academy T-shirts in bright summer colors will be available on Field Day (Monday, May 13) for $15 each, or two for $25. Look for the T-shirt table by the White Center steps.

A Second Home

May 9, 2013

Yesterday afternoon I had an endearing conversation with a group of Eighth Class young women who signed up to have an after school goûter with me in the conference room. This afternoon I am doing the same with a group of our young men.

What struck me in yesterday’s conversation is that, over and over again, these young adults referred to this place as a second home! Given the fact that the early religious were referred to as Mothers, I was indeed delighted to hear their reflections.

Our soon-to-be graduates also enthusiastically recalled their all-time favorite traditions―some of which have already been experienced this year: Christmas Basket Liturgy, Congé, Mission Day and our Feast Day celebrations.

Today I’d like to highlight some of the precious memory-making moments coming up in the next couple of weeks. All of them create a heart-connection with this school because they evoke a sense of our history, steep us in our spirituality, highlight our desire to build community, and/or celebrate the qualities and characteristics (scholarly, socially and morally) which we want to nurture in our children. So, in the next few week we happily and hopefully anticipate the following: 

FIELD DAY
With a focus on fun, Field Day is a long-running Academy tradition that celebrates student successes and builds community. Liturgy is followed by a parade, picnic lunch, games and activities and closes with an awards ceremony.

MAY CROWNING
This special liturgy in Rauch Memorial on Thursday, May 16 at 1:30 p.m. honors Mary. Students are chosen from grades P‒8 to take part in the procession that concludes with the crowning of Mary by an Eighth Class girl.

MAYPOLE
Following the May Crowning liturgy, we gather on the soccer field for the Maypole dance with our soon-to-be graduates and our Second Class girls. It’s a beautiful and memorable event.

CLOSING AND PRIZE DAY CEREMONIES
Prize Ceremony formally ends the school year and applauds students for the development of strong character traits and academic performance.

Along with our Eighth Class friends, I look forward to these time-honored activities and anticipate seeing you ‘round campus in the days ahead!