Principal's Newsletter
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Friday, September 9, 2016, was a very special day for us on the campus of Mount Saint Joseph. Over a thousand people gathered together in the Smith Center to celebrate the Eucharist, to ask for God's blessing on a successful year, to pray for all of our families and to remember all those who were affected by the tragedy on September 11, 2001.
I am always spiritually moved by the reverence and respect our young men give to this service. To witness our students, faculty and staff come together in prayer is impressive and a blessing for Catholic education!
Prior to Mass, we were honored to welcome Seth A. Gordon-Lipkin, Education Director of the Washington, DC regional office of the Anti-Defamation League. Mr. Gordon-Lipkin was there to present an award to Mount Saint Joseph High School for our outstanding work for justice and peace which has been accomplished both on and off the campus. The ADL organization recognized us as a top high school in which there is "No Place for Hate" as written on the banner which will be displayed in our cafeteria.
Thanks to moderators Mr. Kevin Shearer and Mr. Michael O'Donnell, many of our students are able to lead their classmates in programs which combat issues such as bullying, racial injustice, discrimination and address other social issues through our No Bystanders Program. These young men also travel to local middle schools to facilitate discussions with students to promote positive behaviors and to prevent bullying and acts of prejudice.
We were also recognized for our school-wide Martin Luther King, Jr. assembly, which focused on social injustices and discrimination and efforts by Dr. King and others to promote justice and equality. In addition, we were recognized for our work in the local community of Irvington. Ms. Sarah Slingluff, Mr. Jason Ader, and many of our students tutor at the Sarah M. Roach Elementary School each week. In addition, many of our faculty participated in prayer walks with the Irvington community as a sign of solidarity with our neighbors.
I am most grateful to these faculty members as well as our students for their initiative and leadership in helping others, especially the poor and marginalized. Within our own school, it is always my hope that every student who enters our doors will feel welcomed, accepted, respected and loved, regardless of their race, sexual identity, disability, or family dynamics. For it is written in the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers:
Cultivate a sincere friendship
and a warm affection for your sisters and brothers
for it is in the manifestation of honest concern and love for each other
that you and they will show you are daughters and sons of Ryken
And disciples of Jesus.
This was written around 1839 by Theodore James Ryken, the founder of the Xaverian Brothers. How appropriate today even though written some one hundred seventy five plus years ago!
As we progress through this school year the month of October allows us the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather and fall surroundings. This month is packed with many events, some of which I wish to mention:
October 16th the Mother/Son Communion Breakfast and Grandmothers of our senior class will take place in the Smith Center/Memorial Gym. We would like to recognize the grandmothers of the Class of 2017. When purchasing your ticket remember Mount Saint Joseph will have a complimentary ticket as a thank-you from us.
October 19th will be Testing Day for freshmen, sophomores and juniors. These students will be taking the PSAT. Each year our scores improve which validates the hard work in the classroom of our students and faculty. The test is especially important to the juniors for qualifying score will make them eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
October 22nd marks the conclusion of Spirit Week with many activities on campus. Come out and root the Gaels to victory!
October 28th ends the first marking period. Keep checking PlusPortals for your son’s grades! You can now also find our daily announcements posted on PlusPortals.
October 30th is our annual Open House from 11am to 2 PM. Get the word out to prospective families and tell them about the great things that happen to you when you join our great community!
Hope to see you around campus!
God bless,
Dave Norton