Cougar Courier
November 23, 2024
Class of 2025 Visits Walt Disney World
Members of the Class of 2025 at Thursday's picture day at Walt Disney World.
The Class of 2025 returns to Austin Prep today after making their annual Senior Class trip to Walt Disney World this past week. Austin Prep Senior Classes always remark that the Disney trip was a highlight of their Austin Prep experience. The Class of 2025 will likely be no different! The week was highlighted by a private class dinner and viewing of the Epcot Center fireworks on Wednesday, and students were blessed with seasonally mild temperatures, which was a welcomed change from the torrential rain that plagued last year's travelers. Thank you to School leadership and faculty for accompanying the Class on the trip.
Enjoy these Disney photos, a greeting from dinner, and this recap of the trip.
Join Dr. Hickey for Breakfast on December 3rd
Head of School, James Hickey, Ph.D., will host a Breakfast with parents on Tuesday, December 3rd at 8:00 a.m. This is an informal gathering and a great opportunity to have high level discussions and open dialogue with Dr. Hickey while learning more about Austin Prep. Dr. Hickey looks forward to discussing the outlook for the winter as well as other initiatives for the 2024-25 academic year and beyond. The breakfast is limited to 20 parents and will run about 45 minutes. RSVP is required. If you'd like to participate, kindly RSVP to Mrs. Kathleen Mann, Executive Assistant to the Head of School, at kathleen.mann@austinprep.org. Once confirmed, Mrs. Mann will be in touch with additional details.
Next Community Mass is December 8th
Join us in the Chapel of St. Augustine for Sunday Community Mass.
Our next monthly Sunday Community Mass will take place Sunday, December 8th at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Augustine. We encourage our school families who regularly attend Sunday Mass at their local parish to consider joining us for this monthly Sunday Mass. The Mass will give us an opportunity to meet each other and pray together. We will join for a time of fellowship in the Dining Hall after Mass. To help us with our planning, we would ask families to RSVP by clicking here so we can take an appropriate count for the Coffee and Donut Hour.
Students are required to attend with their parents. We look forward to seeing you December 8th as we strengthen each other through this act of celebrating Mass together.
Priority Application Deadline is December 15th
We are grateful for all the prospective families who have shown interest in Austin Prep this fall! Looking to officially start your #AustinPrepJourney? Applicants are reminded to complete all application materials by our Priority Application Deadline, three weeks from tomorrow, on Sunday, December 15th. To start or learn more about the process, visit us here.
Signature Event Will Again Feature Tuition Raffle
The call informing you that you've won the tuition raffle is a call from Dr. Hickey that you will want to take!
In conjunction with the Signature Event, Austin Prep is once again hosting a Tuition Raffle, which is open to all current parents. The owner of the winning raffle ticket may be credited up to the full tuition cost for one student for the 2024-2025, or the 2025-2026 academic year.
Tickets are $275 each and only 250 will be sold. The raffle winner will be chosen at the Signature Event on Saturday, December 7th, at Andover Country Club. You do not need to be present to win, but have your phone handy in case you receive a call that night from Head of School, James Hickey, Ph.D.!
This raffle supports the efforts of the Austin Prep Parents Association’s Signature Event. All proceeds from the Signature Event benefit each and every one of our students.
The raffle will open at 7:00 p.m, on Monday, November 25th, 2024. Look for an email with more details containing the link to the raffle.
Christmas Traditions Approaching
Lessons and Carols, Austin Prep's annual celebration of Christmas readings and choir anthems, returns December 9th.
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us! We look forward to the return of Austin Prep's holiday traditions. More details will follow, but please save the date as preparations are underway for the following events:
Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 5th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. The Tree Lighting will take place outside McLaughlin Hall .
Lessons and Carols
Monday, December 9th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Performance will take place in the Chapel of St. Augustine for families of Austin Prep Band and Choir students.
The Nutcracker
Monday, December 16th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Performance will take place at the Collins Center in Andover.
Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Performance will take place at the Collins Center in Andover.
We are grateful for all those who will help us make these events a reality, and hope you will join us for the shows.
Students Attend Annual Race Amity Conference
Aidan O'Neill '26, Joe Carpentieri '27, Grace Ditchfield '26, Amelia Amadin '26, Miles Bhuta '27, and George Mamakos '26. left to right, at the National Center for Race Amity Conference.
Austin Prep students attended the 2024 National Center for Race Amity Conference at UMass Boston. As Augustine inspires us, true unity emerges through the authentic pursuit of truth in community with others - a principle beautifully exemplified at this gathering.
Our students had the privilege of learning from remarkable leaders including author Steve Pemberton (A Chance in the World was our all-school read this summer); Josh Kraft, CEO of the New England Patriots; Laura Herrick, CEO of Wayfarer Foundation, and Joseph Cooper from the New Balance Institute for Innovative Leadership in Sport. These leaders are making a difference in our communities and paving the way for inclusive environments to thrive. Their work resonates with our Augustinian, Catholic commitment to providing engaging student leadership opportunities.
The conference theme of racial amity speaks directly to our Augustinian heritage - the understanding that genuine human flourishing requires us to transcend divisions and recognize our fundamental unity as children of God. We are deeply grateful to our community partners at UMass Boston for creating this space for transformative dialogue.
Juniors Enjoy Class Trip
Members of the Class of 2026 enjoyed a day at Level 99 this week.
The Class of 2026 had a terrific class trip Tuesday to Level 99! It was a great day for juniors to spend time together and create memories with friends and classmates. While it was no trip to Disney World, don't worry Class of 2026, #NextYearWillBeYourYear.
The Office of Student Life looks forward to planning more class based trips as the year progresses.
Journey of the Heart Returns
We are pleased to introduce the next series of Journey of the Heart, our highlight of programs, activities, and initiatives at Austin Prep that exemplify our core values. Journey of the Heart is published on our website, where members of the faculty, staff and students will share their insights. Archived installments are available on our website, as well.
As members of the Class of 2025 departed on their senior class trip to Disney World, Eliza Martin '25 reflected on her Austin Prep Journey, and specifically the leadership opportunities made available to her and her senior classmates. While leadership can be displayed in a variety of ways on campus, in this edition of Journey of the Heart, Eliza reflects on the importance of using these opportunities to lead, inspire, and care for others, while appreciating the journey along the way.
Happy Thanksgiving From Austin Prep
As a reminder, Thanksgiving Break begins Wednesday, November 27th and classes will resume Monday, December 2nd. The Cougar Courier will return on Saturday, December 7th.
During this season of gratitude, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks to each member of our school community—students, families, teachers, staff, and everyone who helps make our school a vibrant and supportive place for learning.
Saying “thank you” and expressing appreciation can truly brighten someone’s day. A simple acknowledgment of someone's service or kindness can lift their spirits and strengthen the bond between us. No one can thrive alone; we all rely on others, and it’s important to take the time to thank those who serve and support us in different ways.
Even Jesus’s life was filled with gratitude to His Father. At the breaking of the bread, He took the bread and gave thanks. If the Son of God took the time to express gratitude, how much more are we called to thank others for their service and care?
Over the next week, and as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, let’s make an effort to express our gratitude to those around us. Whether it’s a teacher, a classmate, or a member of our staff, a heartfelt “thank you” can go a long way. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the specific ways in which others contribute to our shared success.
Above all, let us not forget to thank our Almighty God, our Creator and Provider, who blesses us with everything we have.
May this season of gratitude create lasting memories, and may we continue to support and appreciate each other throughout the year.
Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for all that you are to our Austin Prep community!