December 2021
12.4.21
December 4, 2021
Signature Event is Tonight!
We look forward to seeing you at the Andover Country Club
The Signature Event is tonight! The Parents Association looks forward to welcoming those attending this evening’s event at the Andover Country Club.
The annual Signature Event is an evening dedicated to celebrating the Austin Prep Community. This year is particularly special due to the amount of time that has passed since the parent community has been able to come together. While the fundraising component of the event is very important, the night is also the Parents Association’s largest social of the year and this is our biggest event ever. It’s an evening meant for connecting with friends and making new ones.
For those attending, you can start bidding on silent auction items from your phone. Check yesterday's text messages and emails from GiveSmart for directions.
Finally, we send a heartfelt thank you to the Signature Event Committee and volunteers. Without their support, hard work, and creativity this incredibly special night would not be possible.
And don't forget, the winning tuition raffle ticket will be drawn tonight. Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket. You do not need to be present to win, but have your phone handy in case you receive a call tonight from Head of School, Dr. James Hickey. This is a call from Dr. Hickey you will want to take!
Christmas Traditions Begin Next Week
December is a month filled with Austin Prep Christmas traditions, notably Lesson and Carols and our rendition of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. This year, we look forward to moving our December co-curricular arts programming to the Greater Boston Stage Company Theater in Stoneham. Additional details are as follows:
Lessons and Carols
Monday, December 6th at 7:00 p.m at the Greater Boston Stage Company Theatre. This is a performance for the families of the Austin Prep students who are performing. Admission is complimentary, and the Art and Design Department is working with families of those performing regarding admission to the event.
Thursday, December 9th at 1:15 p.m. This school wide performance for Austin Prep students and staff will take place in Richard J. Meelia ’67 Hall.
The Nutcracker
Monday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the Greater Boston Stage Company Theatre. Admission is $10.00 and $5.00 for students and seniors, and tickets can be purchased here: Greater Boston Stage Company Theater
Tuesday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m. at the Greater Boston Stage Company Theatre. Admission is $10.00 and $5.00 for students and seniors, and tickets can be purchased here: Greater Boston Stage Company Theater
Attendees and performers must abide by Covid-19 related regulations set forth by the Greater Boston Stage Company Theatre. Please refer to the email on Tuesday from the Office of Communications for further details.
We look forward to showcasing the talents of our musicians, vocalists, dancers, and stage crew while presenting these annual Austin Prep Christmas traditions.
Student Wellness Speaker to Visit Campus
John Halligan will lead presentations for parents and students next week.
The foundational values of an Austin Prep education insist upon the community living in harmony with one another. We are committed to promoting veritas, unitas, and caritas throughout all areas of student life, including a comprehensive bullying prevention program. We are committed to taking serious, proactive steps to curb a problem that is found in schools everywhere. Our efforts this year have focused on raising awareness about bullying and cyberbullying with students and parents.
Earlier this week, the Office of Academic Affairs sent information to parents about special upcoming programming. We look forward to welcoming Mr. John Halligan, an international speaker and author to conduct a presentation for parents on Thursday, December 9th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and then on Friday, December 10th for the students. Mr. Halligan will relay his own tragic experience as a Dad whose 13-year-old son took his own life in 2003, after being bullied by peers since the 5th grade, both in school and online. Mr. Halligan further shares that Ryan wrestled with underlying mental health issues and depression and that these factors contributed to Ryan’s vulnerability and ultimate suicide. His story is riveting and compelling, and reminds students that there is a face, a person, a heart, on the other end of the screen.
We encourage you to visit a website named for his son, www.RyansStory.org, to learn more. To best help us plan for the parent presentation, please use the button below to RSVP for the evening. Parents will be made aware of the location of the presentation prior to the evening.
If you have any questions about the programs, please reach out to Dr. William Driscoll, Assistant Head of School and Head of Upper School or Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School before December 9th.
Blue Mass Honors First Responders
Bishop Mark O’Connell blessed first responders in attendance at the conclusion of the annual Blue Mass.
Representatives from the Reading Police and Fire Departments, as well as first responder parents from the Austin Prep community, turned out for Austin Prep’s 5th Annual Blue Mass and Mass of Thanksgiving on Monday, November 22nd. The Mass, held annually in gratitude for all those who put their lives on the line for others, returned to campus for the first time since 2019 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. You can view photos from the event here.
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Mark O’Connell, JCD Episcopal Vicar of the North Region of the Archdiocese of Boston, who emphasized the importance of giving back while looking out for everyone, especially those on the margins.
“At Austin Prep, you have been given a great foundation, but it is important what you do with it,” Bishop O’Connell said. “Do something with your life that is virtuous. There is no better example than first responders. We saw this during the pandemic. Because of them, we can be safe in our homes, protected from disasters.”
“It is important to be aware of everyone, including the people on the edge, because that is imitating our Lord,” Bishop O’Connell added.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Head of School James Hickey, Ph.D. offered his thanks: “On behalf of the Austin Prep community, I extend our gratitude to all the first responders who are present this morning, and those who are present in our thoughts, including the families of first responders who share in the burden and the sacrifice.”
After Mass, Bishop O’Connell blessed the emergency vehicles in the school parking lot and gave a special blessing to the first responders. Following the Mass, first responders enjoyed breakfast in the Heritage Room with Austin Prep faculty and staff. Today's Blue Mass comes on the heels of the recent National First Responders Day, which was recognized on October 28th.
First Quarter Honor Roll Announced
The list of students who earned honors in the first quarter of Austin Prep's 2021-2022 academic year has been released. Congratulations to the students who earned this prestigious recognition in their pursuit of truth. #Veritas
Class of 2022 Visits Happiest Place on Earth
This academic year, we have enjoyed resuming Austin Prep traditions that were at times not possible during the Covid-19 pandemic. At the top of that list is the Walt Disney World Trip for the Class of 2022. Austin Prep Senior Classes always remark that the Disney trip was a highlight of their Austin Prep experience. The Class of 2022 recently had the opportunity to visit Disney World and celebrate friendships that have formed during their Austin Prep Journey. Dr. Hickey reflected on the experience, which you can read in his Head of School Blog.
Athletics Signings Continue
Head Boys Lacrosse Coach Peter Smyth '04 joins Jack Seibel '22 and Matthew Bellis '22 and their families at their recent Letter of Intent signing day.
On Tuesday, November 23rd, Austin Prep featured a double National Letter of Intent signing ceremony as Jack Seibel '22 committed to continue his lacrosse career at Nazareth College, while Matthew Bellis '22 will be heading to St. Michael's College. Congratulations to Jack and Matthew and best of luck as you continue your athletic careers!
Maeve Carey '22 with her parents, George and Lisa.
On Wednesday, December 1st, Maeve Carey '22 signed her National Letter of Intent to continue her ice hockey career at Stonehill College. Congrats Maeve!
School Community Demonstrates Caritas This Holiday Season
This Thanksgiving season Austin Prep students and staff assembled and donated 60 Thanksgiving baskets to families from St. Mary the Assumption Parish in Lawrence, a parish with deep ties to the Augustinian Friars who founded Austin Prep in 1961. Students delivered the baskets two days before Thanksgiving, a gesture that reminded us to be thankful for all that we have while also helping those less fortunate. Thank you to everyone who helped support the effort. Details regarding Christmas service initiatives will be forthcoming.
Academic Decathlon Returns to In-Person Competition
The Academic Decathlon team returned to in-person competition for the first time since March 2020 on November 20th with the First Round Competition at Arlington High School, where they finished in ninth place statewide. Michelle Laferriere '23 was the team's top scoring student with a total of 2,800 points. She also earned Honorable Mention in the Honors Division for Economics, Literature, Art, and Social Science. Lily Seville '23 was the top scorer among Scholastic students, earning Honorable Mention in the Scholastic Division for Math, Music, Science, Literature, and Art. Christian Alfieri '23 won Honors Division Honorable Mentions for Economics and Art, while Rahul Gupta '23 earned Honors Division Honorable Mention for Social Science. In the Scholastic Division, Val Centinaro '23 obtained Honorable Mention for Math and Music and Bhoomika Chopra '23 did likewise for Music, Science, Literature, and Art.
The full list of participating team members is as follows: Christian Alfieri '23, Val Centinaro '23, Bhoomika Chopra '23, Fiona Cullen '23, Rahul Gupta '23, Caroline Kelly '23, Michelle Laferriere '23, Paula Reyes '24, Anjali Serrano '23, and Lily Seville '23.
The curriculum theme for the 2021-2022 Academic Decathlon season is Water: A Most Essential Resource. The team's next competition will be the Massachusetts Academic Decathlon Regional Round, which takes place on Saturday, February 5th.
Remember Them?
The Class of 2020 returned for their Alumni breakfast prior to Thanksgiving
Although a year delayed, Austin Prep continued the tradition of welcoming back the past year's graduating class for an alumni brunch the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. On Wednesday November 26th, members of the Class of 2020 gathered in the Dining Hall to connect with classmates, faculty and staff as a kick-off to the holiday weekend. This class is especially noteworthy, because as Most Rev. Mark O’Connell, JCD, told the Class at the Baccalaureate Mass for the Class of 2020, "you have had the strangest Senior Year of any class at Austin Prep in its history." Thank you to all who returned back to campus!
The Class of 2021 is up next and will be back to campus over the Christmas break.
12.11.21
December 11, 2021
A Night Out at the Theatre
Austin Prep's The Nutcracker Travels to The Greater Boston Stage Company Theatre Monday and Tuesday.
The Nutcracker show poster, designed by Graphic Design student Aiden Paquette '24
December is a month filled with Austin Prep Christmas traditions, and we look forward to next week's renditions of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at the Greater Boston Stage Company Theater in Stoneham. Additional details are as follows:
Monday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the Greater Boston Stage Company Theatre. Admission is $10.00 and $5.00 for students and seniors, and tickets can be purchased here: Greater Boston Stage Company Theater. There is very limited seating available.
Tuesday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m. THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT!
The Nutcracker program cover was designed by Gabby Asare '22.
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ:
Attendees and performers must abide by Covid-19 related regulations set forth by the Greater Boston Stage Company Theatre. In advance of your upcoming visit to The Greater Boston Stage Company, please take some time to review the Health and Safety page on their website.
We Had a Great Night at the Signature Event!
Ms. Susan Belanger, Assistant Head of School, and Dr. James Hickey draw the winning Tuition Raffle ticket at last Saturday's Signature Event. Congratulations to Dr. Dan Little P' 20, '22, '23!
The Signature Event took place on Saturday, December 4th and was another wonderful evening in support of Austin Prep. This year, the parent community celebrated the Christmas spirit with the theme of "Oh What Fun..." Nearly 300 people attended in support of programs and initiatives for students and faculty. Although the Tuition Raffle winner was not in attendance, Dr. Hickey was able to connect with Dr. Dan Little P'20, '22, '23 to inform him he was the winner of this year's Tuition Raffle. Congrats, Dr. Little! Additionally, we would like to recognize Mrs. Mannie Gouveia P'23, who worked tirelessly as this year's event chair. After a year away, Mannie successfully managed many challenges presented as a result of the pandemic, and hosted yet another great event. Thank you, Mannie!
Lessons and Carols Gets Community in the Christmas Spirit
Mr. Joe Leary directs the Austin Prep Band at Monday's Lessons and Carols performance.
The Austin Prep community gathered for two shows this week of the annual Christmas tradition of Lessons and Carols, first with a performance for parents at the Greater Boston Stage Company Theatre on Monday, followed by a performance for students and staff on campus on Thursday. The shows included traditional Christmas hymns and carols by the Austin Prep Choir and Austin Prep Band, as well as scripture readings and short passages about the true meaning of the season. The night showcased the talents of Austin Prep students, who were led throughout the performance under the exceptional direction of Mr. Joe Leary and Mr. Stephen Williams. Also, thank you to Mrs. Marla Pascucci-Byrne P'26 and the Austin Prep Facilities team for managing the details of taking our arts performance on the road. Photos from the Monday show at the Greater Boston Stage Company can be viewed here.
Mrs. Choate Announced as Lumen Award Winner
Mrs. Stephanie Choate with Dr. James Hickey and Board of Trustees Chair Dan Bouchard P’10, ’14, ’15.
Congratulations to Mrs. Stephanie Choate, who is this year's recipient of the St. Augustine Lumen Award. The Lumen Award was established by the Austin Prep Board of Trustees to recognize outstanding teachers. Head of School Dr. James Hickey and Board of Trustees Chair Dan Bouchard P’10, ’14, ’15 presented Mrs. Choate with a certificate that noted "Mrs. Stephanie Choate places the holistic formation of students as the foundation of a life well lived in the vocation of teaching. Inspired and inspiring, the St. Augustine Lumen Award Recipient is a beacon of light, bringing out the best in others and being a shining example of what it means to personify Austin Prep's mission.”
The award was presented Tuesday night in front of faculty, staff, and members of the Austin Prep Board of Trustees.
Karo Signs with Stonehill
Kathryn Karo '22 and her parents Douglas and Kara.
Austin Prep hosted another signing event, as Kathryn Karo '22 signed her Letter of Intent on Tuesday to continue her ice hockey career at Stonehill College. Kathryn was joined by family, friends, teammates and members of the Austin Prep staff as she committed to play for the Skyhawks, who are transitioning to the NCAA Division I level. Kathryn will be joined by Maeve Carey '22, who signed with Stonehill the week prior. Congratulations Kathryn and best of luck as you continue your athletic career!
Austin Prep Celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception
The Austin Prep community celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Conception together on December 8th. Three separate Masses -- for the Middle School, the 9th/10th grades, and the 11th/12th grades -- were celebrated by Father Patrick Armano in the Chapel of St. Augustine. Throughout the month, there will be opportunities for students to attend Mass with their Theology class in the Chapel in preparation for Christmas.
Forensics Students Apply Practical Applications in Lab Work
Students in Ms. Kerry Barrett's forensics classes are studying fibers and how they can be used as evidence at a crime scene. They first looked at the physical properties of fibers under microscopes to identify weaving patterns used to make fabric and then moved to the lab to study the chemical properties of those fabrics. Students considered the properties of natural and synthetic fibers and made note of their behavior nearing flames, in flames and after burning as well as the residue left over and the odor produced. At the end, students were given an unknown sample and were able to correctly identify different types of fabrics based on their chemical properties. They're now ready to start their next crime scene investigation!
Austin Prep Showcased at NEASC Annual Conference
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, NEASC, hosted its annual conference and showcase this week. Students Nora Lafferty '23, Paula Reyes'24, and Steven Reyes '24 joined Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School, in delivering one of the sessions. Their session "Up, Off, and Away: Student Travel Goes Global" highlighted the Austin Prep travel program and the power of student travel. Drawing on scenarios and "tales from the trails" of Austin Prep's travel program, the session illustrated why mission matters, strategic planning, professional development, marketing, and bringing learning to life on the road. The highlight of the program was listening to Nora, Paula, and Steven share the impact that travel has had on their Austin Prep Journey. "I still think back to visiting the site of the Magna Carta at Runnymeade," Lafferty said of her trip with the Independent Schools Cultural Alliance. "It made lessons I learned about in seventh grade come to life, and gave me insight that I've been able to use in the Upper School." Click here for more information about Austin Prep's past travel programs and stay tuned this spring for information about new trips planned for the school community.
Speaker Addresses Topic of Bullying with Austin Prep Community
Mr. John Halligan spoke to the Austin Prep Community on Friday.
The foundational values of an Austin Prep education insist upon the community living in harmony with one another. We are committed to promoting veritas, unitas, and caritas throughout all areas of student life, including a comprehensive bullying prevention program. We are committed to taking serious, proactive steps to curb a problem that is found in schools everywhere. Our efforts this year have focused on raising awareness about bullying and cyberbullying with students and parents.
On Friday, Mr. John Halligan, an international speaker and author presented for students, which was preceeded by a parent presentation on Thursday. Mr. Halligan relayed his own tragic experience as a Dad whose 13-year-old son took his own life in 2003, after being bullied by peers since the 5th grade, both in school and online. Mr. Halligan further shared that Ryan wrestled with underlying mental health issues and depression and that these factors contributed to Ryan’s vulnerability and ultimate suicide. We encourage you to visit a website named for his son, www.RyansStory.org, to learn more.
The presentation was important and highlighted significant issues that your teens might face every day. In an effort to support you and your students, the Health and Wellness Department – consisting of Mr. Nick Reynolds and Ms. Ashley Garcia – Nurse Kim Esakof, and your student's advisors and teachers, are always here to listen to your concerns and those of your students. Please continue to encourage them to reach out whenever they are feeling overwhelmed or just need an adult to talk to on campus.
If you have any questions about the presentations, please reach out to Dr. William Driscoll, Assistant Head of School and Head of Upper School or Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School.
Michele Brewer Named Head Varsity Softball Coach
Michele Brewer, pictured with Director of Athletics & Summer Programs Mr. Pat Driscoll '97 and Head of School Dr. James Hickey, was announced today as Austin Prep's new Head Varsity Softball Coach.
On Friday, Director of Athletics Mr. Pat Driscoll '97 introduced Mrs. Michele Brewer as Austin Prep's new Head Varsity Softball Coach. No stranger to the School community, Coach Brewer joined Austin Prep in 2016 as a member of the Math Department and Varsity Softball coaching staff, where she was instrumental in guiding the team to four Catholic Central League Championships, three MIAA Division 3 North Championships, and most notably, the 2019 MIAA Division 3 State Championship.
Coach Brewer was a four year varsity softball player at St. Mary's of Lynn, where she received the team's Most Valuable Player Award four years in a row. She continued her stellar softball career at Salem State College earning both the Coaches Award in 2003 and Most Valuable Player in 2004. After her time at Salem State College, Coach Brewer began her coaching career as an assistant varsity coach at both St. Mary's of Lynn and Peabody High School until being named Head Coach at Triton Regional High School in 2014. Coach Brewer holds three degrees; a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics from Salem State College, a Masters of Business Administration in Sports Management from Nicholas College, and a Masters of Education from Lesley University.
Coach Brewer is enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead the Softball Program. "I feel honored and privileged for the opportunity to be the Austin Prep Head Softball coach. After being a part of the program for the past six seasons, I know what it takes to run a high level, successful team. With my collegiate experience, knowledge of the game, and representation of Austin Prep's core values, I am ready and eager for the upcoming season," Coach Brewer said.
Strategic Plan Update
Last week Dr. Hickey sent an update on the progress Austin Prep has been making on the Strategic Plan. It was a comprehensive document detailing our growth and achievements. In case you missed it, you can read the Strategic Plan Update here.
Coming Next Week...
ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS. Door decorating. Elf hats. Gingerbread cookie decorating. We'll spread some Christmas cheer through our Christmas drive in support of Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish of Lawrence, and we will likely receive an appearance from Santa Claus. You'll be able to find it all right here. We can't wait. Have a great weekend!
12.18.21
December 18, 2021
The All Christmas Cougar Courier Edition!
Students performed in front of sold out crowds at The Greater Boston Stage Company.
December is a month filled with Austin Prep Christmas traditions, and Austin Prep took those traditions to another level with two sold out performances of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at the Greater Boston Stage Company Theater in Stoneham on Monday and Tuesday. You can view Tuesday's performance here. After performing the show for the school community via Zoom in 2020, students welcomed the return to an in-person audience in a theater well suited to display the talent and artistry of the performers. Photos from the event can be viewed here and here.
Lessons and Carols Gets Community in the Christmas Spirit
Zach Oliver '28 helped keep the beat at both Lessons and Carols shows.
Last week's Cougar Courier included a link to photos from the Lessons and Carols performance at the Greater Boston Stage Company on Monday, December 6th. This week, please enjoy photos from the Thursday, December 9th performance in Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall for students and staff. Click here to view photos from the December 9th show. Both shows included traditional Christmas hymns and carols by the Austin Prep Choir and Austin Prep Band, as well as scripture readings and short passages about the true meaning of the season, which helped get our School community in the Christmas spirit. To watch the December 9th on campus performance, click here.
Austin Prep Brings Christmas Cheer Through Continued Charitable Efforts
Students load presents on the Austin Prep van on Wednesday for delivery.
Through our advisory program, students collected Christmas gifts for adopted families at Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish and the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence. Gift bags were assembled during advisory period and delivered on Wednesday. Over 850 gifts were collected to create 75 gift packages for families. Thank you to all the families who participated, it was a great example of caritas in action! You can view photos from the assembly and delivery day here.
Advisories Deck the Halls with Annual Door Decorating Contest
Starting last week, advisories decked the halls by designing imaginative door decorations for campus. Whether calling to mind classics like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or taking a creative spin on a theme, the doors are a fun collaboration and enhance the festive feeling of campus. Oh, there are winners, too. This year's victors for best decorated doors are as follows:
Upper School Winners
First Place - Mrs. Pascucci-Byrne's '26 Advisory.
Second Place - Dr. Driscoll's Advisory.
Third Place (tie) - Ms. Huston's Advisory.
Third Place (tie) - Mrs. Putney's P'26, '28 Advisory.
Middle School Winners
First Place - Mr. McLaughlin and Ms. Belanger's Advisory.
Second Place - Ms. Hibbard's Advisory.
Third Place - Ms. Dell'Anno's Advisory.
Head of School Open House
Austin Prep Seniors were welcomed to Head of School Dr. James Hickey's office Friday for the annual Head's Christmas Open House. They shared Christmas cheer, complete with breakfast bites, refreshments, pastries, cookies, and more.
School Store Open Next Week
The Unitas Shop will be open next week for those looking to purchase some last minute Austin Prep branded Christmas gifts. The shop is fully stocked with all your favorite items, including Austin Prep jackets, blankets and Lands' End tote bags. If you have any questions about the school store, please reach out to Mr. Pat Costello, Coordinator of Students Activities.
Creative Efforts Displayed in Middle School Elf Hat Challenge
The Office of Student Life sponsored the 2021 Middle School Elf Hat Challenge. Every Middle School student received an elf hat to decorate and wear to school on Friday, December 10th, and Thursday, December 16th. All students who participated were entered into raffles at the spirited Middle School Community Meeting on December 10th for prizes like candy, shortbread cookies, Nutcrackers, games, books, and Christmas cocoa. Middle Schoolers also wore the hats during gingerbread cookie decorating on Thursday, December 16th. Check out some of the amazing elf hats here.
Austin Prep Celebrates Advent Masses
Throughout the month as we prepared for Christmas, Austin Prep students had opportunities to celebrate Mass with their Theology class in the Chapel of St. Augustine. We are grateful to be able to come together with classmates in prayer as we celebrate the Christmas season.
Sixth and Seventh Grade Visit North Shore Music Theatre
On Wednesday, sixth and seventh grade students travelled to the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly to see the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This treasured performance tied in with lessons in English class on characterization, setting, and plot. Students welcomed the return of this holiday trip to the calendar; it was the first time Austin Prep made the trip to the North Shore Music Theatre since 2018.
Have a Wonderful Holiday Break!
We hope that all members of the Austin Prep community have a restful and relaxing Christmas Holiday Break. Campus will be closed December 24th, 27th, and 31st. The Cougar Courier will return on Saturday, January 8th. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!