November 2024

Representatives from the Reading Police and Fire Departments, as well as first responder parents from the Austin Prep community, attended Austin Prep’s 8th Annual Blue Mass for First Responders on Friday, November 1st, which also marks All Saints' Day. The Mass is held annually in gratitude for all those who put their lives on the line for others. You can view photos from the day here.

Janna Vounessea '25, School-Wide President, welcomed classmates to the Mass. "The Blue Mass is one of my favorite Masses of the year, because of how special and important it is for our community. It gives us the opportunity to show thanks and appreciation to all the first responders who put their lives at risk for our safety and betterment every single day."

The Mass was celebrated by Most Reverend Cristiano Barbosa, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, who reflected on the meaning of All Saints' Day.  "We all aspire to be saints, to attain a place in heaven, and to be together, forever.  God wanted us to be happy, and to be with those who you love."

Bishop Barbosa went on to acknowledge the first responders in attendance. "These law enforcement officers and first responders, they are here for our safety, and for us to be fully alive. They do their work for the salvation of others." 

"Would you save her? Would you save him?" Bishop Barbosa asked those in attendance, referring to the work of first responders.

After Mass, Bishop Barbosa blessed the emergency vehicles in the school parking lot and gave a special blessing to the first responders. Following the Mass, first responders enjoyed brunch in the Heritage Room with Austin Prep faculty and staff.

The fall play, “Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon,” opened last night and did not disappoint! Get your tickets for night two here. Tickets will continue to be available at the door. Here are the details for night two:

● Saturday, November 2nd at 7:00 p.m., Austin Prep Dining Hall

The fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm are turned on their heads in this fast-paced, rollicking ride as two narrators and several actors attempt to combine all 209 stories ranging from classics like Snow White, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel to more bizarre, obscure stories like Johannes and The Raven and The Girl Without Hands. 

Our next monthly Sunday Community Mass will take place tomorrow, November 3rd 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 tomorrow as we strengthen each other through this act of celebrating Mass together.

The Parent Association will run the concession stand at the next athletics department "Game of the Week" (GOTW). The next GOTW is the annual cheer competition on Sunday, November 3rd at 12:00 p.m. The concessions stand shift will run from 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. If you'd like to sign up to volunteer please click here. 

The stand will sell pizza, drinks, candy and chips. As a reminder the concession stand is Cash Only.  For questions please contact Nicole Barletta P'28, '29, Concession Chairperson.

Additionally, Austin Prep branded merchandise from the Unitas Shop will be available at future Games of the Week.

As we enter into the second quarter, we want to keep you informed about the upcoming timeline for our parent-teacher conferences. We appreciate your involvement in your child’s academic journey and look forward to connecting with you!

Key Dates to Remember:

• Monday, November 4th: Sign-ups for Parent Conferences open at 4 p.m. in the Parent Portal. Instructions for signing up will be sent on Sunday, November 3rd.
• Thursday, November 7th: Sign-ups close at 4 p.m.
• Friday, November 8th: Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • In-Person: 8:00 a.m. - 11:55 a.m. at school
  • Remote: 12:40 p.m. - 3:25 p.m. via Zoom

We encourage you to take this opportunity to engage with our dedicated faculty and discuss your child’s progress. Thank you for your continued support! And don't forget, the winter dress code begins this Monday, November 4th.

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.

A group of Austin Prep Upper School students attended a biomedical engineering workshop at Harvard Medical School that bridged multiple STEM fields: robotics, physics, biomedical engineering, and computer science. This intensive full-day program challenged the students to work in collaborative teams to conceptualize and construct surgical robots aimed at advancing current medical technologies.

The experience began with a hands-on patient diagnosis session, where students identified real clinical needs that their robots could address. Drawing on concepts from AP Physics, teams engineered and programmed their robots. In a breakthrough moment, students successfully trained their robots' AI systems to distinguish between healthy and cancerous tissue samples, achieving high accuracy rates in subsequent blind tests. This advancement demonstrated the potential for AI-assisted surgical precision in real clinical settings.

The program culminated in students performing simulated surgical procedures using their newly developed robotic systems, providing practical experience at the intersection of medicine and engineering.

Maddy Dinunzio '28 recently competed at the IDO World Tap Dance Championship 2024 in Prague, Czechia, where her team  won first place in the World Championships Tap Dance Formations Juniors Division, topping teams from the United Kingdom (2nd place) and Canada (3rd Place). It was the first time since 2016 that the USA Junior Team medaled.  Twenty-one countries participated in the event. Congratulations, Maddy!

 

Our Class of 2025 senior retreat marked a profound milestone in our students' spiritual journey, beautifully aligning with our school's 2024-2025 theme 'Anchored in Christ, We Venture in Hope.' As our seniors prepare to transition into their next chapter, this retreat offered a meaningful opportunity for vocational discernment and deeper reflection. 

Under the guidance of our Augustinian hosts at Merrimack College, Marissa Meyers, Director of Campus Ministry for Spiritual Development, Fr. Dan Madden, O.S.A., and Dr. Joe Kelley, Professor Emeritus and Austin Prep Augustinian Scholar in Residence, our seniors explored their future paths through the lens of our core Augustinian values:

• Veritas (Truth): Encouraging honest self-reflection focused on interiority and listening to God's voice within us
• Unitas (Unity): Fostering a sense of community through small, but powerful deeds of kindness
• Caritas (Love): Emphasizing service and compassion in future endeavors

This retreat exemplifies our commitment to nurturing academic excellence and the spiritual development of our students. By exploring vocations through an Augustinian lens, we're equipping our seniors with the tools to make meaningful life choices. The day culminated with a celebration of Mass with Fr. Ray Dlugos, O.S.A., Vice President of Mission and Ministry at Merrimack College who also serves on the Board of Trustees at Austin Prep. 

Most impressively, the retreat was planned, led, and driven by our student retreat leaders, consisting of a team of upperclassmen, trained by Assistant Head of School for Mission and Ministry, Sr. Maria Nassali. We express our gratitude for the partnership with Merrimack College in shaping the future leaders of our community, including providing us with a tour of campus. 

As we enter the final months of their high school journey, we'll be celebrating many senior traditions and milestones. Stay tuned for information about upcoming senior events, including their trip to Disney in a few weeks.

The fall play, “Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon,” was performed twice last weekend and it did not disappoint! Bravo to Mrs. Katie Clark, Director of Theatre, cast and crew on an engaging and entertaining performance. We had a great time in the Austin Prep “Dinner Theatre”!

The fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm were turned on their heads in this fast-paced, rollicking ride as two narrators and several actors attempted to combine all 209 stories ranging from classics like Snow White, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel to more bizarre, obscure stories like Johannes and The Raven and The Girl Without Hands. 

View photos from the night one performance here.

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.

In honor of St. Augustine's 1,670th birthday, we will be celebrating with our 7th Annual Day of Giving on November 13th! Our Annual Day of Giving is an opportunity for our community to come together as one and show our pride in Austin Prep and our students’ education with a gift. Your participation matters! All gifts support the Austin Prep Fund, which provides resources for professional development for our treasured faculty members, curricular and co-curricular programs for students and tuition assistance. You can make your gift now by clicking here!

Austin Prep's Parent Association Signature Event will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Andover Country Club in Andover. Don't miss out on a fun filled night of Moonlit Masquerade with the Austin Prep parent community.  Early bird ticket prices end on November 11th so don't wait!!  Click here to purchase tickets.

Can't attend but would still like to help?  Basket items are still needed for the silent auction.  Click here for a full list of items needed and donation form.

Austin Prep is grateful for the new Maillet, Sommes, & Morgan Conservation Land, which opened in early October and is located at 62 Willow Street adjacent to the MBTA commuter rail tracks. The multi-year project was funded through grants like the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant, congressional earmarks and local funds. The conservation land now boasts a fully accessible walking trail system from the entrance on Willow Street to Lowell Street with additional access located off Hunt Street. Intertwined amongst the thousands of native plants, shrubs and trees are a series of newly created stormwater ponds, designed to improve the quality of stormwater and its runoff by filtering sediments and pollutants through the series of wetlands and marshes now present in the area.

Student groups using the space in recent weeks include Science Faculty Ms. Carly Cavanaugh’s 7th grade life science classes, World Language Faculty Mrs. Linda Filadoro’s Fitness and Fashion club, the Austin Prep Cross Country team, and Science Faculty Mr. Christopher Capone’s AP Environmental Science class.

Check out this space at your earliest convenience!

 

Four Austin Prep dancers attended the 2024 Girls in Arts Leadership Summit at Cushing Academy on Monday. The event is a celebration of confidence, collaboration, and communication and included guests from Concord Academy, Lawrence Academy, New Hampton School, Williston Northampton as well as Austin Prep and Cushing Academy for a day of exploration, engagement, and learning. Dynamic workshops and presentations offered opportunities for students to build on their strengths and tap into new genres and styles. Attendees also discussed career paths in the field of performing arts with an emphasis on leadership, empowerment, and building community. The culminating experience features a final performance with choreography from the students themselves. Charlize Jeannot '25, Julia Chapian '26, Maddie D'Angelo '27, and Emerson Byrne '26 represented Austin Prep.

Austin Prep's Literary magazine, Tolle Lege, encourages students to develop their talents in the arts and writing, and raise student voices in our school community. Some of the contents include flash fiction, poetry, digital and traditional art and photography, student manifestos, short stories, and even an excerpt from a novel.  You can read the 2024 edition of Tolle Lege by clicking here.

Austin Prep's literally magazine is yet another connection to our Augustinian heritage. Austin Prep’s patron,  St. Augustine, is remarkable for what he did and extraordinary for what he wrote. If none of his written works had survived, he would still have been a figure to be reckoned with; however, more than five million words of his writings survive, virtually all displaying the strength and sharpness of his mind and some possessing the rare power to attract and hold the attention of readers in both his day and ours. His timeless truths continue to hold contemporary relevance.

A phrase often associated with St. Augustine, Tolle Lege, is Latin for the command “take up and read.” Augustine heard these words during his conversion to Christianity, which inspired him to read the first passage he came across in the Bible.

Congratulations to two of our middle school cross country athletes who had strong performances at the USATF New England Massachusetts State Middle School Championships in Devens, MA. Naira Minassian '31 and Lukas Koustomiris-Bressette '30 both medaled in their respective races. Naira finished 10th overall in a field of 213 runners in the 5th/6th grade girls race, while Lukas finished 10th overall in a field of 228 runners in the 7th grade boys race. Way to go, Naira and Lukas! 

This fall, a group of Middle School families participated in the second installment of Parent University. This was a tremendous opportunity for families to explore a series of topics relevant to early adolescence with Austin Prep educators. The four-session program was designed by Mrs. Julie Rankin, Middle School Health and Wellness Counselor in collaboration with Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School. The workshops included: Brain Development, Friendships, Social Media, and Executive Functioning. Parents learned, shared stories, and received resources to help navigate further learning and conversation. A special thanks to Laurie Ford, P'26, Teaching and Learning Specialist who developed and led the Executive Functioning session. Due to the overwhelming positive response to the program, plans are being discussed to run the program again in the spring.

Students are reminded that all after school food app deliveries Monday - Friday may not take place until after 2:45 p.m, when dismissal is nearing completion. Students must note the central delivery location on their orders and meet the driver in front of Meelia Hall. For safety reasons drivers are not permitted to enter the school buildings.  

We are thrilled to share that our 7th annual Day of Giving was a tremendous success! Your generous support and enthusiasm have made a powerful impact on our students, faculty, and staff. Thanks to you, our community has come together once again to advance the mission of Austin Prep and strengthen the educational experience we provide.

Our students are excited to share their gratitude with you as well — please enjoy this special video as a token of our appreciation for your leadership and participation.

 While our Day of Giving has officially closed, if you missed the opportunity to make a gift, it’s not too late! You can still support the Austin Prep Fund by clicking here.

Thank you again for your partnership and support. We couldn’t do this without you!

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.

Austin Prep's Parent Association Signature Event will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Andover Country Club in Andover. Don't miss out on a fun filled night of Moonlit Masquerade with the Austin Prep parent community.  Early bird ticket prices have been extended through Monday, November 18th, so don't wait!!  Click here to purchase tickets.

Can't attend but would still like to help?  Basket items are still needed for the silent auction.  Click here for a full list of items needed and donation form.

 

Students in History Faculty Mr. Tony Biscardi's '88 AP European History class recently hosted their annual "Enlightenment Salon."  Students received extra points if they dressed up as their historical figure for the debate.

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.

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.

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.

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.