September 2024

Janna Vounessea '25, School-Wide Student Government President, began the ceremony by addressing her classmates and referencing the School theme for the year: Anchored in Christ, We Venture in Hope. 

"In our Austin Prep Journey, we are all lucky enough to have a strong support system. Whether it's in academics, athletics, arts, or just about anything else, our friends, teachers, coaches, and administration all want us to be successful and are all committed to helping us achieve our goals," Janna said. "While they are our support system, Jesus Christ is also Anchored with us at all times. He gives us courage and strength when we need it and will love us during both good and bad times. Which is why during this upcoming school year, we need to venture in hope because God always has a plan for us."

Father Hagan began his remarks by noting that while he had never been to Austin Prep, "as Augustinians we are family. So thank you for welcoming me home as we share the same values of veritas, unitas, and caritas."

After spending many years as an Associate Athletic Director in the athletics department at Villanova University, Father Hagan went on to tell the story of a walk-on basketball player for the University. The player had packed his bag for a game and brought two left shoes. Not expecting to play in the game, the player did not think it would be a concern, until he was ultimately called into game action.

"We are on a Journey and we must pack well for this trip. In life you have to go with what is in your bag. Go with what you've got. For St. Augustine, he would substitute his heart for the bag. Make sure you go with what is in your heart," Father Hagan concluded.

Head of School, Dr. James Hickey P'22, '23, '24 '27, kicked off Austin Prep's 62nd academic year by welcoming those in attendance, and framing his comments around the School's 2024-2025 academic year theme. "Hope is not a strategy, unless that hope is anchored to a solid plan, an unmatched work ethic, or a solid foundation."

Dr. Hickey noted later, "In those circumstances beyond our control, there is one solid strategy we can use: prayer. And it anchors us to Christ."

To mark the occasion, Senior Class Representatives Nicholas Kuntz ‘25 and Sailet Galvis ‘25 raised the Class of 2025 banner, which will eventually be hoisted to the rafters of Meelia Hall, where it will remain until being lowered at Baccalaureate Mass in May, 2025. 

On Wednesday, Austin Prep announced new head coaches for its boys and girls lacrosse programs. Alfonse Femino has been appointed as the new Head Coach of the Austin Prep Boys Lacrosse Program, while Emily Sauls was named Head Coach of the Austin Prep Girls Lacrosse Program. Coach Sauls will be assisted by Kylie Ward.

Coach Femino comes to this position with a solid background in coaching and a deep commitment to developing student-athletes into well-rounded young men. His experience includes roles as an Assistant Varsity Lacrosse Coach at Austin Prep, a coach for the New England Twisters Lacrosse Club, and a Volunteer Assistant Coach with the Salem State University Men's Lacrosse Team, among other coaching stints. In addition to his coaching expertise, Coach Femino is a full-time teacher in our History Department.

Coach Sauls has been a dedicated member of our lacrosse community, serving as the Austin Prep Junior Varsity Lacrosse coach for the past five years. She has served as the Assistant Director of Youth Development for Lynnfield Youth Lacrosse Association and coaches with Storm Club Lacrosse.  Coach Ward joins us as the Assistant Head Coach, bringing with her an impressive playing and coaching background. As a Defensive Midfielder at Merrimack College, she was a key player in winning the NE-10 Championship in 2019, also earning a spot on the D1 Academic Honor Roll, and receiving the prestigious All In Program Award for her dedication on and off the field. Kylie has also coached at Storm Club Lacrosse for five years and has been an Assistant Varsity Coach at Austin Prep for the past two years. 

Austin Prep's Brett Fyfe '25 recently organized a backpack drive that resulted in the donation of over 50 backpacks full of school supplies for students at her former elementary school, the John E. McCarthy Elementary School in Peabody. The school has seen a large influx of new students over the past year. The McCarthy School is in close proximity to the hotels on Route 1 which have been converted into Emergency Shelters to house migrant students and their families. Peabody Public Schools now has over 100 students enrolled that are living in the shelters. Thanks to Brett's good work, the community has come together to support these students and their families in incredible ways. Another example of caritas in action for our students!

Note: Our vibrant campus comes to life as a result of the talented students and faculty who make up the Austin Prep community. We look forward to periodically highlighting those individuals here in the Cougar Courier.

Hometown: I grew up in Canada. I received my US citizenship a few years ago and I’m a very proud American.

Education/Degrees: Bachelor of Music (University of Toronto), Master of Music (Southern Methodist University), Doctor of Musical Arts (University of North Texas). I also just completed the Certificate in School Management and Leadership (CSML) with Harvard Business School Online.

Years at Austin Prep: Just arrived!

Years working in Education: This is my 15^th year working full-time in education.

Department/Area of Subject: I’m the new Director of Music. I enjoy developing arts programs and collaborating with others. My past positions in Higher Ed have included appointments with the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University South Bend and Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory.  My work with Independent Schools includes Phillips Academy Andover, Governor’s Academy and Interlochen (Michigan).

Describe a teacher who inspired you growing up: My first voice instructor, Mrs. Marris. In addition to being a wonderful teacher, she was also a devoted church musician and excellent baker! We’ve shared several musical and culinary memories over the years.

Do you have a motto you teach by? Or an expression you try to instill in your classroom? My grandmother (who just celebrated her 97^th birthday) is very fond of saying “it is a poor day when you don’t learn anything new.” I think it’s important to approach each class, rehearsal, meeting etc. with fresh ears. We always learn by listening. From my students’ perspective, I’m sure they are tired of hearing me say “there is no “I” in team but there is in choir!” I like to think it’s a nice reminder that when we put in our best efforts and focus on our individual contributions first, we’re really helping each other achieve the best possible outcome.

If you weren’t a teacher, what career would you have? I’d likely own a coffeehouse. I love coffee, music and people! Running my own establishment would provide a nice intersection of holding space for all three of these loves.

Favorite Quote: “I don’t sing because I’m happy; I’m happy because I sing.” -William James

I’ve always enjoyed this quote as its focus is on the process and the necessary discipline associated with creating. Artists, academics, clergy, athletes etc. spend enormous amounts of time working and training independently. Important discoveries can be made about ourselves (and others) during this regular, disciplined work. The reward is often intrinsic even when more public success is ultimately achieved.

Fun fact (about you or your past; something colleagues & students might not ordinarily know): I love to travel! I enjoy collecting Christmas ornaments while abroad.

Any other information you would like to share: I’m thrilled to join the Austin community and I look forward to meeting more members of our community.

Now that we have settled in to the new academic year, please make sure that we have updated and accurate contact information in the Parent Portal.

In the event Austin Prep needs to contact families for any reason, we will notify you via email and text message. It is important you make sure both your email address and mobile phone number are up to date to ensure you receive these important messages.

To check or update your information, log in to the Portal using your credentials - not your child's. From the Portal Homepage, click on My Profile in the top navigation bar. Go to My Personal Contact Information and check or update your email and mobile phone.

If you want your child to receive text message notifications, you need to input his/her mobile phone number into the system through the Parent Portal. From the Portal Homepage, click on My Profile in the top navigation bar. Click on Your Child's Contact Information, and you will be able to input or change his/her mobile phone number. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

The Austin Prep 2024-2025 academic year is fully up and running and we are off to a great start. Have a great weekend, Austin Prep. We look forward to seeing you again next week!

Austin Prep looks forward to celebrating diverse cultures, starting with Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th to October 15th. During this time, we will recognize the contributions, achievements and influence of Hispanic Americans on the history and culture of the United States. This month is significant as it includes the date of independence for many Hispanic countries. 

Throughout the month we will provide students with opportunities to embrace and celebrate Hispanic culture. In the coming weeks, students will be able to indulge in different Spanish cuisine at lunch in the dining hall. Meals will include dishes from various Hispanic countries including Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, and Cuba. 

For more information regarding programming plans for the month, contact Mr. Jaycob Morales, Coordinator of Community Engagement and Inclusion, and be on the lookout for more information around campus, here in the Cougar Courier and on social media.

The Office of Admissions is hosting the annual Fall Open House on Sunday, October 20th from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for future students interested in grades 6 - 11. Guests should pre-register for the open house on the Austin Prep Admissions page. 

Open House visitors will have the opportunity to meet Middle and Upper School faculty, school leaders, coaches, and take tours of our campus with Green Key Student Ambassadors.

Some of our best referrals come from current Austin Prep parents. We would be most grateful if you spread the word to those in your community about the Open House event and your own Austin Prep experience. Additionally, we are looking for Parent Volunteers to staff our registration tables and to help welcome prospective families. If you are interested, please contact Mrs. Amy Costa, Assistant Director of Admissions.

Won't be able to participate at Open House but want everyone in your hometown to know you are a part of the Austin Prep community? Help us advertise the Austin Prep Open House by proudly displaying a yard sign at your home. Students are welcome to pick up a yard sign in the Admissions Office from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. any day next week. Signs are available with or without a stake. We appreciate your support!

Members of the Class of 2031 spent Friday morning getting to know one another as they played miniature golf and enjoyed ice cream sundaes at Richardson's Farm. Students were placed in foursomes to play their 18 holes of golf and were prompted to dialogue with each other with conversation starters provided by faculty members at different holes on the course. An ice cream treat capped off the afternoon. This class activity was planned by the Office of Student Life as part of a series of programs designed to build community among students. View photos from the day here.

Recently, Mrs. Nicole Piccini's, History Faculty, AP Psychology students welcomed Ms. Doreen Fuller, Math Faculty to co-teach a lesson in statistics. The lesson focused on how statistics plays a role in interpreting psychological data. The students discussed the Normal Distribution and how to use this data to answer questions that will be presented on their AP Psychology exam.

This week, Austin Prep began its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th to October 15th. During this time, we will recognize the contributions, achievements and influence of Hispanic Americans on the history and culture of the United States. This month is significant as it includes the date of independence for many Hispanic countries. 

The Mariachi Guadalajara band graced all four lunch periods on Monday to kick off the Month, filling the Dining Hall with lively traditional music. Students enjoyed the festive atmosphere while savoring the cuisine of SAGE Dining Services celebration of Mexican Independence Day. The talented musicians performed classic mariachi tunes and took requests from students as they played on instruments like the violin, trumpet, guitarrón, and vihuela. You can view photos from the lunch here and video here.

For more information regarding programming plans for the month, contact Mr. Jaycob Morales, Coordinator of Community Engagement and Inclusion, and be on the lookout for more information around campus, here in the Cougar Courier and on social media.

Austin Prep's Christmas tradition of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker continues, and its time to fill out the cast for the annual performances. Auditions for Austin Prep's performances of The Nutcracker will take place in the Dance Studio on the following dates:

Pending their auditions during the week, dancers with more than two years of pointe may be selected to attend the Invitational Pointe Call Back on Monday. 

Please contact Ms. Marla Pascucci-Byrne, Art and Design Chair, with any questions.

As a Catholic School, we believe that parents are the first and primary educators of their children. We are committed to our partnership with parents and to providing families with resources to consider to help them in fulfilling this most important responsibility.

This fall, the Health and Wellness Office will once again partner with the Office of Academic Affairs to host a four-part series on topics relevant to adolescent development and supporting the academic and social growth of this unique age group. Referred to as “Parent University,” this program was designed exclusively for the families of Middle School students. The four seminars have been crafted to address various aspects of middle school life, providing parents with valuable insights and strategies to navigate the challenges and joys of this important phase in your child's growth.

The sessions are designed to build upon each other, therefore attendance is requested for all four, 45-minute sessions. The series will provide a unique opportunity for parents to engage, learn, and connect. 

This fall, we will run the sessions virtually on Zoom to allow more families to join in the learning while enjoying a break from other tasks and perhaps a cup of coffee. 

The dates and topics of the fall program are:

Each seminar will include a didactic session to equip you with information, a period for discussion, and the sharing of some practical strategies and timely resources for you to explore further at home. The sessions will not be recorded; however, copies of the slide decks will be made available after the session occurs.

If you are interested in being a part of the fall session for this program, we encourage you to register as soon as possible. To facilitate conversation and meaningful interactions, space will be limited to 30 families. To register, please complete this form. We will facilitate another cohort of Parent University in the spring.

If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Julie Rankin, Middle School Health and Wellness Counselor

We are excited to be offering this learning opportunity to our families and look forward to exploring more about the wonders of early adolescence and Middle School with you.

The Office of Admissions is hosting the annual Fall Open House on Sunday, October 20th from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for future students interested in grades 6 - 11. Guests should pre-register for the open house on the Austin Prep Admissions page. 

Open House visitors will have the opportunity to meet Middle and Upper School faculty, school leaders, coaches, and take tours of our campus with Green Key Student Ambassadors.

Some of our best referrals come from current Austin Prep parents. We would be most grateful if you spread the word to those in your community about the Open House event and your own Austin Prep experience. Additionally, we are looking for Parent Volunteers to staff our registration tables and to help welcome prospective families. If you are interested, please contact Mrs. Amy Costa, Assistant Director of Admissions.

Won't be able to participate at Open House but want everyone in your hometown to know you are a part of the Austin Prep community? Help us advertise the Austin Prep Open House by proudly displaying a yard sign at your home. Students are welcome to pick up a yard sign in the Admissions Office from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. any day next week. Signs are available with or without a stake. We appreciate your support!

In a communication to the Austin Prep community on Monday evening, Dr. Hickey announced the appointment of Sister Maria Gorreth Nassali, D.M. as Assistant Head for Mission and Ministry. 

Sr. Maria joined Austin Prep in the summer of 2022, a year after we welcomed the Bannabikira Sisters – the Daughters of Mary – to Austin Prep. As our Director of Campus Ministry, Sr. Maria has transformed the student retreat experience, provided critical leadership in advancing the mission of Austin Prep, worked in close partnership with faculty to support our commitment to Christian service, promoted diversity and inclusion, and supported the teaching faculty in using Augustinian education as a framework for instruction.

Prior to Sister’s appointment as Assistant Head for Mission and Ministry, the work of mission and ministry was a part of the Office of Academic Affairs. With Sr. Maria assuming direct responsibility and oversight for all things mission and ministry, the Office of Academic Affairs can focus even greater attention on implementing the best practices in teaching and learning with the assurance that Sr. Maria’s leadership will deepen the mission of Austin Prep.

A native of Masaka, Uganda, Sr. Maria holds her doctorate from Seattle University in Educational Leadership, in addition to a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Arts degree, also from Seattle University. Before arriving at Austin Prep, Sr. Maria taught middle and elementary school math and religion at several Seattle, WA area Catholic schools.

Congratulations to Sr. Maria as she begins her new role!

At the Parent Association Kick-Off Social on Thursday night, Head of School, James Hickey, Ph.D. announced the new president of the Parent Association, Jeanette Vigorito, P'27.  In addition to introducing the new president, Dr. Hickey provided the group with important updates on the school's current initiatives and plans.  Following this, Mrs. Vigorito addressed those in attendance, offering an overview of the Parent Association's mission and highlighting upcoming activities and opportunities for involvement in the school community. The social gathering was a big hit with those who were able to attend.

Mrs. Vigorito noted that the Parent Association will run the concession stand at our Athletics Department "Game of the Week." The next game of the week is the Girls Soccer game on Wednesday, September 25th at 5:00 p.m. The concession stand will be open from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.  The stand will sell drinks, candy and chips.  If you'd like to sign up to volunteer please click this link.  As a reminder the concession stand is Cash Only.  For questions please contact Nicole Barletta P'28, '29, Concession Chairperson.

Every year, Austin Prep's Mandarin students celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, the second largest traditional festival after the Lunar New Year. In 2024, this festival fell on September 17th. This is a time to honor the harvest and appreciate the full moon, which symbolizes reunion and harmony.

In our Mandarin classes, students engaged in a traditional Chinese shadow puppet show that narrated the origin story of Chang’e and Houyi. They also worked together to make mooncakes, a beloved festival treat, fostering teamwork and cultural appreciation. Additionally, students expressed the festival’s motifs through their beautiful artwork, bringing its themes to life.

As part of the World Language Department, the Mandarin program plays a crucial role in enriching our school community and fostering a deeper understanding of diverse cultures. These activities not only celebrate cultural traditions but also reinforce our mission to promote truth, love, and unity among our students.

On Wednesday night, the Office of Campus Ministry hosted a deeply enriching Augustinian Values Parent Retreat, facilitated by Fr. Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A., Augustinian Vocation Director, in collaboration with Dr. Joseph Kelley, Augustinian Scholar in Residence. The retreat, centered on the theme "Anchored in Christ," provided parents with a meaningful opportunity to reflect on their spiritual journey and engage in thoughtful discussions about living out Augustinian values in today’s world.

Through prayer, dialogue, and personal reflection, participants left feeling spiritually renewed and more deeply connected to our shared faith. We look forward to offering similar opportunities in the future and encourage others to join us in these transformative experiences.

Our annual Convocation Liturgy was a little over two weeks ago, and since then you've seen the Class of 2025 banner be raised, you were introduced to our 6th grade Class of 2031, and were able to view images from the day. 

Now you can view the entire liturgy by clicking the above video. Have a great weekend!

Austin Prep's Christmas tradition of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker continues, and its time to fill out the cast for the annual performances. Auditions for Austin Prep's performances of The Nutcracker will take place in the Dance Studio on the following dates:

Pending their auditions during the week, dancers with more than two years of pointe may be selected to attend the Invitational Pointe Call Back on Monday.

Also, save the date for the shows:  Monday, December 16th and Tuesday, December 17th at 7:00 p.m. at the Collins Center in Andover.

Please contact Ms. Marla Pascucci-Byrne, Art and Design Chair, with any questions. 

The Parent Association will run the concession stand at the next athletics department "Game of the Week" (GOTW). The next GOTW is the Saturday, October 5th football game vs. New Hampton School. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. and the concessions shift will run from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The stand will sell pizza, drinks, candy and chips.  If you'd like to sign up to volunteer please click here.  As a reminder the concession stand is Cash Only.  For questions please contact Nicole Barletta P'28, '29, Concession Chairperson.

Our next monthly Sunday Community Mass will take place Sunday, October 6th 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 October 6th as we strengthen each other through this act of celebrating Mass together.

The Lands’ End 7^th Annual Starboard Scholarship is now open! Applications will be accepted until January 17, 2025 for students in Grades 8-12.  Five scholarships in the amount $5,000 will be awarded (one for each grade) which can be used for school or college.  You can find additional details here.

The Class of 2028 had a great class trip last Friday to Boda Borg Boston! It was a great day for freshmen to spend time together and create memories with friends and classmates.  Next week, the Sophomore Class of 2027 will visit Boundless Adventures. The Office of Student Life looks forward to planning more class based trips as the year progresses.

At Austin Prep, the term "lifer" is a special designation for students who join us in the 6th grade and remain with us through their senior year. In the spring of 2018, we spoke with members of the Class of 2024 — then just beginning their Austin Prep journey as sixth graders — to capture their thoughts on starting this new chapter and their hopes for the future. This past summer, as these students concluded their Austin Prep journey, we reconnected with them to reflect on their experiences and growth over the years.

Austin Prep's Academic Department Chairs recently had the privilege of engaging in a transformative professional development day in collaboration with the Roche Center for Catholic Education - Boston College. The session, guided by the Program Director of Outreach and Professional Development Michael O'Connor, focused on the critical concept of collaborative professionalism.

Throughout the day, our faculty and staff engaged in thought-provoking discussions and hands-on activities designed to strengthen our collective approach to education. Faculty explored strategies to:

• Foster a culture of shared responsibility and mutual support
• Enhance cross-departmental communication and cooperation
• Leverage diverse expertise to improve student outcomes

This professional development opportunity has reinvigorated our commitment to working together as a cohesive educational community. We look forward to implementing these collaborative practices to create an even more dynamic and effective learning environment for our students that adheres to our Augustinian mission. 

Professional development opportunities are heavily supported by gifts to the Austin Prep fund, and we are grateful for the community’s commitment to advancing teaching and learning excellence at Austin Prep.

Humanities Faculty member Brian Russo attended the Action Days of the Summit for the Future last weekend at the United Nations in New York City as part of his professional development for teaching Global Studies. This new course propels our mission "to nurture global citizenship and enrich the development of the whole student" by supporting students in developing their world knowledge and honing skills to address the major contemporary issues confronting humanity. As part of our commitment to teaching excellence, Mr. Russo is using the insights he gleaned at the summit to support students in their roles as active participants in the global community. Moreover, he is equipping them with the impact strategies he learned to support students in developing actionable solutions in their global issues case studies.

At the Summit for the Future, Mr. Russo had the opportunity to meet with youth leaders that serve as a source of inspiration for his students. For example, he met Emmanuel Oke, the founder of Chess in Slums, renowned for using chess as a social development tool to support underprivileged African children through mentorship, skill acquisition and educational scholarship opportunities.  Mr. Russo also was present to hear António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, deliver a speech in the General Assembly Hall. 

Note: Our vibrant campus comes to life as a result of the talented students and faculty who make up the Austin Prep community. We look forward to periodically highlighting those individuals here in the Cougar Courier.

Hometown: Peabody, Massachusetts

Education/Degrees: B.S. Environmental Biology, Master’s in Business Administration

Years at Austin Prep: First year

Department/Area of Subject: Middle School Science Department (8^th grade Physical Science) and Upper School Robotics. I am also an assistant coach for the Austin Prep Cross Country team.

Describe a teacher who inspired you growing up: Dr. Ewanchuk and Dr. Bonoan  from Providence College had a huge impact on me. Both taught me to pursue my passions through education. Furthermore, they showed me how to create interactive lessons using an outdoor classroom model. I learned so much from them because of their unconventional teaching styles and foundation of real-world experience.

Do you have a motto you teach by? Or an expression you try to instill in your classroom? Lead by example, teach through curiosity.

What’s the most insightful thing a student has ever said to you? I haven’t been teaching long so I do not have one, but I am looking forward to learning from my students.

If you weren’t a teacher, what career would you have? If I were not a teacher, I would want to be a wildlife biologist. More specifically, I would love to be working on reintroduction projects involving endangered wildlife. My dream species would be grey wolves in Colorado or mountain lions in California. Before teaching at Austin Prep I worked for Mass Audubon’s Coastal Waterbird Program as a field technician. I worked at various beaches on the Northshore and some of the islands in Boston Harbor. My crew and I conducted population counts, foraging surveys, and habitat management for endangered shorebirds. We worked with Piping Plovers, Least Terns, and American Oystercatchers. It was some of the most physically demanding work I have ever done but it was also some of the most fulfilling. Moreover, I worked for Cape Ann Whale Watch collecting data and photo cataloguing migratory humpback and fin whales in the Stellwagen Bank area.

Accolades: While a member of the Providence College cross country and track and field teams I competed at the NCAA Division I Championships twice in track and twice in cross country. Afterwards, I ran for Ocean State Athletic Club.

Fun fact (about you or your past; something colleagues & students might not ordinarily know): I have been white water rafting on the tallest recreational waterfall in the world while I was visiting New Zealand.