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.