September 2025
9.6.25
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The 2025–2026 Academic Year Is Underway – Students return and the year’s Augustinian theme is introduced.
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Orientation Program – Middle and Upper School students participate in formal orientation activities.
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Augustinian Friars Visit – Faculty and staff orientation coincides with the feast days of St. Monica and St. Augustine.
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Restless Journey Podcast – Austin Prep launches its new podcast studio and first official episodes.
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Summer Sabbatical Program – Faculty complete immersive academic and artistic sabbaticals in Rome and New York.
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Pollard ’97, P’32 with USA Baseball – Coach Pollard serves in coaching roles at USA Baseball national development programs.
September 6, 2025
The 2025-2026 Academic Year is Underway
Austin Prep's schoolwide Student Government Officers (l to r) Cam Jaena '26, Catherine Antonelli '26, Mikey Brosnan '26, and Fope Ayo '26, welcomed students back to campus on Wednesday.
Students arrived Wednesday, September 3rd welcomed by faculty and staff and reunited with classmates as we kicked off the next year of our Austin Prep journey together. As is the case with every academic year, Austin Prep adopted a theme to help community members advance our mission and live our faith. In unity with the Order of St. Augustine, our theme for the upcoming school year is taken directly from Pope Leo XIV: “In Illo Uno Unum,” which translates to “In the One, we are one.” The Holy Father’s motto, derived from St. Augustine’s writings, underscores his profound emphasis on unity through our shared Catholic faith and Augustinian heritage. In our School community, this year the Pope’s motto will serve as an inspiration to transcend our differences and foster greater unity.
Hear from students on the first day of classes by clicking the video above. To view photos from the first day of classes, click here.
Orientation Program Precedes Day One of Classes
Mr. AJ Benning, Dean of Students, addresses Upper School students at orientation.
Prior to the start of classes, students were on campus for orientation activities. Middle School students were on campus the morning of Tuesday, September 2nd while members of the Class of 2029 and new sophomores and juniors joined them later that day. Click the links to view photos from Middle School orientation, as well as photos from the Upper School orientation.
Audition for the Drama Club's Fall Play September 9th-11th
The Austin Prep Drama Club is pleased to present "The Internet Is Distract - OH LOOK A KITTEN!" by Ian McWethy.
Micah only has twenty minutes to finish her paper on The Great Gatsby. She just needs to check a few facts on the internet first. Unfortunately, the web is a nefariously wacky place where boxing cats, Facebook lurkers, and pig-throwing games threaten to take over Micah's schoolwork, or worse. Will she finish her paper and escape with her life before the school bell rings? This is a high-octane comedy that explores the rabbit hole of distraction we all go down everytime we go online. TikTok, Instagram, Google...no one is safe!!!
Auditions will take place September 9th, 10th, and 11th. If interested, please sign up for an audition slot here!
To prepare for the audition, choose one of these monologues to read. This does not need to be memorized. Also be prepared to do some cold readings from the script. We look forward to having fun and seeing your awesome personality!
Please see Ms. Katie Clark, Art and Design Faculty, with any questions.
Back to School Night is September 11th
Have a student in Ms. Aprille Hibbard's 6th Grade Earth and Space Science Class? Meet her virtually during Back to School Night.
We are hosting our annual Back-to-School Night this Thursday, September 11th. This is a remote event that will allow you the opportunity to meet your students’ teachers in both the Upper and Middle Schools via Zoom. Beginning at 6:45 p.m., the program will include a complete rotation through your child's academic schedule featuring brief presentations by your child's teachers. We will be in touch next week with individual teacher links and a detailed schedule for the evening. In order to access the evening's events you must create a Zoom account. To make for a smooth experience, please do so before Thursday evening.
Through your parent Veracross portal, you’ll be able to access a copy of your student’s academic schedule. We encourage you to sit down with your child(ren) to review the block schedule so that you can anticipate which teacher you’ll be Zooming in with when.
Annual Convocation Liturgy Takes Place Friday, September 12th
One of the highlights of Convocation is welcoming the new class of 6th graders to the School community.
Austin Prep's Convocation Liturgy, one of our most cherished annual traditions, marks the official start of the academic year. This year's liturgy, full of pageantry including the annual Parade of Flags, will take place Friday, September 12th at 9:40 a.m. on Fr. Seymour Field. Bishop Robert Reed will be the principal celebrant and homilist. The event will be livestreamed and the link will be sent to the community on Friday morning.
If there is inclement weather, we will move the Mass indoors to Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall. All students and staff will be in attendance for the Mass, and Chapel dress is required of all students that day. This will be a very memorable occasion for our students and a special day for all those within the Austin Prep community.
Miss Picture Day? Retakes are October 7th
No retake needed here!
If you missed picture day, or need a retake, you can have your picture taken on October 7th. Mark Lawrence Photographers will once again handle school photos, and photo ordering information can be found here. It is also important to note that this will be the last opportunity for seniors to have a head shot taken for use in the yearbook. As always, Chapel Dress is required for Picture Day. You can view photos from Friday's Picture Day here.
Registration for Fall Afterschool Programs is Now Open
We’re thrilled to invite your child to be part of our dynamic Fall Afterschool Programs—a season of discovery, creativity, and connection designed especially for students in Grades 6 through 12.
Running from September through October, these programs offer far more than just an after-school activity. They’re a chance for students to explore their passions, try something new, and grow both academically and personally in a vibrant and encouraging environment.
Led by our dedicated team of educators and coaches, each program combines hands-on learning, collaborative experiences, and skill-building opportunities—all while making time for fun and friendship. Whether your student is interested in the arts, STEM, athletics, leadership, or enrichment, there’s something here to spark their curiosity and fuel their growth.
Let this fall be a time when your student finds inspiration, builds confidence, and creates lasting memories at Austin Prep.
Spaces are limited, so be sure to explore the options and register soon by clicking here.
Please note: Esports program registration will begin in October 2025. Additional program information will follow.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact Ushearnda Stroud. We look forward to a fun and enriching fall season!
Austin Prep Welcomes Augustinian Friars to Campus for Orientation, Feast Days
Fr. Bill Gabriel, O.S.A., Head of Mission and Ministry at Malvern Prep, celebrated the opening Mass during Faculty and Staff Orientation.
Faculty and staff were on campus Monday, August 25th through Thursday, August 28th for orientation to start of the academic year. It was a week that coincided with feast days for prominent figures in Austin Prep's heritage.
Wednesday, August 27th was the feast day of St. Monica, whose prayers and sacrifice influenced the life of her son and our patron, St. Augustine. Thursday, August 28th marked the feast day of St. Augustine. The patron of Austin Prep, St. Augustine is one of the most consequential and well-known saints in the history of the Church, and his teachings help sustain our journey in pursuit of Truth.
Fr. Kenneth Eze, O.S.A. celebrated Mass in the Chapel of St. Augustine for faculty and staff on campus for orientation activities in advance of the academic year.
“Today is a special day in union with Augustinians all across the world,” Fr. Eze said in his homily. “There is so much to talk about Augustine because of his writings. However, we don’t just think of the towering figure with a pen in his hand. We think about the person journeying through life searching for peace.”
“That restlessness is the reality for us,” Fr. Eze added. “And no matter how far we run away from God, God searches to find us.”
St. Augustine and St. Monica, as we embark on the journey of another academic year, pray for us.
Check Out The Restless Journey Podcast
The Austin Prep Podcast Studio.
This past year, significant investments were made to expand Austin Prep’s digital presence and storytelling capabilities to strengthen Austin Prep’s connection with students, parents, faculty, and alumni. The highlight of this effort was the construction of Austin Prep’s first podcast studio and delivery of the School’s official podcast, The Restless Journey. The studio includes state-of-the-art video, audio, and recording equipment, and an aesthetically pleasing design. The Restless Journey provides a closer look at the people, programs, and initiatives that exemplify Austin Prep’s Augustinian values, and the promise and potential of Austin Prep. The Restless Journey allows members of the Austin Prep community to share their insights on a wide range of topics, reflecting on who we are today and where the Austin Prep Journey will lead us tomorrow.
The podcast debuted in the summer of 2025 with two episodes, one featuring Austin Prep’s Director of Admissions, Lisa Simmons P’24, ’25, ’27, ’30, and another featuring School Chaplain, Fr. Patrick Armano. The show is hosted by Austin Prep’s Director of Communications, Tyler Fleming P’28, ’30. It is anticipated that a new episode will be released monthly during the academic year. The podcast can be found on all major podcast platforms including Podbean, Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and YouTube.
“The Restless Journey is another great way for Austin Prep parents, staff, alumni, as well as prospective parents, to get to know the people on campus who help guide our students on a daily basis,” Simmons noted. “We see during the admissions process that families want to get
to know community members on a deeper level, and this is a great tool to help get our message out in a fun and meaningful way.”
Mr. PJ Malafronte, Special Projects Manager, provides technical support during the recording of a recent episode of The Restless Journey podcast.
The benefit of the new space doesn’t stop there, however. While the construction of the space and planning and production of The Restless Journey has been driven by Austin Prep’s professional staff – a collaboration between Austin Prep’s Offices of Communications, Technology, and Facilities – the ultimate goal of the studio is to be yet another valuable educational resource for students, particularly those with an interest in media, communications, video production or content creation.
To start the 2025-2026 Academic Year, a more lighthearted, student centric podcast is in the works, featuring student guests and co-hosts with discussion topics intended to resonate with the student community. Students will also be trained to work behind the microphones and cameras on the production end. In a day and age where social media, content creation, and new forms of communication are more and more prevalent, this student experience could even lead to career opportunities for students down the road.
“We’ve added the podcast studio to the campus tour offered by the Office of Admissions for prospective families,” Simmons noted. “Our guests are consistently impressed by the space and excited by the possibility that their child could one day be involved in producing their own podcast while at Austin Prep.”
The podcast studio will also give Head of School, James Hickey, Ph.D., an alternative means to distribute community wide messages in a convenient manner for the recipient. To that end, last Spring Dr. Hickey sent a recorded message to the Class of 2020, inviting them back to campus for their upcoming five-year reunion. “Incidentally, this message to you is the first recorded message from Austin Prep’s new podcast studio,” Dr. Hickey said.
You can view the first two episodes of The Restless Journey below:
Faculty Members Participate in Summer Sabbatical Program
Mr. Eric Smith at the Vatican (in dress code Sperry's, no less).
The Austin Prep Summer Sabbatical program was established in 2016 and funds proposals allowing faculty members to pursue their passions while making important advancements in their areas of study, thus reinvigorating their future classroom instruction with new findings and ideas. This summer Austin Prep funded two summer sabbaticals.
Mr. Eric Smith, Theology Faculty, spent over a week in Rome following in the footsteps of Saint Augustine and Pope Leo XIV. From sunrise to late evening, he visited numerous churches, particularly those associated with the Augustinian Order, as part of a pilgrimage during the Jubilee year while also taking in remarkable artwork. Mr. Smith extended his trip with a day trip to Florence and visited historic sites like the Colosseum, focusing on their connections to Church history.
Ms. Katie Clark in New York City.
Ms. Katie Clark, Art and Design Faculty, visited New York City for a week-long Broadway intensive featuring over a dozen workshops on choreography, movement, staging, and acting. In the evenings, Ms. Clark attended Broadway performances, several featuring the same professionals who facilitated her workshops. She also visited the Museum of Broadway. The goal of her trip was to enhance Austin Prep drama classes and productions; we can’t wait to see our students on stage again soon!
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.
Pollard '97, P'32 Represents Austin Prep at USA Baseball Developmental Programs
Jonathan Pollard '97 at the USA Baseball 15U National Team Training Camp.
Jonathan Pollard ’97, P'32, Austin Prep’s Associate Head of School and Head Baseball Coach, had a big summer working with USA Baseball at the National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina. He served as the pitching coach for Team Miller in the USA Baseball 2025 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP), and then coached at the 15U National Team Training Camp. Coach Pollard has worked with USA Baseball in various capacities since 2011. View photos from his experience here.
Take a Moment to Ensure Your Contact Information is Accurate
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.
Follow Us on Social Media
New to Austin Prep, or not yet following us on social media? Be sure to keep up to date with all the current events at Austin Prep this year by following us on our official social media accounts below:
9.13.25
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Annual Convocation Liturgy Marks Start of Year – Bishop Robert Reed leads the liturgy and Parade of Flags.
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Saturday Athletics Action – Varsity Field Hockey hosts Brooks; Boys Soccer hosts Tabor Academy.
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Parent Retreat on September 18 – Second annual retreat centered on Augustinian values.
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Fall Seasons Kick Off – Varsity and sub-varsity athletes receive Mass, blessings, and commissioning.
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Austin Prep Remembers September 11th – Community gathers in prayer on the 9/11 anniversary.
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Visit Us at Town Days – Green Key Ambassadors appear at Reading and Melrose town events.
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New Prior General Elected – Fr. Joseph Lawrence Farrell, O.S.A., elected 98th Prior General.
September 13, 2025
Annual Convocation Liturgy Marks Official Start of the Academic Year
Convocation was once again highlighted by the Parade of Flags.
On Friday, September 12th, Austin Prep marked the official start of the academic year with the celebration of the annual Convocation Liturgy. Austin Prep welcomed The Most Reverend Robert P. Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston as the principal celebrant and homilist. The celebration livestreamed to the school community. You can view photos from the day here.
Complete with the pageantry expected of Convocation – including the procession of students carrying class banners, welcomed by faculty in academic regalia to the sounds of the Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums – this year's liturgy continued to include a parade of flags representing the national heritages of those in our school community. Over 80 national flags were included.
Catherine Antonelli '26
Catherine Antonelli '26, School-Wide Student Government President, began the ceremony by addressing her classmates and referencing the School theme for the year: In the One, we are one.
"This theme serves as a special reminder that although individually we are many, through our devotion to Christ we are united as one community grounded in our faith. This idea perfectly reflects our school’s values of veritas, unitas, and caritas. By being truthful with one another and showing love through acts of kindness and service, we are forming a unified community centered around God," Catherine said.
The Most Reverend Robert P. Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston.
Bishop Reed began his homily by joking with students that while we were gathered to celebrate the start of the academic year, it was unfortunate that we weren't celebrating it being the end, instead. But in turn, a key to reaching our collective success this academic year was the fact that we we were committed to being present, together.
"As we gather for this Mass of Convocation, you have already done the most crucial thing of your day. You showed up," Bishop Reed said. "Showing up is key. Not physically, but with your mind, and your whole heart, and the faith that God is with you. God isn't asking any of us to be perfect right now, but to move in that direction. He is asking you to show up, then trust in God that he will help you do the rest."
Dr. Hickey with Bishop Reed and Fr. Art Johnson, O.S.A.
Head of School, Dr. James Hickey P'22, '23, '24 '27, kicked off Austin Prep's 63rd academic year by welcoming those in attendance, and framing his comments around the School's 2025-2026 academic year theme, In the One, we are one. "In those words there is a profound call. A call to unity, not in our own preferences or priorities, but in Christ, the One who makes us one.
"It's a call to see the face of Christ in each other," Dr. Hickey added.
To mark the occasion, Senior Class Representatives Shane Stuart ‘26 and Buddhini Perera ‘26 raised the Class of 2026 banner, which will take its place of prominence in Meelia Hall, where it will remain until being lowered at Baccalaureate Mass in May, 2026.
Saturday Athletics Action
We’ve got doubleheader varsity action on campus this Saturday, September 13th! Field Hockey hosts Brooks School at 2:00 p.m., then Boys Soccer hosts Tabor Academy at 4:00 p.m. All the action is at Fr. Seymour Stadium! Come support our teams!
Join Us September 18th for the Annual Parent Retreat
Together, we’ll explore the Augustinian values of veritas (truth), unitas (unity), and caritas (love), the same principles that shape your child’s experience here at Austin Prep. Whether you’re returning after last year’s retreat or considering attending for the first time, we warmly welcome you to be part of this meaningful event.
Click here to register and reserve your spot. If you have any questions, please contact Sr. Maria Gorreth Nassali, Assistant Head of School for Mission and Ministry.
We hope to see you there because our community is stronger when we come together.
Thank You For Joining Us for Back to School Night
We hope you enjoyed learning more about Mrs. Nicole Marley's Coming of Age English class.
Thank you to all our parents who attended our virtual Back to School night on Thursday. It was an opportunity to get a brief overview of your child's academic schedule and receive an introduction to our faculty. The collaborative effort between our Office of Academic Affairs and Technology Department was again a success; we hosted a lot of Zoom meetings simultaneously! The next formal opportunity to meet with faculty will be during Parent Conferences on Friday, November 7th. More details to come.
Fall Seasons Kick Off with Team Mass and Blessings
Olivia Contarino '32 and Samantha Cambray '32 after the Spring Sports Blessing.
On Sunday, September 7th our fall sports varsity student-athletes and families gathered for Mass and breakfast. It was an important opportunity to come together as a community of faith as we advance into the spring season. Then this past Monday our fall sports sub-varsity student-athletes received a blessing and St. Michaels medals as they journey towards their competitive seasons. Best of luck this fall to all our student-athletes!
Austin Prep Remembers September 11th
Brady McLaren '26 participated in Thursday's September 11th prayer.
On the anniversary of September 11th, we reflected and prayed for all those lost on that tragic day, including their families, our brave first responders, and those with Austin Prep connections.
On Wednesday morning at 8:46 a.m. Austin Prep students and Jaycob Morales, Coordinator of Community Engagement and Inclusion, led the school community in prayer to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the attacks and loss of life on September 11th, 2001. You can view photos here.
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
“Our Lady, Mother of Good Counsel. Pray for Us.”
“Saint Augustine and Saint Monica. Pray for Us.”
Visit Us at Town Days
Austin Prep students were at town days in Reading (left) and Melrose (right) last Sunday.
Our Green Key Ambassadors were at the Reading Rotary Reading Fall Street Faire as well as the Melrose Victorian Fair last Sunday. Thank you to all those who braved the rain to say hello. We will be at the North Reading (September 14th) and Andover (September 20th) town days in the coming weeks, so be sure to visit. Austin Prep is always proud to support local community initiatives!
P.S. Open House is Sunday, October 19th. Save the date!
Member of Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova Named New Prior General
The Order of St Augustine has elected Father Joseph Lawrence Farrell, O.S.A., as its new Prior General. He is the 98th successor in a line stretching back more than 750 years within the Augustinian family, which includes, of course, Pope Leo XIV.
The election took place in Rome on September 9th during the 188th General Chapter of the Order at the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum, where 73 capitular friars gathered to cast their votes. Until now, Father Farrell had served as Vicar General and Assistant General for North America—roles which placed him at the heart of the Order’s international governance and pastoral mission. Father Farrell belongs to the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova.
The Order of St. Augustine, present in more than 50 countries, prayed that the new prior general may receive “wisdom, strength, and grace” in his service to the Church and the world.
Father Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A., prior provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, and celebrant and homilist at Austin Prep 2024 Convocation Liturgy, commented that this decision was made “after much prayer and reflection, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
“We are grateful for our brother’s humility, experience, and willingness to serve in this critical leadership position for our order. At this moment, we thank God for this dedicated and committed servant and leader, and we offer prayers for wisdom, strength, and grace as he exercises this important responsibility on behalf of our order and the Church,” Father Hagan noted.
You can learn more about Father Farrell here.
Follow Us on Social Media
New to Austin Prep, or not yet following us on social media? Be sure to keep up to date with all the current events at Austin Prep this year by following us on our official social media accounts below:
9.20.25
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Big Home Saturday of Athletics Action – Boys Soccer, Volleyball, and Football host a varsity triple-header on September 20.
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Austin Prep Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month – Monthlong celebration featuring Hispanic culture, cuisine, and contributions.
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Parent Ambassador Kickoff Social – Parents meet on September 22 to launch the refreshed Parent Ambassadors program.
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Open House Save the Date – Fall Open House scheduled for October 19, with roles available for parent volunteers.
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Austin Prep Performs on CatholicTV Telethon – Students and faculty musicians featured in the 2025 CatholicTV Telethon.
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Mr. Donati Becomes an American Citizen – Science faculty member Francesco Donati gains U.S. citizenship.
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Campus Ministry Hosts Parent Retreat – Parent retreat led by Dr. Joseph Kelley focuses on Augustinian values and spiritual reflection.
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Perfect Square Day – Math classes mark 9/16/25 as a perfect square and Pythagorean Triple date.
September 20, 2025
Big Home Saturday of Athletics Action
We’ve got triple header varsity action on campus this Saturday, September 20th! Boys Soccer hosts Gould Academy at 12:00 p.m., Volleyball hosts Macduffie School at 2:00 p.m., and Football has their home opener against New Hampton School at 3:00 p.m. Come support our teams!
Austin Prep Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Flags representing Hispanic countries are on display in the Dining Hall.
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.
Parent Ambassador Kickoff Social is Monday
Join Jeanette Vigorito, P’27, Parent Ambassador President, at Monday's Kickoff Parent Social.
As a reminder, we look forward to parents joining us at the Kickoff Parent Social on Monday, September 22nd at 6:00 p.m. in the Dining Hall. Come enjoy light fare and refreshments, connect with other parents, and hear exciting school updates from James Hickey, Ph.D., Head of School.
In 2015, the Parents Association was created with a dual mission: to build a strong sense of community among parents and to support the school’s development efforts through hospitality, appreciation, and volunteer events. This year, to better reflect that mission and spirit of collaboration, the group is being reintroduced with a fresh new name: the Austin Prep Parent Ambassadors.
The goal is simple but powerful—to create opportunities for parents to connect with one another, while also contributing to the vibrant life and mission of Austin Prep. Whether you’re new to the school or have been part of the community for years, there’s a place for you to get involved, make new friendships, and support our shared purpose.
A highlight of the year is our Annual Parent Social, taking place this year on Saturday, November 15th at Austin Prep. This fun and festive themed event brings parents together to enjoy a night out while raising critical support for the Annual Fund. It’s a celebration of community with a meaningful impact and one you won’t want to miss! More details will be shared at our upcoming kickoff event.
There are many ways to participate throughout the year, from volunteering at admissions events and athletic games to helping at performances, socials, or Mission and Inclusion initiatives. Every role helps strengthen our community and supports the school in real and lasting ways.
Open House Save The Date
The Office of Admissions is hosting the annual Fall Open House on Sunday, October 19th 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 here.
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. Lisa Simmons, 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. Yard signs will be available in the Admissions Office in the very near future. We will let you know when they are available! We appreciate your support!
Austin Prep Faculty and Students Perform on Catholic TV Telethon
Cecilia Goldsmith '26, and Steven Reyes '26, and George Mamakos '26 (l to r) at the filming of the CatholicTV Telethon.
Austin Prep Musicians, including Director of Music, Dr. Jessica McCormack, George Mamakos '26, piano, Cecilia Goldsmith '26, soprano, and Steven Reyes '26, baritone were invited to perform for the 2025 CatholicTV Telethon. The 34th edition of the annual telethon airs live from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20th with rebroadcasts overnight. The Most Reverend Robert P. Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, principal celebrant and homilist at last week's Convocation Liturgy, is the President of the CatholicTV network.
Mr. Donati Becomes an American Citizen
Mr. Francesco Donati. Officially an American Citizen.
Congratulations to Mr. Francesco Donati, Science Faculty, who became a United States citizen on Friday. We are so fortunate to have Mr. Donati as a member of our school community! 
Office of Campus Ministry Hosts Parent Retreat
Dr. Joseph Kelley, Augustinian Scholar in Residence at Thursday's Parent Retreat.
On Thursday night, the Office of Campus Ministry hosted an enriching Augustinian Values Parent Retreat, facilitated in collaboration with Dr. Joseph Kelley, Augustinian Scholar in Residence. The retreat, centered on the theme "In the One, we are one," 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.
Pope Leo XIV with Dr. Kelley and his wife, Alina.
It was a quick turnaround for Dr. Kelley, who on Monday was with Pope Leo XIV at the Augustinianum, the Patristic Institute at the Augustinian headquarters in Rome. Dr. Kelley is the president of the Augustinian Heritage Institute which has overseen the translations and worked with New City Press on a 50 volume series of the Works of Saint Augustine for Pope Leo's personal library. Also present at the meeting was Father Joe Farrell, new Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine.
The Math World Celebrates Perfect Squared Day
Mr. Jason Sun explains to his Math class the Perfect Square Day assignment.
Tuesday, September 16 was Perfect Square Day, that’s because the day's date of 9/16/25 is a perfect square (9, 16, and 25). Even more amazing, their square roots (3, 4, and 5) form a Pythagorean Triple, meaning they form the side lengths of a right triangle!
All math classes on Tuesday joined in the celebration by exploring perfect squares and learning about Pythagorean Triples through various games, discoveries, and activities.
And here’s the best part: the year 2025 itself is a perfect square (since 45 squared = 2025)—and it’s the only year in our lifetime that will be a perfect square!
View this Instagram post to see one of the classroom activities.
Convocation Revisited
Our annual Convocation Liturgy was a little over a week ago, and since then you've seen the Class of 2026 banner be raised, a short video highlight of the day, as well as images from the day.
Now you can view the entire liturgy by clicking the above video. Have a great weekend!
9.27.25
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Next Community Mass on October 5 – Monthly Sunday Mass and fellowship in the Chapel of St. Augustine.
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International March Break Trip Announced – Upper School students invited on a 10-day 2026 trip to Spain, Portugal, and France.
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Austin Prep Performs on CatholicTV Telethon – Students and faculty musicians featured in the 2025 telethon broadcast.
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Introducing Parent University – Four-session virtual series for Middle School parents on adolescent development and wellness.
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Get Your Open House Lawn Sign – Families invited to display yard signs promoting the October 19 Open House.
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First Community Meeting Features Guest Speaker – Michael Gorman of The Movement Family speaks on service and community impact.
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Honors Economics Welcomes Entrepreneur – Jason Gracilieri, P’28, ’31, shares insights on entrepreneurship and creative business leadership.
September 27, 2025
Next Community Mass is October 5
Come join members of our religious community at next Sunday's Community Mass.
The next Monthly Community Mass will be held Sunday, October 5th 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, at least occasionally. 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 5th as we strengthen each other through this act of celebrating Mass together.
International March Break Trip Announced
Over the 2026 March Break, Austin Prep will facilitate a 10-day international trip for Upper School students to Spain, Portugal, and France. Participants will follow in the footsteps of countless travelers—from the pilgrims on the Camino to Santiago de Compostela to the faithful who seek the healing waters of Lourdes. Along the way, travelers will explore Fátima, Montserrat, and Gaudí’s breathtaking Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, each place offering a unique window into art, faith, and the human search for meaning.
This Journey is rooted in the Augustinian spirit of exploration: of the world, of community, and of the heart. It will be a chance to experience history, language, and culture; to learn about culinary traditions; to stand before works of art and architecture that have inspired generations; and to discover how athletics, service, and community life take shape in different places. Whether drawn to faith, history, service, culture, or creativity, each traveler will find something that speaks to them on the path.
This program is available to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors—the classes of 2029, 2028, 2027, and 2026. The enrollment deadline is October 17th. Space is limited to forty students and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The dates of the trip are March 9-19, 2026. Aside from the Celtic Christmas Trip this December, this Journey will be the only international travel opportunity for the 2025–2026 school year.
To be considered for a space on this trip, the traveler must email Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School, at mmclaughlin@austinprep.org. From there, Mr. McLaughlin will be in touch with the official registration paperwork. Austin Prep is pleased to once again be partnering with Peter’s Way Tours. This will be the School's fifth trip with Peter’s Way.
The cost of the trip is $4,995 and is inclusive of flights, accommodations at double-occupancy, breakfast and dinner daily, entrance to all sites noted in the itinerary, coach transportation, a full-time tour manager/guide, and tips. Students will be responsible for snacks, souvenirs, lunch, and any activity in the structured independent time.
Austin Prep is honored to offer this opportunity, confident that it will provide students with a rich encounter of veritas, unitas, and caritas, and remind us that a journey is always more than reaching a destination—it is about discovering meaning along the way.
This Journey is rooted in the Augustinian spirit of exploration: of the world, of community, and of the heart. It will be a chance to experience history, language, and culture; to learn about culinary traditions; to stand before works of art and architecture that have inspired generations; and to discover how athletics, service, and community life take shape in different places. Whether drawn to faith, history, service, culture, or creativity, each traveler will find something that speaks to them on the path.
This program is available to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors—the classes of 2029, 2028, 2027, and 2026. The enrollment deadline is October 17th. Space is limited to forty students and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The dates of the trip are March 9-19, 2026. Aside from the Celtic Christmas Trip this December, this Journey will be the only international travel opportunity for the 2025–2026 school year.
To be considered for a space on this trip, the traveler must email Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School, at mmclaughlin@austinprep.org. From there, Mr. McLaughlin will be in touch with the official registration paperwork. Austin Prep is pleased to once again be partnering with Peter’s Way Tours. This will be the School's fifth trip with Peter’s Way.
The cost of the trip is $4,995 and is inclusive of flights, accommodations at double-occupancy, breakfast and dinner daily, entrance to all sites noted in the itinerary, coach transportation, a full-time tour manager/guide, and tips. Students will be responsible for snacks, souvenirs, lunch, and any activity in the structured independent time.
Austin Prep is honored to offer this opportunity, confident that it will provide students with a rich encounter of veritas, unitas, and caritas, and remind us that a journey is always more than reaching a destination—it is about discovering meaning along the way.
Austin Prep Faculty and Students Perform on Catholic TV Telethon
Austin Prep Musicians, including Director of Music, Dr. Jessica McCormack, George Mamakos '26, piano, Cecilia Goldsmith '26, soprano, and Steven Reyes '26, baritone were invited to perform for the 2025 CatholicTV Telethon. The 34th edition of the annual telethon aired Friday, September 19th and Saturday, September 20th. The Most Reverend Robert P. Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, principal celebrant and homilist at the recent Convocation Liturgy, is the President of the CatholicTV network. View their performance by clicking the video above.
Introducing Parent University
We are excited for the return of Middle School Parent University, a four-part series, co-hosted by the Health and Wellness Office and the Office of Academic Affairs, designed exclusively for Middle School families. Each session will explore a different aspect of adolescent growth and development, offering valuable insights and practical strategies to help you navigate the challenges and joys of these transformative years.
The sessions are designed to build upon each other, so we encourage attendance at all four 45-minute sessions. Each seminar will include a didactic component to provide information, time for discussion, and the sharing of practical strategies and resources. The series also offers a unique opportunity for parents to connect and learn together as a community.
This fall, the program will run virtually on Zoom, allowing families to join from home—with a cup of coffee in hand if you like!
The dates and topics of this fall’s program are:
- Thursday, October 9 at 11:15 a.m. on Zoom: Growing Pains and Growing Brains
- Thursday, October 16 at 11:15 a.m. on Zoom: Plugged In: Navigating Tech, Gaming, and Social Media
- Thursday, October 23 at 11:15 a.m. on Zoom: Beyond Likes: Building Real Friendships
- Thursday, October 30 at 11:15 a.m. on Zoom: Tools for Success: Executive Function and Study Skills Made Simple
The sessions will not be recorded; however, copies of the slide decks will be shared following each presentation. To encourage dialogue and meaningful participation, space will be limited to 30 families. If you are interested in joining us, please register using this form.
As a Catholic school, we affirm that parents are the first and primary educators of their children. Through programs like Parent University, we seek to support you in this important responsibility by providing resources, strategies, and a space to reflect together on the Middle School years.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Julie Rankin, Middle School Health and Wellness Counselor.
Get Your Open House Lawn Sign
Get your Open House Lawn Sign to promote Open House!
The Office of Admissions is hosting the annual Fall Open House on Sunday, October 19th 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 here.
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. Lisa Simmons, 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. Yard signs will be available in the Main Office beginning Tuesday after school. We appreciate your support!
First Community Meeting of the Year Concludes With Guest Speaker
Michael Gorman, founder of The Movement Family, spoke to students on Friday.
On Friday, Austin Prep welcomed Mr. Michael Gorman, a social entrepreneur and community advocate from Methuen, and founder of The Movement Family (TMF) to campus. TMF is a nationally recognized grassroots organization dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and other challenges.
For more than a decade, Mr. Gorman has built TMF around the simple but powerful philosophy, “It’s a family.” His work shows how authentic relationships, consistency, and care can transform lives. Mr. Gorman’s story is especially meaningful for our Austin Prep community, reminding us that service and compassion have the power to create lasting change. At the end of the presentation, Mr. Gorman fielded questions from a panel of Austin Prep students.
Honors Economics Welcomes Entrepreneur and Austin Prep Parent
Jason Gracilieri, P'28, '30 spoke to the Honors Economic Class on Wednesday.
The Honors Economics class was honored to host Jason Gracilieri, P'28, '31, founder and CEO of TurningArt and a proud parent in the Austin Prep community, as a guest speaker. TurningArt partners with artists and organizations to bring curated, rotating art collections into workplaces and public spaces, creating opportunities for both artists and the communities they serve.
Mr. Gracilieri shared his journey as an entrepreneur, offering students a firsthand perspective on the challenges and rewards of building a business from the ground up. He emphasized the importance of innovation, adaptability, and perseverance in the entrepreneurial process, while also highlighting how economic principles influence real-world decision-making.
Students gained valuable insights into how creativity and business acumen intersect, and how entrepreneurial ventures can generate meaningful impact. His visit not only enriched the class’s study of economics but also underscored the strength of the Austin Prep community, where parents, educators, and students come together to inspire one another.
Happy Fall, Austin Prep!
