Friends,
The start of a new school year is always met with such anticipation and the 2022-23 year is no different. We have so much to look forward to this year with the implementation of the House System and new, state-of-the-art facilities that will enhance the student experience. In just the last few weeks, we've been able to host many of our treasured in-person events again. We welcomed the Class of 2026 and their families for Freshman Convocation and just this week we held our first back-to-school night in three years. It has been wonderful to fill these halls again! And, as we do each year, we gathered as a whole community for our annual Mass of the Holy Spirit. Though the weather kept us inside, it did not dampen the spirit filling McNeice Gym.
It is our hope for this school year, as we see our strategic plan, Vision 2026: In Pursuit of Human Excellence, come to life in the classrooms and around the fields, that we remain present and reflective. Principal Adam Lewis and I have encouraged the community to think about the stewardship of our mission and the legacy we will leave. As a community, we are contemplatives in action, able to react to even the greatest uncertainty because we are grounded in discernment and faith. Our students know this, and our alumni know this. When faced with challenge, we respond with courage. When asked to be open to growth, we respond with enthusiasm.
To that end, we hope you'll join us here on the Boulevard for one of our many on-campus events over the course of the next few months including Alumni & Family Homecoming, Open House, and the Athletic Hall of Fame! As always, please continue to keep the BC High students in your prayers as they begin a new year!
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AMDG,
Grace Cotter Regan P'12
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Each year, Jesuit schools around the world mark the beginning of their academic years with the Mass of the Holy Spirit. This year, we were fortunate to welcome our Board of Trustees to mass prior to their first meeting of the year as well. It was a wonderful morning filled with joy and hope and a sincere message of strength in Jesuit education. Our Board Chair, Fr. Michael McFarland, SJ concelebrated along with members of the BC High Jesuit Community. We were grateful to welcome parents for coffee and conversation before Mass as well. Fr. Jim Croghan, SJ, Superior of the Jesuit Community at BC High, gave an inspiring homily and reminded the congregation that in an overwhelming and daunting world we are not alone.
"...But not for us, who are not alone. In fact, I can’t think of another group more committed and ready to take up the challenges around us. Challenges that require creativity, imagination and innovation. Check. We have the Shields Center.
Challenges that require global engagement, collaboration and partnerships. Check. The Hyde Center.
Challenges that require the creation of a more just, inclusive, equitable world. Challenges that need a group of people committed to being an anti-racist institution, one that sees clearly that every person, without exception, is created in God’s own image. Check. The Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Challenges that require dedicated, knowledgeable, highly skilled leaders of exceptional integrity. Check. The Mike White Center for Emerging Leaders.
Challenges that require people grounded in a life-giving, sustaining tradition which calls each of us to our truest selves, to deep gratitude, generosity, kindness, and a shared commitment to the common good. Check. The Center for Ignatian Identity and Formation."
I am grateful to Fr. Croghan and the Jesuit Community for continuing to enrich our lives with spiritual guidance and helping us animate the spirit of St. Ignatius every day.
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News From the Jesuit Network
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I have been blessed to know, be educated by, and to work with such remarkable Jesuits throughout my entire life. Working at BC and for the Province for many years afforded me the opportunity to get to know these men on a deeper level and develop lifelong friendships. It is with sadness that we said goodbye to a giant among Jesuits this past month. Fr. John O'Malley, SJ was truly an inspiration to so many. We will miss him dearly but treasure the time we were able to spend with him, including last spring with Principal Lewis.
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This summer, Fr. Jim Croghan, SJ, members of the BC High Jesuit Community, and I had the overwhelming honor to meet and attend mass celebrated by Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus. Fr. General is just the 31st Superior in the order. He's a humble and caring man and I was in awe of his presence. He met with Directors of the Work of the Jesuit institutions in the USA Northeast Province at the Campion Center. An unforgettable experience!
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Fr. Joe Bruce, SJ, a member of the BC High Jesuit Community, helped secure a $250,000 grant at the College of Holy Cross to digitize the Deaf Catholic Archives. Congratulations to Fr. Bruce, SJ and Holy Cross!
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Fr. John Predmore, SJ, a member of the BC High Jesuit Community will be offering a wonderful fall class: Compassionate Communications in times of Difficult Conversations.
Fr. Predmore, SJ shares, "...this class uses Zoom to teach us how to keep ourselves balanced in the midst of difficult conversations. We will examine what sort of information to take in, and to notice when conversations experience a power imbalance. We will negotiate and set boundaries, especially when dealing with someone else’s anger. We will review deep-breathing techniques to listen meaningfully and to develop understanding. We will learn how to use right speech to bring to sustain meaningful relationships."
The sessions are offered on Wednesdays this fall from 4 - 5:00 p.m. Please email Fr. John Predmore, jpredmore@bchigh.edu for more information and to learn more! Thank you, Father, for keeping our community connected!
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Welcome New Faculty and Staff
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Join us in welcoming a very talented and diverse group of Ignatian educators to our community. As part of our Strategic Plan, we are more intentional about the formation of our adult community than ever before. The connections and camaraderie that this group of new faculty and staff has developed is wonderful. From the classroom to alumni events, and everything in between, they will enhance the student experience and help form our next generation of leaders. Welcome to BC High!
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A Full House -- the House System at BC High
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On September 6, 2022, the House System was officially launched as we welcomed back high school students for their House Orientations. All 12 Houses had fun activities planned as well as practical advice for navigating the new system.
Students check in daily with their Head of House, meet 3 times/week with an advisory group (10-12 students, 1 adult advisor), and meet as a House once/week. This model of pastoral care will provide layers of care in our community to ensure that every student in our building is known, loved, and supported.
House competitions allow students to earn points throughout the year and the battles are heating up! Houses will soon choose non-profits and charities that best align with their House Patron. Further, each House is learning how they can help animate the characteristics of their Patrons life.
To read more about the House System, click here.
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Summer 2022 BC High Magazine
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The BC High magazine hit mailboxes this summer. Together with the team from External Relations, we share updates on our Strategic Plan, Vision 2026: In Pursuit of Human Excellence with features on the House System and the extraordinary gift from the late Patrick F. Cadigan '52. In particular, these initiatives will transform the student experience at BC High. If you didnt receive your copy, contact Colleen Carter, VP of External Relations at ccarter@bchigh.edu
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Help us Find Future Eagles!
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Admission season is upon us! The greatest strength we have at BC High is our network. Help spread the word and share our Open House information with your neighbors, sons, nephews, and friends! Contact the Enrollment Office with any questions at enrollment@bchigh.edu
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A Summer Social -- Alumni Gather at Dorchester Brewing
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Special thanks to Jen Manning, Vice Principal of Student Life, Fr. Don MacMillan, SJ ’60, and Athletic Director Tom Conley ’08 for visiting with our alumni at Dorchester Brewery last month. We had a great turnout and look forward to many more in the coming months.
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I hope you'll join us at one of the exciting events put on by the Alumni & Parent Relations team. For more information, contact Mike O'Brien, Sr. Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement, mobrien@bchigh.edu
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Save the Date for Upcoming Alumni & Parent Events!
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September
- Classes of 1953 & 1957 Reunion Luncheon at BC High
October
- Parents of Color Welcome Reception, October 12
- 5:00 p.m. - Welcome to New Parents
- 6:30 p.m. - Reception
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Alumni Homecoming & Family Weekend, October 22-23 -- We will also be celebrating the reunion Classes of 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017
November
- Hall of Fame, November 22
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BC Hire: Career Connections
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BC Hire Career Connections has become a terrific program for our young alumni. This year, we have welcomed back alumni speakers to in-person luncheons for our current students as well. These programs help strengthen the alumni network and set BC High apart from other schools.
BC Hire Career Connections supports BC High’s current students and young alumni in securing meaningful summer jobs and internships, laying the groundwork for career success. Many of these internship opportunities are provided by the powerful BC High Alumni Network and our highly engaged parent community, while others are offered by firms in Greater Boston.
For more information, contact Kenny Delino '16, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, kdelino@bchigh.edu or visit the BC Hire page.
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| Boston College High School | 617.474.5001 | www.bchigh.edu
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