Friends,

As the weather grows colder, and the leaves begin to turn, so too do we turn our attention toward this school year. I have been so grateful for the care, compassion, and commitment our entire community has shown each other these past few weeks - and I must particularly thank everyone for their diligence in complying with COVID-19 safety measures. As the the bright excitement of our first month settles into a sense of purpose for the year ahead, I look forward to all the things we will achieve together.

Already we have made great strides. With several weeks of class, both virtual and in-person, completed, a successful virtual Back to School Night for parents, and even virtual Co-Curricular and College Fairs - we are thriving in our current context. BC High's role as a leader in education continues to be recognized in Boston and beyond. Recently, I was recommended to serve on the Valedictorian Project by Mayor Walsh as one of just a few school leaders from around our city. I have also been appointed to the Board of Directors of America Media, "the leading provider of editorial content that leads the conversation about faith and culture by producing excellent, unique, relevant and accessible content across multiple platforms." I am deeply honored to serve in these capacities, but moreover, I am proud of what they represent about BC High as the preeminent Jesuit, Catholic college preparatory school.

But amidst all our successes and adaptations, we cannot forget the lessons from this past summer: the deep need for community laid bare by COVID-19, and the systemic injustices exposed by the events around the country. At BC High we cannot, and will not, allow injustice to slip into our rear view. Even as this year moves on with all its blessings and challenges, we will remain steadfastly committed to our Ignatian values around dignity and respect and our anti-racist work that includes:

• National Anti-Racism Teach-in

• Cultural Assessment

• Race and Cultural Competence training for all faculty and staff

• Racial Equity Systemic Transformation Program: a 2 year Partnership with Courageous Conversations – specific programming that includes all constituencies: leadership, faculty, staff, parents, and students, geared toward creating a systemic culture for equity and inclusion in all areas of BC High.

• Year-long, thematic Peer Learning Group and Professional Development Speaker Focus on Mission-Driven approaches to Combatting Implicit Bias, Building Diversity and Equity, and Changing Culture

I thank you for your continued support of our school and our efforts to be a more just and inclusive community.

AMDG,

Grace Regan P'12

In an admissions season unlike any we've seen, our fantastic Enrollment team continues to find new and exciting ways to engage prospective families. Through a virtual school fair, virtual and outdoor tours, and more, future Eagles have had the opportunity to experience our community. And in just a few weeks, our fall efforts will culminate in a Virtual Open House on November 8. I invite you to share this link with any families you know who may be interested in exploring private education: bchigh.edu/openhouse/

The BC High Athletic Department has unveiled a 'Lotion For Devotion' drive that will benefit our medical professionals at Mass General Hospital. With how busy and stressful hospitals have become during the pandemic, medical workers are constantly washing and scrubbing their hands. What better way to help these professionals, than by donating unscented hand lotion bottles.

Next week, boxes will be located inside the main entrances of the high school and Arrupe Division buildings, and they will also be located outside on the sidewalk in front of the school, and on the sidewalk outside Walsh Hall before and after school (for parents who are dropping/picking up their son, and cannot come into the building).

Any hand lotion donated is greatly appreciated!

Support our students and look great doing it! Everyone who makes a recurring monthly gift of $10 or more during the month of October will receive a pair of limited-edition BC High socks. And, for every pair of socks we send out - a pair will be donated to Bostonians struggling with homelessness through BC High’s St. Louis Project.

Please see this note from the Superior of our Jesuit Community, Fr. Jim Croghan, SJ, on the upcoming Feast of All Souls, and know that you and all of your departed loved ones remain in our thoughts and hearts.

"November is the time for us to be especially mindful of our beloved dead. In life, we shared love and joy. Our faith assures us that these bonds do not end with death. We invite you to list the names of your beloved deceased on the form here. We will place these names near the altar in Loyola Chapel to be remembered in our Masses, prayers, and sacrifices as an expression of our faith and in gratitude for your being part of the BC High community.

May God in His mercy continue to bless you and gather to Himself the souls of all our faithful departed."