John Thornburg
Headmaster
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Dear Families,
Merry Christmas! On behalf of all the Malden Catholic faculty and staff – we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
This is the last Headmaster’s Update until we return to school on January 2. We have a busy week ahead with many things to wrap up before our break, but I wanted our families to know how much we appreciate you!
So far it has been a wonderful school year. It is hard to believe December is here and we are about to move into the New Year. The Malden Catholic community proved through strong enduring personal relationships that we go above and beyond (Plus Ultra!) based upon our faith and our belief that together we can meet any challenge.
We have a lot to be thankful for these last four months:
- We have held in-person classes and programs without interruption.
- Our community has done an outstanding job maintaining a Culture of Health and Safety.
- Our families proved to be flexible and resilient providing strong support and encouragement.
- Our faculty and staff continue to go above and beyond to meet the needs of our students.
- Our donor community has been tremendously supportive of Malden Catholic throughout the year.
I am thankful for what we all were able to accomplish. I am thankful to be the Headmaster at Malden Catholic, and I am thankful to our Lord who blessed us through His guidance, grace, and strength.
We celebrate the birth of our Savior this month. We take time to remember and reflect what Christ’s birth means to us and each other. It is time to further realize "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."
It is this same Person – Jesus Christ – that is the foundation of Malden Catholic. The Xaverian Brothers, in walking in faith in Christ, established our school. This Christmas season we celebrate our close-knit community that stands together in faith in one another and in our Savior. I believe this is the foundation of what makes our school so special. It is because of you, it’s because of our Lord and Savior and it’s because of our faith.
I pray that you and your family find rest, peace, and much joy this holiday season. Please continue to pray for the faculty and staff at Malden Catholic and each other.
Thank you again for all your support,
Merry Christmas!
John K. Thornburg
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Monday, December 13
Day 6
COVID-19 Testing for Unvaccinated Students - Gym at 7 AM
La Colaborativa Candy Cane Gram Begins
Tuesday, December 14
Day 7
Wednesday, December 15
Day 1
Activity Schedule
Christmas Spirit Week - Wear Christmas Socks
Thursday, December 16
Day 2
Christmas Spirit Week - Wear Red, Green or White Tops
MC Christmas Concert - 7:00 PM
Friday, December 17
Day 3
Candlelight Rosary in Spanish - 7:30 AM
Christmas Spirit Week - Ugly Sweater Dress Down Day
Christmas Prayer Service
La Colaborativa Candy Canes Distributed
Santa Toy Drive Ends
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Faculty Spotlight: Ms. Sheila Foley - English Teacher |
Dear Malden Catholic Community,
Growing up in Quincy, I have always known Malden Catholic to be an esteemed Catholic school, with high expectations for students and faculty alike. I didn’t necessarily know, however, that this was and is such an incredible welcoming community. In my first few months at MC, that became apparent and I feel blessed to be a part of it.
My Catholic school journey began at age six and never really ended. My elementary years were spent at Sacred Heart School in Quincy. My next stop was Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, where I played volleyball and softball. I attended Stonehill College, where I received my degree in English and spend much of my time working in the college newspaper office, first as a writer, then sports editor, and finally Editor-in-Chief. I called Galway, Ireland my home for four glorious months when I studied at the National University of Ireland. I then received my Masters degree in Secondary Education from Eastern Nazarene and the rest is history.
I started my teaching career at St. Mary’s in Melrose, teaching history. Most recently, I taught at Bishop Fenwick High School, teaching every grade and level in English. I am so excited to be here at Malden Catholic, teaching English in both the Boys and Girls Divisions. I love having the opportunity to get to know both the young men and women, see them in class each day and hear them share their dreams and aspirations for the future.
I work constantly to evolve in my pedagogy, knowing that each student has a different learning style and that our world is constantly changing. It’s important to me that students learn to communicate clearly, both in their writing and speaking, since that will prepare them for any profession they choose. Equally important, however, is helping them to make connections with the world around them through the literature we read and through the discussions we have. It is my hope that my students leave my room with a better understanding of the human condition, more compassion for everyone they meet, and an openness to others’ perspectives.
Thank you to all who have already been so welcoming. In the months to come, I look forward to meeting more of you and sharing the Malden Catholic experience.
Ms. Sheila Foley
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Monday Morning Testing for Unvaccinated Students
Malden Catholic will continue to use PCR surveillance testing. Testing opens at 7 AM and students will enter through Door 7 to the gym. Registration is not required for testing on Monday mornings. Students who arrive after 7:45 AM and have a first period class will be assigned a detention.
MC Mask Policy
Students are responsible for bringing their own masks to school. Every student needs to arrive at school with either a cloth mask or multiple disposable masks.
Unfortunately, the school does not have enough masks available to meet the recent demand of students who have forgotten their mask, those who wish to simply change masks during the day or students who tear masks intentionally. Please note that MC will only provide masks in the event of an emergency.
All students, faculty and staff will be required to participate in school-wide COVID-19 testing on Monday, January 3, 2022.
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No Cost COVID-19 Testing at MC
Testing is available on Mondays from 7 AM - 3 PM, Wednesdays from 9 AM - 5 PM, Thursdays from 11 AM to 7 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM - 4 PM. You can schedule an appointment through this link: https://cur.tv/malden.
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School and College Counseling |
As we approach the end of the year, MC's School and College Counseling department would like to remind Grade 12 students of the following:
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College Acceptances: When you receive your college acceptances, please keep school counselors abreast of acceptances and update your Naviance account.
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Scholarships: Continue to check the Naviance Scholarship Tab and the bulletin board in the School and College Counseling hallway to learn about the available scholarships options.
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AFL-CIO Scholarship Exam: We are pleased to announce the 64th Annual Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Awards Program in now available. All graduating seniors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who are seeking a college degree or job training are eligible. The AFL-CIO has many scholarship opportunities through their affiliated unions. Seniors who are interested must fill out an application and register for the exam by visiting www.massaflcio.org/scholarships. The deadline is Friday, December 17.
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Learners Permit Documentation: Any student applying for a Learner's Permit must submit documentation to the Registry of Motor Vehicles indicating that you are in good standing with MC. Please notify Mrs. DelGenio 48 hour in advance of needing the documents for your Learner's Permit.
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Coats for Kids and Families - 12.13 to 1.7 |
Malden Catholic's Campus Ministry department has teamed up with Anton's Cleaners and Jordan's furniture for Coats for Kids and Families.
Students are encouraged to bring in gently used coats (for any age) from now until January 7, 2022. All coats collected will be cleaned by Anton's Cleaners then given to people in need of warm coats during the winter months. Collection boxes will be located in the lobby. This is an ideal time to look in your closet and donate a coat that you no longer wear.
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La Colaborativa Candy Cane Gram - 12.13 to 12.16 |
Wish someone special a "Happy Holidays" greeting this season by sending a note and candy cane for $1 from December 13 - 16. The candy canes will be distributed on December 17. You can purchase your Candy Cane Gram at lunch periods and before and after school. All proceeds go to benefit La Colaborativa, an organization that empowers Latinx immigrants to enhance the social and economic health of the community and its people.
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Holiday Christmas Spirit Week - 12.15 |
Malden Catholic Student Council is sponsoring a Holiday Christmas Spirt Week that begins on December 15.
- Wednesday, 12.15 - Christmas socks with regular MC uniforms
- Thursday, 12.16 - Red, green or white tops with uniform pants/skirts
- Friday, 12.17 - Ugly Sweater Dress Down Day
We look forward to seeing everyone's very creative holiday attire during the week before Christmas!
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MC Christmas Concert - 12.16 |
On December 16, the Malden Catholic Choir, Drama students, the MC A Cappella Singers and the Malden Catholic Dance Company invite you to attend the annual MC Christmas Concert at 7 PM. The Choir and Drama students will perform the Christmas Cantata “The Advent of Hope, The Birth of Peace," the MC A-Cappella Singers will perform traditional Christmas favorites such as "Carol of the Bells" and the MC Dance Company will showcase choreography to beloved Christmas classics. This is an event not to be missed!
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Candlelit Rosary in Spanish - 12.17 |
This Friday, MC students are invited to join the Campus Ministry team for a Candlelit Rosary on December 17 at 7:30 AM in the courtyard. The rosary will be recited in Spanish.
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What's Happening Around MC? |
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Last week, Malden Catholic hosted an exciting event entitled MC Experience Night for the incoming Class of 2026. The event spanned the cafeteria and gym and allowed MC to showcase its STEM, Arts and Athletics programs to over 100 incoming families. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to participate in science experiments, watch a performing arts showcase video and meet MC teachers, Department Chairs and coaches. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event such a huge success! |
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This Christmas, the Performing Arts Department performed an entertaining comedy featuring a delightful collection of short skirts entitled, Christmas Shorts. Congratulations to the cast, crew and Dr. Lora Tamagini Ed.D. for an amazing performance! The students also did an outstanding job acting out multiple character roles throughout the evening!
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The first issue of the Crystal 99 is here! Editors-in-chief Courtney Casaletto and Brooke Langis and managing editor Lilah Paige, as well as editors Emerson Tully and Katelyn Cirame, worked extremely hard to edit and lay out student-written articles on school news, sports, the arts and opinions. Copies of the paper can be found in the main lobby and in the Boys and Girls Leaning Commons and a digital version is available on the MC website.
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MC Parent Council - Advent Prayer and Bow-making - 12.6 |
The December Parent Club meeting featured guests Dr. Stephen Baccari, who led us in an Advent prayer, and Mrs. Paquette, who demonstrated great fineness in making beautiful holiday bows for the season. Thank you to Dr. Baccari and Mrs. Paquette for hosting and the parents who joined us for this lovely evening.
Official Parent Facebook Group
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The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is an organization that works in partnership with families and communities north of Boston to keep children safe from abuse and neglect. MC has been supporting DCF for over 30 years and we look forward to continuing this holiday tradition. The 2021 Malden Catholic Santa Toy Drive will run through through Friday, December 17th.
We would like to thank Rich LeBranti '94 and Doble LeBranti Financial Group for dropping off a tremendous number of new toys for the drive!
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We would like to thank Father Sheridan and the MC Campus Ministry team for the beautiful Immaculate Conception Mass celebration with the entire Malden Catholic student body this week. |
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Khloe Signs National Letter of Intent |
Khloe Camblin '22 has signed a National Letter of Intent to participate in Acrobatics and Tumbling at St. Leo’s University in Florida. This is extremely exciting news for Khloe and Malden Catholic, our first official Malden Catholic female collegiate student-athlete.
Saint Leo is proud to be one of the oldest Catholic universities in Florida, and the largest of four Catholic higher education institutions in Florida. Saint Leo is proud to have been consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the South, according to U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" list. Acrobatics & Tumbling, a discipline of USA Gymnastics, is the evolution of different forms of gymnastics and involves tumbling, tosses, acrobatic lifts, and pyramids. Teams participate in head-to-head competition and are scored in six events, including compulsory, acro, pyramid, toss, tumbling, and team. One of the fastest growing sports among NCAA institutions, acrobatics and tumbling is Saint Leo’s 12th offering in the women’s athletics program. Way to go, Khloe!
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Monday, December 13
5:00 PM - Girls Varsity Indoor Track OPEN
5:30/7:00 PM - Boys JV and Varsity Basketball Home vs Charlestown High School
Tuesday, December 14
5:00/6:30 PM - Girls JV and Varsity Basketball Home vs Ursuline Academy Home
3:00 PM - Varsity Boys Swim at Boston Latin
Wednesday, December 15
6:00 PM - Boys Varsity Ice Hockey at Mansfield HS Bus 3:15 PM
6:00 PM - Boys Varsity Wrestling Home vs Burlington High School
Thursday, December 16
4:30/6:00 PM - Boys JV and Varsity Basketball vs O'Bryant School
3:15 PM - Varsity Boys Swim Home vs Boston College High at Mystic Valley Pool
Friday, December 17
3:30 PM - Girls Freshman Basketball Home vs Wilmington High School
5:00 PM - Boys Freshman Ice Hockey @ Masconomet Regional HS
5:00/6:30 - PM Girls JV and Varsity Basketball Home vs Fontbonne Academy
7:50 PM - Boys Junior Varsity Ice Hockey @ Austin Preparatory School
Saturday, December 18
9:00 AM - Boys Varsity Wrestling @ Wakefield Tournament
10:00 AM - Boys Varsity Indoor Track OPEN Away Speed Classic
3:00 PM - Boys Freshman Ice Hockey @ Braintree High School
3:10 PM - Boys Varsity Ice Hockey Home vs Delbarton School
8:00 PM Girls Varsity Ice Hockey @ Matignon High School
Sunday, December 19
6:20 PM - Girls Junior Varsity Ice Hockey @ Austin Preparatory School
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