Headmaster Update
Dear Families,
 
It has been quite a few years since I have experienced a blizzard, and the last couple of weeks have been living proof of what a New England winter can deliver. In the blizzard last week, my wife and I felt well prepared. We had extra groceries in the refrigerator, chopped wood for the fireplace, and removed the screens off our porch. Then, we watched out the window as the storm began and snow piled up.  
 
Halfway through the day, I was dying to get a photo of the storm so I ventured out the front door in full winter apparel. The wind was howling and the snow blew sideways. The powerlines bounced in the wind and some of the trees were leaning to the point of nearly breaking. I decided it was best to take a very quick photo and get back inside. Then, I noticed the silhouette of a person in the driveway next door. It was my neighbor who was furiously shoveling his driveway.
 
I watched as the wind blew most of the shoveled snow back onto my neighbor's driveway. Red-faced and undeterred, he continued his war against the encroaching snow. I went back inside and told my wife about his relentless efforts and together, we watched him for several minutes as he continued to shovel the snow he had just removed. Since this was my first New England blizzard, I guessed that this was a tried and true snow removal strategy that I would need to adopt in the future. However, after an hour, my neighbor surrendered and went back inside his house. Within minutes, it was hard to tell that he had ever been outside at all as the snowdrifts blew back across his driveway.
 
I have asked several native New Englanders about the practice of shoveling during the middle of a blizzard. Some individuals state that mid-blizzard shoveling is the way to "stay ahead of the snow." Others advocate for remaining indoors until the storm is over. There doesn't seem to be any consensus on the process or the benefits. Based on the final snow accumulation after the last snowfall, I am not convinced that shoveling in a blizzard is a worthwhile practice.
 
Yet, I truly admire my neighbor's perseverance and strength he demonstrated in the face of a blizzard. It reminded me of a verse in Colossians (3:23) that states, Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly, as if you were doing it for the Lord and not for others, since you know that you will receive from the Lord an inheritance as your reward for you are serving the Lord Christ. 
 
My neighbor acted on his conviction, which caused me to stop and reflect on his actions. Life brings many "storms," and in the face of each one that we can ask ourselves - how do I act on my convictions (faith) wholeheartedly serving the Lord. God has called us all to make a difference on His behalf. We are His instrument, and when we act according to the verse in Colossians, even the most difficult circumstances will not prevent us from accomplishing God's purposes (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me - Philippians 4:13).
 
I trust that all of our families were able to keep safe and warm during the recent storms!

Thank you for all your support,
 
John K. Thornburg
At a Glance
Monday, February 7
Day 7
No COVID-19 Testing
MC Booster Clinic 4 - 6 PM

Tuesday, February 8
Day 1
Virtual MC Parent Club Meeting - 6:00 PM
 
Wednesday, February 9
Day 2
Make-A-Wish Candy Gram Ends

Thursday, February 10
Day 3

Friday, February 11
Day 4
Praying of the Rosary - 7:30 AM
MC Spotlight
Ms. Elisa Camrell
Faculty Spotlight: Ms. Elisa Camrell - Communications Coordinator
Dear Malden Catholic Community,

I am excited to have joined Malden Catholic as the Communications Coordinator. I decided to pursue a degree in Digital Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University after working as a hairstylist for ten years and the manager of a salon for six of those years. I then branched out and pursued independent clients in need of digital and social media for several years. This allowed me to coach entrepreneurs and business owners regarding effective digital marketing strategies and social media footprint growth. I am truly delighted to now utilize these skills daily on behalf of MC.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my three-year-old Great Dane, staying active, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. 

Having graduated from St. Mary's in Lynn, I spent my primary and secondary years in a Catholic school and it is an honor to continue my professional career at Malden Catholic. I'm looking forward to supporting MC's vision, mission, and values by communicating branded information throughout the school's various channels. I am also very excited about making more connections within the Malden Catholic community over the year.

Ms. Elisa Camrell
COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Update
No COVID-19 Testing on Monday, February 7
Please note the change in our COVID-19 Testing procedures which still remain in effect: MC will NOT conduct mandatory or optional school-wide rapid antigen testing on Monday, February 7. 

​​We are happy to report that the positive cases of COVID-19 have decreased to a level where our COVID-19 Task Force has decided to suspend weekly testing until after MC's Winter Break on February 28. This is based on our numbers that have been trending downward. Thank you to our families who have done such an outstanding job supporting our efforts to maintain a safe learning environment! 

School-wide COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing
  • Monday, February 7 - No COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing
  • Monday, February 14 - No COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing
  • Monday, February 28 - Mandatory School-wide COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing

Masks
The proper wearing of masks is extremely important in order to protect our community from the spread of COVID-19. There has been NO change to this policy. All students are required to wear masks properly which means completely covering the mouth and nose. Students are also responsible for providing their own masks. Students who do not comply with the mask policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

Test and Stay Program - for Students Who Have Been Identified as a Close Contact
If a student has been identified as a close contact and has been approved by one of the MC nurses, students may participate in the MC’s Test and Stay Program for the duration of the student’s 8-day quarantine. Students who wish to participate in the Test and Stay Program need to arrive at school by 7:30 AM to complete a rapid test before the first class. Students must report directly to the Nurses' Office upon arrival. They will need to complete the rapid test for the remainder of their quarantine and are then free to participate in after school activities. If a student develops symptoms of COVID-19 at any time during the 8-day period, they must stay home and secure a PCR test.
MC COVID-19 Booster Clinic
Malden Catholic will host a COVID-19 Booster Clinic on Monday, February 7, 2022, from 4 - 6 PM in the MC cafeteria. Booster shots are available for students, adults, and family members over 12 years of age. When signing up, please indicate if the individual needs a booster or a first dose. Please click here to register for the clinic.

The CDC and FDA announced earlier this month that the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness decreases after 5 months. The booster dose will provide optimized protection against COVID-9 and the Omicron variant. Adolescents aged 12 to 17 should receive a Pfizer booster five months after their initial series of immunizations. 
No Cost COVID-19 Testing at MC
The COVID-19 Testing Kiosk located in Malden Catholic's back parking lot will be open from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM on Monday through Saturday. You can schedule an appointment through this link: https://cur.tv/malden.
What's New?
Valentine's Day Candy Gram - 2.7 to 2.9
MC's Make-A-Wish Club invites students to purchase Valentine’s Day Candy Grams during lunch periods to support the Club’s year-long efforts to raise funds to brighten the life of a seriously ill child. All money goes toward granting a child’s special wish and a $1 donation is a sweet way to say you care! Candy Grams will be distributed on Valentine’s Day during homeroom period.
MC Parent Club Virtual Meeting - 2.8 at 6 PM
The February MC Parent Club meeting will be held on February 8 at 6 PM. Brother Puccio will open up the group with a prayer and then discuss MC's plans for Black History Month. Principal Redman will also discuss upcoming school events including Women's Day, Casino Night, and Admissions events. Please use the attached link to join the MC Parent Club meeting.

You may join this meeting from a computer, tablet or smartphone:https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/153568013

Official Parent Facebook Group
Be sure to join the official Parent Council Facebook Group for updated news and information. Click here to join the group or go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/maldencatholicparents
Bradford Area Ski Trips - 2.8 and 2.15
MC will be supervising after-school ski/snowboarding trips to Bradford Ski Area in Haverhill, MA during the month of February. Students must own or rent skis/snowboard, gloves, snow pants, jacket, poles (if skiing), helmet, and a face mask to participate. The cost is $40 per person and will be on a first come first served basis. Please contact Mr. Grocki at grockij@maldencatholic.org for more details.
MC Book Club Meeting - 2.15 at 6:30 PM
The MC Parent Book Club Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 15 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. The February MC Book Club will be discussing Within These Wicked Walls, an Ethiopian-inspired fantasy about Andromeda who is a debtera—an exorcist hired to cleanse households of the Evil Eye. When a handsome young heir named Magnus Rochester reaches out to hire her, Andromeda quickly realizes this is a job like no other.

You may dial in through the attached link: https://sanofi.zoom.com/j/9307039967
Meeting ID: 930 703 9967
College Admission Panel - 2.16
School and College Counseling will host a College Admissions Panel for Grade 11 students on February 16 during the school day. College Representatives from UMass Lowell, Assumption College, St. Anselm College, Syracuse University and more will be onsite to discuss the admissions process, trends and answer questions from the MC student body.
Youth Leadership Forum 2022 - 4.1 and 4.2
All MC students in Grade 10 - Grade 12 seeking to build and improve their leadership skills, are energized by working with creative, talented peers and dedicated to making a difference are invited to participate in The Youth Leadership Forum 2022. This free, two-day event hosted by McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm located in Boston, MA, will take place on Friday, April 1 and Saturday April 2.

The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a unique opportunity for local Boston area students to learn about strategic thinking and problem-solving with industry leaders, raise students' awareness of consulting and business careers, and build their college resumes.

Students who are interested in attending need to submit their application by February 27 through this link. Students may contact Mrs. Jeannine Reardon at reardonj@maldencatholic.org with any questions.
What's Happening Around MC?
Celebrating Black History Month
February is Black History Month! The recognition had its roots in what had started in 1926 as “Black History Week” by Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson, who wanted to celebrate the largely unnoticed achievements of African Americans. Since then, every president since Gerald Ford in 1976 has officially recognized February as Black History Month.

MC's Diversity and Inclusion Club has been featuring prominent black leaders throughout the month who have made significant contributions throughout American history.
The Boston Pilot Features Malden Catholic's Collaboration with MIT and Other Catholic Schools
For Catholic Schools Week, The Boston Pilot published an article entitled, Excellence Through Collaboration which featured Malden Catholic's collaborative efforts in working with MIT and other Catholic schools during MC's summer internship program. Click here to view the article.
Scholastic Arts Award Winner
Kristen Marchant '24, was recognized by Scholastic Art Awards with an Honorable Mention Award for her drawing entitled, "The Joys of Being Two."

Since 1923, the Alliance for Young Writers and Artists has identified teenagers with exceptional creative talent and brought their remarkable work to a national audience through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Kristen, congratulations on a job well done!
Catholic Schools Week
This week, Malden Catholic celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a variety of events and activities, including a special Mass presided over by Father Sheridan, donations of canned goods, hats, mittens, scarves, gloves, and hygiene products from students and families throughout the week for those less fortunate and a "Twin Day" dress down day.

Congratulations to the Grade 9 Student Council and the entire Grade 9 class who donated the highest amount of canned goods! A special Grade 9 Dress Down Day will be chosen for a day later in February. Way to go!

MC homerooms also joined in a special exercise related to "Prayer to Our Lady Undoer of Knots." In this exercise, students, faculty, and staff were invited to write down things in their lives they want to let go ("knots in their lives") on a strip of fabric. The strips were then tied to a rope which was strung across Our Lady of the Rosary courtyard symbolizing the message that we are two divisions, but one school.
Accepted Student Rolling Rally
The Accepted Student Rolling Rally will be held on Saturday, February 19 from 11 AM - 1 PM in the MC parking lot for over 200 incoming students and their families. We are very excited about welcoming the Class of 2026 into Malden Catholic family!

The MC parents who signed up to volunteer for Admissions events at the MC Parent Club meeting last fall have been contacted to assist with the Rally. MC students will be able to sign up to volunteer for the Rolling Rally this week during lunch periods. If you would like to added to the volunteer list for positions that are still available, please email Missy Barrett at Missybarrett727@gmail.com.
In Memoriam Mrs. Christine Johnson
A Prayer for Mrs. Christine Johnson

Our Malden Catholic community was saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Christine Johnson, a longtime, beloved member of Malden Catholic's faculty from 1977 through 2007. 

A teacher of Spanish and Chair of the Foreign Language Department for most of those 30 years, Christine was a vibrant presence to the life of the School. As co-moderator of the Student Council – many of those years with Bob Bucchino – she had her finger on the pulse of school life, was a strong supporter of Campus Ministry activities and all-variety of charitable drives and poured tremendous energy into the annual successes of our Junior-Senior Prom as well as our many other school dances and events. She retired from teaching at the conclusion of the 2006-2007 school year.

We pray that God welcomes Christine into the Kingdom prepared for her, that memories of her humor, heart, dedication, and charity may inspire us, and that her family be consoled by God’s loving care and by their happy memories of Christine at this time of loss. May she rest in God’s peace. 

Brother Thomas Puccio, CFX, Ed.D.
Prom 2004
Sports
Winter Sports
Spectator Policy Update for All Home Athletic Events (Effective Immediately)

Due to the decrease in positivity rates, there will be no limitation on spectator attendance at home athletic contests. All friends and family members are welcome to attend. Please note that masks are required by all spectators at athletic events.

Streaming Service will continue to be offered for the following sports:

Doherty Gymnasium (Basketball, Wrestling)
NFHS Network - NFHSNetwork.com

Valley Forum Ice Rink (Hockey)
My Hockey Live - MyHockeyLive.com

Mystic Valley Pool (Swimming)
MC Athletics Twitter - @MCAthletics1

Schedules are subject to change. Please refer to the https://maldencatholichighschoolma.bigteams.com/ website for updates. Some services require a subscription and changes to the schedule may affect ability for streaming.
Winter Senior Banners Store is Now Open!
The Winter Senior Banners store is now open to purchase senior athlete banners through Dracut Threads. As senior pictures are taken, the pictures will be added and banners can be purchased anytime through this link. Seniors will receive their banners during Senior week this Spring and will also be on display in the school.
Monday, February 7
TBA Girls Varsity Indoor Track OPEN TBA Away
5:00 PM Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Home vs Ursuline Academy

Tuesday, February 8
3:30 PM Boys Freshman Basketball Home vs Xaverian Brothers High School
4:00 PM Girls JV Basketball @ Shawsheen Valley Tech
5:30 PM Girls Varsity Basketball @ Shawsheen Valley Tech
5:00 PM Boys JV Basketball Home vs Xaverian Brothers HS
6:30 PM Boys Varsity Basketball Home vs Xaverian Brothers HS
7:00 PM Boys Varsity Ice Hockey @ Xaverian Brothers HS

Wednesday, February 9
4:20 PM Boys JV Ice Hockey @ St. John's Prep School
5:00 PM Girls JV Basketball Home vs Medford HS
6:30 PM Girls Varsity Basketball Home vs Medford HS

Thursday, February 10
No events scheduled

Friday, February 11
3:30 PM Boys Freshman Basketball Home vs St. John's HS
5:00 PM Girls JV Basketball @ Fontbonne Academy
6:30 PM Girls Varsity Basketball @ Fontbonne Academy
5:00 PM Boys JV Basketball Home vs St. John's HS
6:30 PM Boys Varsity Basketball Home vs St. John's HS
8:00 PM Girls Varsity Ice Hockey vs Haverhill High School

Saturday, February 12
TBA Boys Varsity Wrestling OPEN Wrestling DII Central Sectionals at Bellingham
TBA Boys Varsity Indoor Track OPEN Last Chance to Qualify Meet B
9:20 AM Boys Freshman Ice Hockey Home vs St. John's HS
11:40 AM Girls JV Ice Hockey Home vs Winchester High School
4:10 PM Boys Varsity Ice Hockey @ St. John's HS
6:20 PM Boys JV Ice Hockey @ St. John's HS

Sunday, February 13
10:00 AM Boys JV Ice Hockey @ Xaverian Brothers HS
11:30 AM Boys Freshman Ice Hockey @ Xaverian Brothers HS
1:30 PM Girls Varsity Ice Hockey @ Bishop Feehan HS
5:30 PM Girls JV Ice Hockey @ Andover HS