John Thornburg
Headmaster
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Dear Families,
One Christmas, I gave my five-year-old son a toy train set. My father was a railroad engineer, and I always had a fascination with trains. Over the years, my father gave my son and I several real train rides; the two of us were always captivated by the engines.
In preparation for giving my son the gift, I prepared a platform, painted a large piece of plywood green, added some buildings and mounted the train track. I even added the emblem of my father's railroad line on the locomotive.
My son was excited to receive the gift. We immediately set up the train in his room and spent the morning running the train around the track as amateur yardmasters. It didn’t take long for me to realize that lining up the small wheels of the train on the track requires a certain amount of dexterity quite challenging for a five year-old when the train derailed.
After a few hours, I walked down downstairs to the kitchen to make us some breakfast. My son shared his room with his younger brother, so through the baby monitor, I could hear my son playing with his train on the receiver. I also heard the train careen off the tracks. Under his breath my son responded, “Gotta go get Dad.” Within a few minutes, he appeared in the kitchen and asked for help.
I found his words endearing. Those words reflected his child-like dependence on me. He needed his father when his train went off the tracks. Without hesitation, my son sought out the one person who designed and delivered the gift to him, the one who loved him unconditionally. I happened to hear him articulate an innate parent-child dependence and that moment has stayed with me.
Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, “Truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like a little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” I am not a theologian or pretend to understand the verse completely, but I do believe there is an important takeaway here. As in the case of my son and his derailed train, he easily recognized when he needed help and unabashedly asked for it. Christ modeled this kind of faith with His dependence on His heavenly Father. We too, must do the same.
This experience has allowed me to reflect on my “train” as it heads down the track of life and sometimes derails when reaching difficult points in life. Do I instantly say, “Gotta go get Dad” when I lack the skill to do so, or do I try to put my life back on track by myself?
Whether we are within the walls at Malden Catholic or beyond, we are all called to assist, to guide and to teach our students to develop a faith that helps keep them on track as much as possible. My prayer is that we can all model both dependence and independence well.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. ---Proverbs 3:5-6
Thank you for your support,
John K. Thornburg
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Monday, November 15
Day 3
COVID-19 Testing in the Gym - 7:00 AM
Mobile Vaccination Clinic - 12 - 4 PM
Make-A-Wish Wish-Granting - 2:30 PM
Tuesday, November 16
Day 4
Dodgeball Tournament - 3 PM
Cheerleading Showcase in the gym - 6 PM
Wednesday, November 17
Day 5
Leadership Day - 1:15 PM
ALS Walk on the track - 2 PM
International Student Thanksgiving - 3 PM
Fall Sports Awards in the gym- 6 PM
Thursday, November 18
Day 6
Friday, November 19
Day 7
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Faculty Spotlight: Mrs. Verrocchi- English Teacher |
Dear Malden Catholic Community,
I am blessed to join the Malden Catholic family in the English department. In many ways joining MC is coming full circle for me. As a lifelong Catholic school student and having experienced MC through my older brother who graduated as a Lancer, I believe I have come back home. Graduating high school from Nazareth Academy gave me experience in an all-girls environment as well.
At Merrimack College, I earned my Bachelor's degree in Education and Psychology from Merrimack College, and my Master's degree from Lesley University in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Literacy. Recently, I returned to Lesley and completed a graduate certificate program in Childhood and Adolescent Trauma. I also hold and maintain several state licenses in education. Currently, I am in pursuit of my Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS).
I began my professional career teaching in a Catholic school, then transitioned to Stoneham Public Schools, most recently as a middle school English and History teacher. My collective personal and professional experience has equipped me with a variety of best practices and skills to educate the whole child. This 18-year career has led me to work in many different roles, with students of all ages and backgrounds.
I love teaching English, and I am extremely passionate about leading young adults to become the best well-rounded versions of themselves so they can become successful members of society. Leading by example, I am motivated to meet each student where they are and get them to where they want to be regardless of the challenges they may face.
This year through my role in the English department, as a Student Council moderator and whatever else comes along the way, I hope to inspire the MC student body that with passion, dedication and hard work the sky is the limit! "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” ~ Proverbs 22:6
In my personal time, I enjoy tutoring students and working at my family business. I also enjoy spending time with my husband, family and friends. I have a love for fitness, real estate, food and travel. I am most excited and looking forward to welcoming my first child in the Spring!
I am proud to be a Lancer and feel like I have been here for years!
Mrs. Lisa Verrocchi
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During Malden Catholic's live webinar, parents had a variety of questions related to COVID-19 vaccinations. Nurse Paquette and Dr. David King compiled the answers and provided information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, boosters and news regarding the pandemic. If you would like to get a COViD-19 vaccine or a booster shot, the MGH Vaccine and Booster Van will be at MC from 1 - 4 PM. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to our Nurse's office.
Seating Adjustment for Lunch Periods
Beginning Monday, November 15, Malden Catholic will adjust the seating during lunch periods to provide more distance between students while dining.
- There will be a limit of 4 seats per 6-foot table in the cafeteria. (Currently there are 6 seats per table.)
- 80 additional seats will be available in the gym to provide additional seating area for students during lunch.
Support for Sick and Quarantined Students
Malden Catholic is fortunate that we have not had a large number of positive COVID-19 cases. However, for those students who are out for extended time due to illness or quarantine, we would like to reiterate our policy for helping student’s stay on track with their schoolwork.
- The goal is to ensure that students are able to answer essential questions and master important concepts and skills.
- Teachers will continue to provide homework and classwork via Google Classroom.
- Teachers will email students PowerPoint presentations, notes, videos, class outline, and/or any other important information that will allow students to continue their learning while not participating in the classroom.
- Students are responsible for making up assessments within a reasonable timeframe upon their return to school.
- Teachers are always available before or after school to review missed work with students.
- School Counselors are always available to support your son/daughter as he/she transitions back to school.
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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. Students who arrive after 7:45 AM and have a first period class will be assigned a detention.
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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This year, many colleges have elected to visit Malden Catholic in person, along with several schools that will be visiting virtually. We encourage all Grade 11 and Grade 12 students to sign up in advance in Naviance and attend these visits, which will be held at 2:20 PM on the following days:
Binghamton University
Monday, November 15 - Room 121
Seton Hall University
Monday, November 15 - Room 106
University of New Haven
Tuesday, November 16 - - Room 106
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Wednesday, November 17 - Room 121
Hawaii Pacific University
Thursday, November 18 - Room 106
Mercyhurst University
Thursday, November 18 - Room 121
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COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Van at MC - 11.15 from 12 - 4 |
To provide the greatest possible protection for our community, the MGH/Brigham Mobile Vaccination Van will be parked adjacent to the tent at Malden Catholic for COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots on Monday, November 15 from 12 - 4 PM. Both the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines and booster doses will be available. Individuals who have received a Moderna vaccine may receive a Pfizer booster after 6+ months.
If you would like to register, please email Nurse Paquette at [email protected] with your name and date of birth. Insurance cards are not required. Walk-ups are also welcome!
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Make-A-Wish Club Ice Cream Fundraiser - 11.15 |
We are delighted to announce that Malden Catholic's Make-A-Wish Club will begin fundraising for the next 2021/2022 wish by selling Philip R's Ice Cream Bon Bons for $15. To place an order, please use this link: https://www.icecream-desserts.com/contact/
Orders are due by Monday, November 15th and pickup will be on Friday, November 19th at 2:15 PM in the back parking lot. All orders must be prepaid via Venmo to Philip Rotondo - @PhilipRs. If you have any questions, please contact Philip Rotondo at [email protected].
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Photo Retake Day and Senior Portraits - Rescheduled for 11.17
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Students in Grades 9 - 12 who did not get a photo for their ID cards or would like to retake their photos will be able to do so on Wednesday, November 17 at 8 AM. If your son or daughter would like to have their photo taken, please email Mrs. Andrea Tracey at [email protected] by Monday, November 15. Students must receive permission from a parent/guardian to retake their picture.
For anyone who has not yet taken a Senior portrait, please sign up for a time through this link:
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The ALS/MS Walk for Living - 11.17 at 2 PM |
The MC ALS - MS Walk for Living will take place on Wednesday, November 17, at 2 PM on the track of Brother Gilbert Stadium. The Walk is in support of the Leonard Florence Center in Chelsea, and registration is $20 through this link.
ALS has touched the lives of many in our Malden Catholic community and through this Walk, we honor these individuals and their families. This summer we mourned the death of Tim Paquette ’07, son of Nurse Elizabeth Paquette and Swim Coach Rick Paquette. Some of you may have seen recent media spots on Chris Snow '99, bravely living through his several-year ALS diagnosis as normally as possible with family. If you are free, please consider joining us on the track of Brother Gilbert Stadium.
Every dollar raised for the event goes directly back to patient care and programs for the ALS and MS residents at Leonard Florence Center which provides 24/7 care for those living with ALS or Multiple Sclerosis.
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International Student Thanksgiving - 11.17 |
Our international students will celebrate MC;s International Student Thanksgiving on Wednesday, November 17 at 3 PM in the cafeteria. This annual event provides an opportunity for students from other countries to experience a true American holiday and see how friends and families gather to give thanks for the blessings in the lives. Fr. Joseph Zhang, Pastor of St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Boston will join us for the event. International students who plan on attending must R.S.V.P. via email to Mrs. DiMarco at [email protected]
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Leadership Program Launch - 11.17 |
This week, Malden Catholic is launching the 2021 - 2022 Leadership Program with targeted studies and courses for students in Grades 9 - 12. Leadership programming will be held throughout the year on the following dates: November 17, December 15, January 19, February 16 , March 16 and April 13.
Grade 9
Social Emotional Learning and Character Development - Character Strong Program
- Emotion Understanding & Regulation: How We Feel and How We Act
- Empathy & Compassion: What We Understand & How We Care
- Values and Purpose: Who We Are and What We Do
- Goals & Habits: The Dreams We Have & the Actions To Get There
- Leadership & Teamwork: Developing Agency & Working Together
Grade 10
Entrepreneurial Skills, Financial Literacy and Passion Projects - Youth With Impact Program
- Do What You Truly Love: transforming passion plans into a business or nonprofit
- Learn Entrepreneurial Skills: exploration of why entrepreneurship is the key to future success in any career path
- Differentiate Yourself: discover and develop the skills and confidence to really stand-out from the crowd
Grade 11
Communications, College Readiness and Career Planning
- Career Day Program
- Includes a Career Day in Spring 2022 for Grade 11
Grade 12
Servant Leadership Programming
- MCLI: Malden Catholic Leadership Institute (completed)
- Senior Christian Project planning and execution
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Bread of Life Food Drive - 11.22 |
Malden Catholic is once again supporting the excellent work provided by Bread of Life, a faith-based ministry serving the communities north of Boston. Beginning November 3 and running through November 22nd, MC will collect non-perishable food items to help support Bread of Life's mission to "to feed the body and nurture the soul." Please leave your donation in one of the boxes near the reception desk. |
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The December MC Parent Book Club Meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 7 at 6:30 PM at the Keran's home. The group will be reading The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss.
You may attend in person or dial in through the attached link: https://sanofi.zoom.com/j/9307039967. (Meeting ID: 930 703 9967.) Book Club members will also make wreaths for the holiday that evening and hold a Yankee Swap for those who attend ($30 limit). For more information or to R.S.V.P., please contact [email protected]
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What's Happening Around MC? |
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Day of the Dead Coloring Contest |
Spanish Club recently held a coloring contest in honor of Day of the Dead. We would like to thank Mrs. Crotty for moderating the club and organizing the contest. We also thank Mr. O'Donnell for judging the art. Congratulations to our winners... way to go!
- First Place - Valerie Umipig
- Second Place - Rachel Burke
- Third Place - Emerson Tully
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Malden Catholic students are required to perform an increasing amount of Christian Service hours each year. Throughout the year, students are asked to record their hours on the Mobile Serve app. The following is a short list of potential organizations for students to contact to volunteer for service opportunities.
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The Malden Catholic Daily Announcements are shared with students in homeroom each day as an informative reminder regarding clubs, student activities and daily events. We have now included the Daily Announcements on the navigation bar of the Malden Catholic website so that parents and students will have access to the content that is shared each day in school.
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Winter sports registration deadline is this week.
Winter sports include Basketball, Hockey, Indoor Track, Swim, Wrestling and Cheerleading.
Parents/Guardians must register their daughter/son by Tuesday, November 16, 2021. This includes uploading a current physical. Student-athletes must be registered and approved by the nurse's office to tryout on Tuesday, November 16th. There is a minimum of 24 hrs. between registration and approval. Student-athletes will not be allowed to participate in tryouts or practice if they are not approved by the nurse's office.
Boys Division Registration
Girls Division Registration
Cheerleading Showcase:
Tuesday, November 16 at 6:00 PM in the Doherty Gymnasium
Fall Sports Awards:
Wednesday, November 17 at 6:00 PM in the Doherty Gymnasium. Masks are required and we are asking students to sit with their family.
MC Spirit Store is now open. All orders must be placed by Sunday, November 14 for Christmas delivery.
THIS IS A LAST CHANCE TO ORDER FOR HOLIDAY DELIVERY.
Be sure to follow MC Athletics @MCAthletics1 for updates to tournament dates and locations.
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