John Thornburg
Headmaster
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Dear Families,
The adaptor that provides power to my laptop computer was not working - again. The first adaptor, fresh out of the box, was faulty and needed to be returned. My second adaptor, just a few weeks old, now was flashing yellow light (instead of the normal white light) from the on/off button. I checked to make sure that each wire was connected and turned the machine on and off. The yellow light, however, still shone brightly - which was a sure sign that this second adaptor had fallen. I was frustrated.
I contacted our IT Department, who quickly dropped off another new adaptor. Carefully, I made sure to hook up the connectors correctly to my laptop and to a power source. I pushed the on/off button and was greeted by another yellow light. This third adaptor looked to be faulty as well. Before contacting the IT Department again, I did a quick search online to see how to solve the problem. It wasn't long before I found the answer.
"When the laptop is connected to the wrong port, the yellow light will come on."
This couldn't be the case! I had meticulously checked to make sure everything was connected properly. Following the online directions, I changed my laptop connection to the recommended port and the white light came on indicating that everything was working properly again. The adaptor was not the problem... I had not connected it properly to the machine.
Our Lord offers a connection to us through our faith. He tells us of the Holy Spirit in the Book of John, "The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you." We are not here alone but are offered a spiritual connection to God. It is essential that we are connected to Him. If not, we may experience a "yellow light" and lack the strength, peace, or other spiritual blessings the Lord offers us. Just as I had blamed my laptop adaptor, it can be easy to blame God when things don't work as we expect. At those times, we need to reflect and make sure our connection to God is as it should be.
"God, I believe that at this quiet moment, I am in your presence, and You are now loving me. Come in, Holy Spirit. God, help me now to review the events of this day to recognize You in all parts of my life. God, please forgive the times I have fallen short, and strengthen my attempts to follow You. Enlighten me so that my future choices praise, reverence and serve You above all else."
May we all continue to strengthen our connection with our Lord and ourselves.
Thank you for your support,
John K. Thornburg
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Monday, October 4
Day 6
Unvaccinated Students PCR Testing | 7 AM
Friends of the Unborn Baby and Infant Clothing Drive
Tuesday, October 5
Day 7
Wednesday, October 6
Day 1
Grades 9 and 10 report to their assigned Advisory Groups | 1 PM
Grades 11 and 12 are dismissed | 1 PM
Thursday, October 7
Day 2
Friday, October 8
Day 3
Praying of the Rosary | 7:30 AM
Varsity Football Heroes' Night | 6 PM
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Faculty Spotlight: Amanda Drezeck - MC Student Counselor |
Dear Malden Catholic Community,
I am delighted to be joining the School Counseling team at Malden Catholic. I am originally from Marblehead, MA, and I completed both my undergraduate and graduate work at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA.
After completing my Master’s degree in Human Development and Counseling in 2004 I began my career working at Thompson Middle School in Newport, RI. For over 15 years, I worked as a school counselor with all grade levels including elementary, middle and high school. I moved back to the East Coast in 2013 after spending a couple of years in San Diego with my husband and more recently, worked as a school counselor at Bishop Fenwick in Peabody.
Collectively, my experiences have set a strong foundation for my work. I believe that every student is unique, and my personal mission is to help each student reach his/her maximum potential. I also enjoy assisting students and their families in developing academic and personal excellence, healthy school and community connections, exploring college and career opportunities and preparing students to become respectful and contributing citizens.
In addition, I am a proud mom of two boys, Jaxon and Brody and enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I truly enjoy working with the students and families at Malden Catholic and look forward to getting to know everyone in the weeks to come.
Mrs. Drezeck
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Registration Link for PCR Testing. Plus, MC Partners with Curative to Offer No Cost COVID-19 Testing for the Community |
Monday Morning Testing for Unvaccinated Students - REGISTRATION LINK FOR PCR TESTING
Malden Catholic is currently using PCR surveillance testing. Testing opens at 7 AM and students will enter through Door 7 to the gym. Please check-in at the testing tables, do a self-swab test and drop the test in a box. Students do not have to wait for test results but may proceed to their first period class. Students who arrive after 7:45 AM and have a first period class will be assigned a detention. Test results will be returned within 48 hours.
No Cost COVID-19 Morning Testing at MC
Malden Catholic requires that all unvaccinated students continue to take a COVID-19 test every Monday. Recently, MC has expanded the testing service, partnering with Curative, an essential health services provider, to offer COVID-19 testing at no cost for all families in the community. Tests will be taken at MC's testing kiosk located behind the school, and results will be delivered electronically within 24 - 48 upon receipt of the sample at the lab.
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. For more information, visit curative.com.
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Senior College Planning Event and College Visits |
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.
Syracuse University
Monday, October 4 - Room 106
Curry College
Monday, October 4 - Room 121
Stony Brook University
Tuesday, October 5 - Room 106
Bentley University
Tuesday, October 5 - Room 121
Dean College
Wednesday, October 6 - Room 106
Emmanuel College
Wednesday, October 6 - Room 121
George Mason University
Thursday, October 7 - Room 106
University of New England
Thursday, October 7 - Room 121
Springfield College
Friday, October 8 - Room 106
Bucknell University
Friday, October 8 - Room 121
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FAFSA Night - 10.5 at 6:30 PM |
Senior families are encouraged to join us for MC's annual FAFSA Night on October 5 at 6:30 PM. Patricia Reilly, Director of Financial Aid at Tufts University will join us to review the FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student A id), required by all colleges for financial aid purposes, line by line, so our families can confidently complete their forms. Due to Tufts' COVID-19 protocol, the event will be held remotely via GoToWebinar. Please register through this link:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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PSAT for Grades 9, 10 & 11 - 10.13 |
As part of our comprehensive school and college counseling program, Malden Catholic provides students with the opportunity to take the PSAT, also known as the Practice or Preliminary SAT. All 10th and 11th grade students are required to take the PSAT at MC on October 13th. Grade 9 students will also take the PSAT 8/9 on the same day. Parents do not need to sign up their student for the tests.
The PSAT covers two sections: Evidenced- Based Reading and Writing (sometimes referred to as the "Verbal" section) and Mathematics. Counselors will then use the scores to help students understand their current college preparedness including areas of strength and areas in need of improvement.
Grade 12 will use October 13 as a College Visit Day and will not report to school.
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MC Parent Club Meeting - 10.12 at 6 PM |
Please mark your calendar for the next Malden Catholic Parent Club (MCPC) Meeting that will be held on Tuesday, October 12 at 6 PM in the cafeteria. Mr. James Grocki, the Assistant Principal for Student Life will be the guest speaker. He will discuss the many ways students can enhance their MC experience this year by becoming involved with a variety of co-curricular activities. All parents are invited and encouraged to attend!
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LancerPalooza - 10.15 at 4:30 PM |
MC students and members of the community are invited to join us for the 3rd annual LancerPalooza event that will be held on Friday, October 15 in front of the school from 4 - 6:30 PM. Tickets, valued at $5, will be distributed to all MC students during home room for spending on a variety food trucks. LancerPalooza will also feature games, contests and entertainment and guests are encouraged to cheer on the Lancers at 7 PM for the football game against Xaverian High School. Members of the MC community including parents, siblings and alumni are also invited to join in the fun! |
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2021 Alumni Soccer Game - 10.18 at 6 PM |
Malden Catholic will host the 2021 Alumni Soccer Game on October 18 from 6 - 9 PM on the Brother Gilbert field. If you are interested in joining in the fun, please email Scott Elias at [email protected]. |
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What's Happening Around MC |
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The MC Leadership Institute was held recently for the Girls Division on September 23rd and 24th and the Boys Division on September 27th and 28th. MCLI students discovered ways to incorporate the Xaverian values in their daily lives so they can ultimately become the best version of themselves.
We would like to thank the students, administrators, faculty and staff members who planned, participated and attended the leadership retreat!
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As part of the Public Art initiative in Melrose, Ella Feely '22 was asked to create a design for a parklet by the non-profit group entitled, Follow Your Art. Inspired by a trip to the aquarium, she designed colorful koi fish panels and provided direction to several middle school students to paint the panels for all to enjoy.
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Malden Climate Forum - Certificate for Outstanding Community Service |
In support of the City of Malden, MC hosted the Malden Climate Forum 2021 on Thursday, September 30. At the beginning of the event, Councilor Stephen Winslow and Senator Lewis presented Malden Catholic and the MC Green Team with a certificate for outstanding community service and protecting the environment in and around the City of Malden. Senator Markey also sent a message from Washington, D.C. to kick-off the evening. Congratulations, MC!
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The Campus Ministry team began its weekly Friday rosary session this past Friday. Dr. Stephen Baccari, Brother Thomas Puccio, and Theology Department Chair Robert Gregory led students in prayer outside in the Our Lady of the Rosary Courtyard. Please join us this coming Friday for Praying the Rosary at 7:30 AM.
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Guidelines and Links
In accordance with CDC, state and local guidelines and the current MC spectator policy, we are pleased to welcome back fans for the 2021-22 athletic seasons. Please note that masks will be required when inside Malden Catholic and attending any of the MC indoor athletic events. Our athletic events, whenever possible, will continue to be streamed on the NFHS Network with a subscription, which also allows you to watch away events at locations who are also members of the network. Here, you can follow any of our teams, and be notified of any schedule changes, view bus departure times and even print practice schedules through the Big Teams site at https://maldencatholichighschoolma.bigteams.com/. If you are not able attend MC football games live, they will now be livestreamed on MC’s new Athletics Live YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/.../UC5DF8zwNCz.../featured
Heroes' Night
Friday October 8th is Heroes’ Night at the Varsity Football at 6:00pm. Malden Catholic will be honoring local first responders and military members at Heroes Night. Current and retired members of the U.S. military and first responders are invited to attend the home football game vs. St. John’s Prep, where they will receive free admission with the presentation of a military ID or badge. A ceremonial coin toss will start the night. All are welcome to show their appreciation to our heroes.
Champions Choice Online Spirit Store open until Sunday, 10/3. You can order through the link above.
Monday, October 4
Girls Junior Varsity Soccer Home vs Mount Alvernia HS | 3:45 PM
Boys Varsity Golf at Catholic Memorial | 3:30 PM
Girls Varsity Soccer at Mount Alvernia HS | 3:45 PM
Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball @ Fontbonne Academy | 3:45 PM
Girls Varsity Volleyball @ Fontbonne Academy | 5:00 PM
Tuesday, October 5
Girls Freshman Volleyball at St Mary’s High School-Lynn | 3:00 PM
Boys Varsity Cross Country at St. John's High School | 4:00 PM
Boys Junior Varsity Soccer Home vs Xaverian Brothers High School | 4:00 PM
Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball at St Mary’s High School-Lynn | 4:00 PM
Girls Varsity Volleyball at St Mary’s High School-Lynn | 5:15 PM
Boys Varsity Soccer Home vs Xaverian Brothers High School | 6:00 PM
Wednesday, October 6
PM Boys Varsity Golf Home vs St. Joseph Prep | 3:30
Girls Varsity Field Hockey Home vs Ursuline Academy | 4:00 PM
Girls Junior Varsity Soccer at Mount Alvernia HS | 3:45 PM
Thursday, October 7
Boys Junior Varsity Golf Home vs St. John's High School | 3:15 PM
Girls Varsity Soccer St Mary’s High School-Lynn | 3:45 PM
Girls Junior Varsity Soccer St Mary’s High School-Lynn | 3:45 PM
Boys Varsity Golf at St. John's High School | 3:30 PM
Girls Varsity Field Hockey at Marblehead High School | 7:30 PM
Friday, October 8
Girls Varsity Swimming Home vs Boston Latin Academy | 3:30 PM
Boys Varsity Football Home vs St. John's Prep School *Heroes Night* | 6:00 PM
Saturday, October 9
Boys Junior Varsity Football at St. John's Prep School | 10:00 AM
Boys Varsity Cross Country at Fort Devens Challenge | 10:00 AM
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On Wednesday this past week, we had our first ever girls athletic Senior Night for Cross Country. Congratulations to the Seniors and thank you for helping to build your program! |
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