John Thornburg
Headmaster
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Dear Families,
Years ago, when I was a Biology teacher, I planned out one of the biggest gardens in the neighborhood near the school where I was teaching. It was adjacent the school's football field so the teachers, students and parents passed by the garden regularly. I proudly showed off the garden to my friends, boastfully talked about it at school and looked forward to the recognition my garden brought to me.
Despite all my confidence and skill, I soon realized that I needed help developing the soil so the plants would meet my high standards. My mother and stepfather were planning to visit for the weekend, so I decided to enlist their help to spread manure.
The morning after they arrived, the three of us grabbed the school’s dump truck and headed over to a local horse farm to purchase a load of fresh manure. The owner of the farm was kind enough to help me load the truck full of dung. I drove my mom and stepfather towards my prized garden and explained my plan - they would crawl into the open boxed bed with pitchforks and throw the manure on the garden while I slowly drove the truck along the edge. I was surprised when my mother and stepfather flatly refused to accept the job.
Instead, my stepfather offered to drive the truck and told me to grab the pitchfork. I muttered under my breath and took my position on top of the mountain of horse manure in the truck bed while my mom walked to a vantage point on the street to watch. My stepfather got behind the wheel, gently tilted the back of the truck (so the manure would slide out) and started the engine. Skillfully balanced on the large pile of tilted manure while moving slowly over the bumpy field, I tossed the manure off the truck.
I successfully maintained my footing during the first pass and was convinced that my mom would be impressed with my agility. Suddenly, and without warning, my stepfather slammed on the brake. The truck lurched to a halt and I fell into the manure face-first. My mom and stepfather laughed uncontrollably while I dug myself out of the manure. To this day, I still wonder if he did it on purpose.
One of our Xaverian Spiritual Values is humility. It can be defined as “a modest opinion or estimate of one’s importance."
I lacked humility in my garden planning. I would like to be able to tell you that the lesson I learned made me more humble, but I find this virtue to be an elusive one. As soon as I talk about the importance of being humble and what it looks like, I feel like I'm back in the dump truck trying to demonstrate my skill. Humility does not come easily, and we can all become boastful in certain situations.
Our Lord Jesus said in Luke 6:42, "How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye."
Our Lord calls us to be humble, like Him, and this is why we embrace this virtue. We are called because humility is needed in our lives and our daily experiences. It provides the groundwork for our growth and allows the Lord and others to teach us. It is then that we become the garden He desires. My garden “pride” ended where so many of our efforts do - in the pits. This is why modeling humility means we need to “walk the talk". We need to remember to be grateful and less prideful every day.
Thank you for your support,
John K. Thornburg
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Monday, November 1
Day 2
No Classes - Grading Day
Tuesday, November 2
Day 3
COVID-19 Testing in the Gym - 7:00 AM
Baby Clothing Drive - last collection day
Wednesday, November 3
Day 4
Canned Food Drive
Thursday, November 4
Day 5
Friday, November 5
Day 6
Praying of the Rosary - in Latin
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Faculty Spotlight: Ms. Bailey Chiccuarelli - Math Teacher |
Dear Malden Catholic Community,
I am fortunate and grateful to be one of the new Math teachers at Malden Catholic. I have lived in Malden my whole life, so joining MC and sharing my love of math with students is a perfect fit!
Last year, I was teaching in Swampscott in the special education program. I was able to successfully navigate the hybrid model and I feel as if the experience teaching through the pandemic set a strong foundation for being able to reach students and respond to their needs with flexible and effective techniques. This year, I am very excited to be in the classroom full time, and I truly enjoy the synergy, energy and connection the live classroom setting brings.
I graduated from Boston College, so I am familiar with the value and benefits of Catholic education. The idea of service and “men and women for others” is something emphasized at Boston College and I plan to bring these principles into my classroom. It is my goal to help students not only learn math, but also become better people.
Personally, I love sports, and this year I joined the Girls Volleyball program as the JV coach and the assistant Varsity coach. Getting to see the girls every day and watch them grow outside the classroom has been very rewarding as well.
I am thrilled to be working with the amazing group of Malden Catholic faculty and staff who have welcomed me with open arms into the community. I can't wait to meet the MC families and see what the rest of the year will bring!
Ms. Chiccuarelli
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COVID-19 Update Webinar and Testing |
COVID-19 Webinar and Q&A
Last week, Malden Catholic hosted a live webinar that included a review of MC's winter policies and provided updated information regarding COVID-19 from two medical experts, Dr. David King and Dr. Flor M. Amaya. The audience was able to ask questions throughout the webinar. The full list of answers will be sent to families next week to provide additional information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, boosters and news regarding the pandemic.
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Tuesday 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 Morning 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:
Fisher College
Tuesday, November 2 - Room 106
Keene State College
Wednesday, November 3 - Room 106
University of Toronto
Wednesday, November 3 - Room 121
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health
Thursday, November 4 - Science Room 106
University of Miami
Thursday, November 4 - Room 121
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Friday, November 5 - Room 121
Regis College
Friday, November - Room 106
Interview Day - Assumption University on 11.8
Assumption University will be conducting one-on-one interviews on Monday, November 8th at Malden Catholic.
Interested seniors MUST sign up in school counseling prior to interview day. Any questions please see Mrs. DelGenio in School Counseling.
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Bread of Life Food Drive 11.3 - 11.22 |
Malden Catholic is once again supporting the excellent work provided at Bread of Life, a faith-based ministry serving the communities north of Boston. Beginning Wednesday, 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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Hugh O'Brien Leadership Seminar Essay due 11.9 |
The 2022 MA HOBY (Massachusetts Hugh O’Brien Leadership Seminar) will be held in person at Bentley University on June 10-12, 2022. Four seats are currently available for Grade 10 students (2 for boys and 2 for girls) to represent Malden Catholic at the event.
To apply, please write a 500 word essay on the following topic: "Describe the most rewarding and challenging aspects of being a leader at Malden Catholic and the community." Essays are due to the School Counseling office by Tuesday, November 9. They can be brought to Mrs. DelGenio’s office or emailed to her at [email protected].
The winners will be selected by the School Counseling Office and the Administration. Students will be notified on November 12th. Please apply only if you can commit to attending on the June 10-12 dates.
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Parent/Teacher Conferences - 11.10 |
Malden Catholic's Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, November 10th from 3 - 5 PM and from 6:30 - 8 PM. The conferences will be in-person drop-in 5-minute meetings with teachers. Sign-up is not required. Please be sure to mark your calendar if you are interested in a Parent/Teacher conference. |
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ALS/MS Walk for Living - 11.12 from 12 -3 PM |
The ALS - MS Walk for Living supports The Leonard Florence Center in Chelsea and the MC ALS - MS Walk for Living will take place on Friday, November 12, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm on the track of Brother Gilbert Stadium. Students can still participate and register on-line for $15 with the “Malden Catholic” Team. Please make sure your name is visible on Team fundraising page. Adult registration is $20. Brother Thomas Puccio is listed as MC Team captain. Every dollar raised goes directly to support the financial needs of the Center, which provides 24/7 care for those living with ALS or Multiple Sclerosis. As an added incentive, students will receive one (1) Christian Service hour for each hour they walk the track.
ALS has touched the lives of many in our Malden Catholic community. 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 (MC ’99), bravely living through his several-year ALS diagnosis as normally as possible with family. Xaverian Brother Joseph Comber, recently deceased, lived his last three years at the Leonard Florence Center, with the care of Brother Timothy Hoey, former MC Social Studies Chair. Through this Walk we honor Tim, Chris, Brother Joe and their companions Every single dollar raised goes directly back to patient care and programs for the ALS and MS residents at Leonard Florence.
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COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Clinic - 11.15 |
To provide the best protection possible for our community, the MGH/Brigham Mobile Vaccination Van will be at Malden Catholic for COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots on November 15. Both the Pfizer and Moderna boosters doses will be available. Please email Nurse Paquette if you are interested in receiving a vaccine or booster at [email protected].
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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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What's Happening Around MC? |
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Halloween Costume Day was a huge hit at Malden Catholic. We hope you have a wonderful Halloween! |
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Women in Engineering and Computing Career Day |
MC's SFX sophomore scholars attended the Women in Engineering and Computing Career Day which was hosted by UMass Amherst's College of Engineering. Students recently participated in engineering/computing activities, heard from panel experts and learned about industry careers and job opportunities. |
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Class of 2026 Presentations and Tours |
Malden Catholic is currently hosting small group in-person presentations and school tours for the Class of 2026 parents and students. If you know of any perspective incoming families that would like to have a tour and learn more about MC by hearing from our Administrators and current parents and students, please have them register through this link or contact Mrs. Mustone at [email protected].
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Malden Catholic Students and The MC Green Team Enhance Malden’s Howard Park |
The MC Green Team and several MC students spent last Saturday helping to clean up and plant bushes behind Malden Catholic's tennis court areas in Malden’s Howard Park. Thank you to everyone who assisted with this project! It looks wonderful!
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Thank you to the parents who joined us for the MC Parent Club meeting last week. Mr. James J. Grocki Jr., the Assistant Principal for Student Life shared information regarding the many ways MC students can enhance their experience by participating in co-curricular activities. We encourage all MC students to get involved with co-curricular clubs and activities and encourage them to learn more about available opportunities through this link.
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MIAA Tournament Dates
Soccer Fall Tournament 2021
Boys Division 2
Girls Division 4
Preliminary Round thru Round of 8 (played at higher seed): 11/4/2021-11/13/2021
State Semi Finals (played at neutral sites): 11/16/2021-11/17/2021
State Finals (played at neutral sights): November 19, 2021 - November 20, 2021
Volleyball Fall Tournament 2021
Girls Division 4
Preliminary Round thru Round of 8 (played at higher seed): 11/3/2021 - 11/13/2021
State Semi-Finals (played at neutral sites):
11/16/2021 - 11/17/2021
State Finals (played at neutral sites):
11/19/2021 - 11/20/2021
Cross Country Fall Tournament 2021
Division 1 (Boys)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2021 @ WRENTHAM DEVELOPMENT CENTER
10:00 a.m. Boys Division 1A 11:30 a.m. Boys Division 1B 1:00 p.m. Boys Division 1C
10:45 a.m. Girls Division 1A 12:15 p.m. Girls Division 1B 1:45 p.m. Girls Division 1C
Division 2 (Girls)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2021 @ GARDNER GOLF COURSE
10:00 a.m. Boys Division 2A 11:30 a.m. Boys Division 2B 1:00 p.m. Boys Division 2C
10:45 a.m. Girls Division 2A 12:15 p.m. Girls Division 2B 1:45 p.m. Girls Division 2C
Sectional Swimming & Diving Tournaments
Girls Division 1
DUE TO SITE CRITERIA & CAPACITY LIMITATIONS, SPECTATORS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
Division 1 & Division 2 Sectionals are being held at Worcester Poly Tech (WPI) on November 7, 2021.
State Swimming & Diving Tournaments
DUE TO SITE CRITERIA & CAPACITY LIMITATIONS, SPECTATORS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED AT ANY OF THE VENUES.
The MIAA State Swimming Championships will be held at the Boston Sports Institute in Wellesley.
Division 1 will be held on November 13, 2021 starting at 3:15 pm
Football Fall Tournament Dates 2021
Round of 16 Nov. 5-6, 2021
Round of 8 Nov. 12-13, 2021
State Semi-Finals/Round of 4 Nov. 19-20,
2021 Thanksgiving Nov. 25, 2021
2021 Championship TBD
This Week in Athletics
Monday, November 1
Girls Varsity Volleyball Scrimmage Home vs Northeast Metro Regional Vocational (Senior Night) Varsity Only | 5:30 PM
Tuesday, November 2
Girls Varsity Cross Country at Girls Catholic Conference Championship @ Notre Dame Academy - Hingham | 4:00 PM
Wednesday, November 3
Girls Varsity Volleyball Prelims TBD | 4:00 PM
Thursday, November 4
Girls Varsity Soccer at MIAA Preliminary Round | TBD
Friday, November 5
Boys Varsity Football TBD MIAA Playoffs | 7:00 PM
Saturday, November 6
No events scheduled
Sunday, November 7
Girls Varsity Swimming MIAA Swim Sectionals at WPI | TBD
Be sure to follow MC Athletics @MCAthletics1 for updates to tournament dates and locations.
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