John Thornburg
Headmaster
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Dear Families,
We have successfully finished our first two weeks of school! Over the past fourteen days, we have had a lot of "firsts" - the first day of school with all four grades in each Division, our first outside school Mass, our first Girls Field Hockey team win, our first Girls Swim Team meet, and the first use of our new classrooms, new science lab and girls' locker room. Plus, we also had the first day of school at MC for 220 incoming students and 18 new faculty and staff. That is a lot of firsts!
All these experiences have provided us with opportunities for new beginnings. Students are learning the expectations of new faculty members, teachers are getting to know new students and parents are learning how to navigate the morning traffic (and not sure what is the best way to do this). As we adapt to the new routine with early mornings, homework and evening events, it is important to pace yourself and not to get too caught up in the rush of new activities and new-found responsibilities.
In cross-country running, there is a term for a runner who gets caught up in the excitement at the beginning of the race and then rushes out ahead of the other runners. This runner is called a "rabbit." Just like a rabbit, this runner springs ahead at a much faster pace, but typically can't sustain the high speed for the entire race. Just like a rabbit, their energy is quickly depleted. The cross-country rabbit soon falls behind and is passed by other runners. It is always difficult to watch this unfold because we know that if the runner will lose due to his/her lack of ability to find a healthy cadence. Finding your pace for a longer race is key to finishing with a personal best.
The school year is very similar to a long race, and it is important to pace yourself. Even though there are times when you need to sprint, it is important to remember to provide time to recover. I realize this can be not easy at times. I try to remember our Lord's counsel in the Book of Matthew, and he says, "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." He reminds us that our God faithfully provides for the things we need and the strength for today. My prayer is we each depend on Him as we run according to our pace today.
Thank you for your continued understanding and support.
John K. Thornburg
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Monday, September 20
Day 3
Tuesday, September 21
Day 4
Wednesday, September 22
Day 5
Activity Schedule for Kyle Willcom | 1:15 AM
Thursday, September 23
Day 6
MCLI for Senior Girls | 8 AM
Lancers of Golf Tournament | 1 PM
Friday, September 24
Day 7
MCLI for Senior Girls | 8 AM
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Faculty Spotlight: Craig Gordon - MC Physics and Chemistry Teacher |
Dear Malden Catholic Families,
I am thrilled to join Malden Catholic as a Physics and Chemistry teacher. I have been in education for several years, having previously taught in Salem and Wakefield public schools. So far, I have taught anatomy and physiology, biology and environmental science along with physics and chemistry.
Believe it or not, I was originally aiming for a career with K-9’s in a law enforcement setting. But after receiving my associate's degree in criminal justice and getting experience in the field, I chose another path which brings me to you today. I also have had my own company for five years, “Gordon Grounds” and I’m currently developing my second entrepreneurial business, Gordon Youth Development. This new venture was inspired by my experiences coaching lacrosse and working with kids/teens in a high school setting.
It has been an exciting journey through business ownership, criminal justice, the sciences and now education and coaching. Whether I am in the classroom or coaching students, I am focused on establishing strong relationships, and inspiring and impacting the lives of your men and women so that they can successfully accomplish their own unique goals.
I am very glad to be a part of the strong culture and sound leadership at Malden Catholic. This community of students, parents, teachers, and staff demonstrates the outstanding rigor and high standards that I can truly rally behind. I am excited to see what the exciting future holds. Go Lancers!
Mr. Craig James Gordon
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Although Malden Catholic requires that all unvaccinated students take a COVID-19 test every Monday, the testing is open to all members of the MC community. Vaccinated students are welcome to participate in testing on Monday mornings.
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Club Highlight: Diversity and Inclusion Club - 9.21 at 5:30 PM |
The Malden Catholic Diversity & Inclusion Club will have its first meeting this Tuesday at 5:30 pm in the Girls Learning Commons.
The Malden Catholic Diversity and Inclusion Club is open to all MC students in all grades. This Club aims to:
- develop community
- promote dignity and respect for all
- explore the richness of what makes us unique
- consider the obstacles and challenges that come with that uniqueness
- celebrate the ties that bind us together
- discuss and educate ourselves regarding contemporary issues of inclusion and equity for people of color
- consider how we can make all in our community feel safe and welcome
- have members grow in friendship.
We do all of this in concert with the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching that proclaims the dignity of the human person, the call to community, the option for the vulnerable, solidarity, and that invites us all to create a world based on love and justice.
Please contact one of the moderators, Brother Thomas Puccio, CFX, [email protected] and Dr. Stephen Baccari [email protected], with any questions. We look forward to seeing all of our new club members on Tuesday!
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MC Center for Leadership Welcomes Kyle Willkom - 9.22 |
To kick-off the new school year, the Malden Catholic Center for Leadership is delighted to welcome Kyle Willkom to our campus. On Wednesday, September 22 Mr. Willkom will speak to students about the essential characteristics required for personal leadership and becoming the best version of themselves. Through his out-of-the-ordinary life experiences, Kyle encourages others to use both successes and failures to live their own action-packed lives.
Kyle is the founder of several books, including the highly acclaimed book, Action Packed Leadership - Empowering High School Students to Think Positive, Take Action, and Create Change.
A sought-after keynote speaker and author for youth audiences across the United States, Kyle has been speaking professionally for over a decade; his messages have reached hundreds of thousands of people in 47 states. Kyle delivers messages on positivity, leadership and action through his use of musical comedy and engaging personal stories. Kyle has run 6 marathons on 3 different continents, been the first employee of a million-dollar marketing startup, and led service trips to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He also trained in the military for a year and was a division one basketball walk-on at Marquette University. For more information, please visit https://www.kylewillkom.com/
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Keynote Speaker - Kyle Willkom
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MCLI for Seniors - 9.23 & 9.24 |
In past years, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, rising Seniors would travel to Endicott College for a four-day retreat entitled the Malden Catholic Leadership Institute (MCLI) that was held annually in early August. COVID-19 restrictions have forced the school to revise the logistics and hold the event onsite at MC for the Grade 12 girls and boys. MCLI for the Girls Division will take place on September 23rd and 24th and the Boys Division will meet on September 27th and 28th.
The goal of MCLI is to help students discover ways to incorporate the Xaverian values in their daily lives so they can ultimately be the best version of themselves. MCLI focuses on community building, leadership qualities, Christian service, Xaverian spirituality and gathering as a faith community. Students learn from administrators, faculty, coaches and staff members who attend and participate in some of the daily events, including small group discussions regarding relationships with God and others, personal and communal prayer experiences, liturgy and recreation. MCLI will also include information for this year's community service opportunities while keeping in mind all COVID-19 restrictions.
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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.
Sacred Heart University
Monday, September 20 - Room 106
Rivier University.
Monday, September 13 - Room 121
Bates College
Tuesday, September 14 - Room 106
University of Massachusetts, Boston
Tuesday, September 14 - Room 121
College of the Holy Cross
Wednesday, September 22 - Room 121
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Thursday, September 23 - Room 106
Iona College
Thursday, September 24 - Room 121
Le Moyne College
Friday, September 24 - Room 106
Westfield State University
Friday, September 24 - Room 121
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MC Book Club Meeting – 9.27 |
Our first MC Parent Book Club Meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 22nd, at 6:30 PM at Idle Hands, located at 89 Commercial St, Malden. For the September book, the group will be discussing The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley, an Agatha Christie-style suspense novel that follows a group of old college friends snowed in at a hunting lodge; one of them is a killer. If anyone is interested, you may dial into the meeting via Zoom via the following link:
Meeting ID: 930 703 9967
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What's Happening Around MC |
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MC Parent Club Kick-off Meeting |
At the he heart of every successful school, you will find parents who give freely of their time to promote social activities, to perpetuate traditions, to encourage enrollment and to support a culture of philanthropy. Our Malden Catholic Parent Club seeks to do all of these things with a new focus this year. Through the assistance of MC staff members, we will look to our generous parents to help us in five key areas: Admissions, Student and Parent Engagement, MC Gala, Spiritual Events and Athletics.
The school's major events and activities are listed. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to one of the staff members listed below. We encourage all of our parents to get involved and volunteer to assist with the following:
- Small Group Open Houses: October - December
- Prospective Student/Parent Calls: October - December
- MC Experience Night: December 7
- Accepted Student Night: February 17
- ALS & MS Walk for Living: October 17
- LancerPalooza: October 15
- Casino Night: March 18
- MC Gala Auction and Event: October through March (Gala event – April 8)
- Advancement Mailings: November and March
- Adult Advent Retreat: TBD
- Women’s Day of Recollection: March 6
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Sporting Events: throughout the year
MCPC Meetings – 6 PM in the cafeteria: October 12, December 9, January 11, February 8, March 8 and May 10
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In Harmony Small Things Grow |
Each fall, Malden Catholic chooses a Xaverian motto to focus the intention and energy of the school year. For 2021- 2022, we have chosen the theme, "In Harmony Small Things Grow" to inspire cohesion, unity and synergy for our entire student body. We would like to thank Brother Puccio's Grade 9 Theology class for mounting the posters in MC's center hall to kick off our year's theme!
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To celebrate the generosity of our alumni hosts and recognize the accomplishments of our exemplary students, MC hosted a Business Internship BBQ last week. Malden Catholic alumni hosts, business leadership interns and their parents attended the presentation and barbecue under the tent and received certificates of accomplishment. We would like to thank our alumni for providing tremendous professional opportunities for over 28 MC students and look forward to expanding our program next year! |
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The MC Leadership Program, Girls with Impact, Produced Entrepreneurial Ventures |
During the 2021 spring semester, students participated in a unique 10-week entrepreneurship academy designed specifically for young women with experts from Harvard University. The students were trained in the areas of business, problem solving, design, marketing, public speaking and financial literacy. Each student created an original concept and moved through the process of developing a business plan and venture pitch under the guidance of MBA coaches from around the world.
Students prepared and presented pitch presentations for their new ventures, which varied from passion projects to nonprofits and business services. Coaches evaluated each project, and the pitches were shared with parents and school administrators as well. The ventures ranged from a confidence-boosting app for teens to an allergy app called “Easier Eats” and included charity fundraising promotional items such as custom journals made from recycled paper called “Upcycled Journals” and customized phone cases entitled, “Case with a Cause.”
See the attached article for the full story.
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Malden Catholic Partners with Girls with Impact
Malden Catholic Partners with Girls With Impact to Provide Entrepreneurial Training for Grades 10 and 11 Students Malden, MA (July 20, 2021) - Over the 2021 academic year, Malden Catholic partnered with Girls With Impact to provide a live, online ...
Read more
www.maldencatholic.org
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Fine and Performing Arts Program |
Malden Catholic offers a diverse and thriving Fine and Performing Arts Department that has expanded this year to include band and orchestra.
This week, we will start rehearsals for the new band and orchestra programs. If any student played an instrument in middle school or has taken lessons, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity. Rehearsals will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30 - 3:30 PM weekly. Instruments will be available for students that do not own their own. If you are interested, please contact Ms. Tamagini at [email protected] or simply attend the rehearsals next week.
Drama classes will also be held on Tuesdays from 2:30 - 3:30 PM and on Thursdays from 2:30 - 4:30 PM. We look forward to an exciting year ahead featuring many amazing performances!
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The first matches of the year are now underway, and you can find the schedule on the Malden Catholic website. Big Teams will also allow you to follow any of our teams, become notified of schedule changes, view bus departure times and print practice schedules.
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Monday, 9.20
Tuesday, 9.21
Wednesday, 9.22
Thursday, 9.23
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Greater Lawrence Technical School (Away) | 4:00 PM
Friday, 9.24
| 11:30 AM
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