November 2007

Monthly Musings

This is part of an ongoing series of informal communications with Portsmouth Abbey School's constituents.  Parents, alumni/ae, and friends have all expressed an interest in hearing more about our school, more often.  It is meant to be one element among a number of activities designed to keep you better informed about the School, the Monastery and our community.

Abbot Caedmon, Board Vice Chair Dr. Klee Attend Benedictine Education Conference in Chile:  In late October, Abbot Caedmon and Dr. Mary Beth Klee, vice chairman of the Board of Regents, traveled to Santiago, Chile, for BENET 2007 (Benedictine Educators' Network), a meeting of the International Conference on Benedictine Education, which took place October 31-November 3, 2007.  Abbot Caedmon shares the following account of the trip:

"One hundred and sixty participants came from 23 countries and all continents except Antarctica.  The hosts for the meeting were the members of the Manquehue Apostolic Movement, a lay group of Benedictine inspiration (with close ties to Portsmouth's sister monastery, Ampleforth Abbey, in England), which runs three schools for children from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade in the city of Santiago.  Conference participants were lodged in a hotel downtown, and conveyed by bus every day to the meeting venue at one of the schools, Colegio San Benito, in the suburb called Manquehue.

"There, each day began with the singing of Lauds (celebrating the hours of Lauds and Vespers is a regular part of the Manquehue Movement's daily observance).  Each day's work began with a plenary session featuring a presentation on Benedictine pedagogy or educational projects, and continued with smaller group meetings.  The group meetings included-another signature feature of the Manquehue Movement-a period of lectio divina (slow reading of a passage from Scripture, followed by silence and then an opportunity to reflect aloud on the meaning of the text to the participants) and discussion of topics of importance to our Benedictine schools.  

"The Chilean hosts were friendly and extremely hospitable.  And the participants felt energized by associating with others involved in Benedictine schools from as far away as South Africa, the Philippines, and Australia.  The next meeting of the group is set for 2010 at the Archabbey of St. Ottilien in Bavaria."  

School Spirit, Participation on Full Display for 2007 Headmaster's Run: The seventh annual Headmaster's Run was once again a show of School pride and fall fun, with 300 members of the School community turning out to race across campus on November 12.  Chilly conditions kept the pack moving over the two-mile course after a hearty welcome by Dr. De Vecchi and the ringing of the handbell by Fr. Christopher Davis '45 to signal the start of the competition, which is part of the Raven Cup.   

Pierce King '08 captured overall first-place honors with an impressive time of 12:57, more than 20 seconds off his fourth-place finishing time in the 2006 contest.  He was followed seconds later by fellow XC members Kenton Gilmartin '10 (13:06) and Ed Kielb '11 (13:11).  Read the full report and view photos.

Parents' Weekend:  Portsmouth was host over the weekend of October 19-20 to more than 600 people as Parents' Weekend unfolded.  Parents from around the globe - nearly 85 percent of all School parents - descended on campus and took part with their children in classes, and attended parent/teacher conferences, the performing arts preview, St. Brigid's dedication and athletic contests. The weather on Saturday cooperated and was nearly perfect for the sports events.  The weekend by all accounts was a great success, as parents were provided with an informative and fun "slice of life" here on campus. View photos of Parents' Weekend here.

Welcome to Our New Executive Chef, Stephanie Petreccia:  Portsmouth's Dining Services has a new Executive Chef:  Ms. Stephanie Petreccia.  Stephanie brings strong credentials to the School's already-solid culinary team; she holds an Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Service Management, both from Johnson & Wales University.  Stephanie's duties include assisting Director of Dining Services Mr. Bob Cicerone with menu planning, catering and function activity; food inventory and purchasing; daily production; and overall supervision of the kitchen staff.  Please stop by the Dining Hall and welcome Stephanie to the Abbey Community - and feel free to share any suggestions or concerns you might have.  Welcome, Stephanie!

Fall Community Service Teams Up to Host Star Kids:  The Community Service Program students at Portsmouth Abbey School hosted a "Fall Fun Day" for Newport-area Star Kids students in early November.  Star Kids enjoyed a pizza lunch in Stillman Dining Hall, a visit to the equestrian center, and pumpkin painting.  Each Star Kids student was escorted by a Portsmouth Abbey School friend.  "Fun Days" give Star Kids students positive experiences with role-model high school students. The goal of the Star Kids Program, which was founded by Dr. Timothy Flanigan '75, is to encourage children, one or both of whose parents are incarcerated, to graduate from high school.  View photos of the Star Kids Fall Fun Day here.  Learn more about Star Kids here.

Fall 2007 Athletic Awards Assembly Honors Achievement, Teamwork:  The importance of teamwork, attitude and effort were all recognized at this year's Fall 2007 Athletics Assembly, which took place November 28.  Dr. De Vecchi congratulated all student-athletes, whom he calls "our School's greatest representatives to the outside world," noting the individual and team achievements of both Varsity and JV athletes this fall. 

Ravens Athletic Director Mr. Al Brown congratulated all teams on a "great entry into the Eastern Independent League (EIL)," stating that every Varsity team finished its season with a winning record.  He also reiterated that "teaching sports and values is inherent in our athletics program," and he thanked the Sixth Form athletes for their contributions "as athletes and leaders.  You set the tone for your teams, you set the example, and it showed."  For the full story, and photos of the event, click here.

Parents and Spectators of Winter Sports Events:  If you are taking photographs at athletic contests of your Abbey student-athlete or others, we would welcome receiving them to post in a photo gallery we are developing for the School Web site.  Please email your photos to communications@portsmouthabbey.org.

St. Brigid's Dedication:  Recalling its humble beginnings as a large mound of dirt barely one year ago, Headmaster Jim De Vecchi, Abbot Caedmon, faculty, students and School families gathered on Friday, October 19, in the spacious common room of what is now St. Brigid's House to bless and dedicate the stunning new girls' dormitory.  While much-needed rain drove the dedication ceremony indoors, it did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the nearly 100 people who listened as Dr. De Vecchi spoke of "this important day in Abbey history."  The 24,000-square-foot dorm overlooking Narragansett Bay opened in time for the beginning of School this year and houses 36 female students and four faculty apartments. See the complete report and photos of the St. Brigid's dedication.

Annual Fund Update:  The 2007-08 Annual Fund had a tremendous first quarter; to date, we have received gifts totaling close to 40 percent of our $1,300,000 goal.  There are still four weeks remaining in the calendar year to make your tax-deductible donation.  If you have not yet done so, please make your gift today by visiting www.portsmouthabbey.org/makeagift, or contact Ms. Polly Carter (pcarter@portsmouthabbey.org) in the Development Office at 401-643-1204 to make your gift or pledge over the phone.  Sincere thanks to our alumni, parents and friends of Portsmouth who have already made their annual gift to the School!

Brown Model U.N.:  A capable contingent of would-be diplomats represented Portsmouth Abbey at the recent Brown Model U.N., held in Providence November 9 through 11.  Fourteen students, supervised by faculty member Mr. Greg Kierstead, took on roles as diplomats from the countries of Indonesia and Finland, with one delegate playing the current defense minister of India in an Indian cabinet simulation.

Topics debated over the three days ranged from child soldiers to problems with the European Union open-border policy to nuclear proliferation.  According to Mr. Kierstead, "The students all agreed that the Model U.N. was a great experience.  They enjoyed the debate, the intellectual stimulation, and the passing of notes.  One delegate commented that she learned so much about the world's problems through her own research and work in committee.  Others enjoyed hearing the opinions of other delegates, seeing the inner workings of a Model U.N., and learning the different ways in which the body is effective and ineffective.  Overall, students 'absolutely loved' the experience and are looking forward with great anticipation to participating again." 

Kudos to our Brown Model U.N. delegates:  Genevieve Gralton '09, Susan Skakel '09, Janaina Pivatto-Corbin '09, Austin Lannon '10, Kathryn Yao '10, Hyun Jung Lee '10, Ola Wojdakowska '10, Diane Vankevich '10, Jae Seung '10, Tresiree Leduc '10, Eloise Andry '10, Tsz Ki "Jacinta" Guan '10 and Abigail Bolduc '09, and Peter Tasca '09, who headed the delegation. 

Abbey Players Shine a Hard Light on the Great Depression in American Clock:  The Abbey Players once again did a terrific job with their fall performance, this time presenting the stage production of Arthur Miller's haunting play, American Clock: A Vaudeville, on November 10-11.  Stellar performances were turned in by the large cast, each of whom played more than one role in the moving production, which shines a hard light on the Great Depression's devastating effect on all Americans, from shoeshine boys to stockbrokers. The play focuses on members of a well-to-do Manhattan family struggling to hold on to their dignity as they are forced to move into more modest quarters with their Brooklyn relatives. 

The talented Abbey Players cast and stage crew were once again directed by Mr. Jay Bragan, Head of Performing Arts, and Dom Joseph Byron, Technical Director.  The stage crew adeptly managed numerous wardrobe changes and a well-done back-lit projection that displayed sobering images of the Great Depression's effects throughout America.  The accompanying jazz band for the production was comprised of faculty and staff members Mr. Brent Osner (piano), Ms. Corie McDermott (trumpet), Mr. Bob Brett (guitar) and Mr. Bowen Smith (drums).  View photos of the production of American Clock: A Vaudeville here.

October 25 International Student Dinner:  The Twelfth Annual International Student Dinner took place on Thursday, October 25, in the Stillman Dining Hall.  Each of Portsmouth Abbey's international students, from 17 countries outside the USA, attended with an invited guest student. A reception was first held in the Linenfold Room, so named for the folded fabric design carved into the antique paneled walls. A wide array of appetizers included croque monsieur and hibachi chicken. 

Following the reception, the group of more than 150 students, monks, faculty, guests and host families headed into the Dining Hall for an invocation read by Fr. Christopher.   Read the full report and view photos.

Admissions News:  As the fall travel season comes to an end, the Admissions Office begins to welcome prospective students and their families to campus for a tour and personal interview to complete their application process.  More than 100 families have visited the School, and the Admissions Office will continue to schedule visits through the application deadline of January 31, 2008.  Meanwhile, off campus, Kristin and T.J. Hughes, parents of Katie '08, recently hosted a reception in Wellesley, Mass., for prospective parents.  Along with Headmaster Jim DeVecchi and Director of Admissions Mrs. Geri Zilian, many of our current parents enjoyed a wonderful evening speaking with families about the positive experiences they and their children are having at Portsmouth. View photos of the Wellesley reception. 

Open House A Success:  One hundred prospective students and their families were welcomed to campus by the School community on Saturday, October 27, for the Admissions Open House.  The Open House was especially well attended, with families from around the country, including Texas and Florida, and overseas visiting to learn more about Portsmouth.  

Following registration and breakfast, the students and their parents, some 280 people in all, had the opportunity to meet with Headmaster Jim De Vecchi and hear first-hand from various Abbey faculty about a range of issues and areas of interest, including academic life, the benefits of boarding school, life beyond the classroom, and the importance of the Benedictine presence on campus.  Attendees were also fully briefed on the application and financial aid process and were able to tour campus before departing. View photos of the Open House.

Alumni News and Events:  A record crowd of nearly 100 people gathered at the State Room at Sixty State Street in Boston on November 7 for this year's Boston Reception. Hosts for the evening were Chuck '77 and Carla Kenahan and Tim '74 and Kathy Cunningham, who currently have three children (Theresa '08, Steve '09 and Emily '11) enrolled at the school.

The Abbot's Reception, scheduled for December 5 in New York City, will feature a special performance this year.  Sixth Former Caroline Mason, a talented soprano, will perform during the reception, which is held annually at the New York Yacht Club.  Don Dowd '84 and Gregg Dietrich '74 will host the evening.  Click here to register.

A Tip of the Cap:  A big "thank you" to Kurt Edenbach '91 who answered our call in September's Musings for a vehicle that could be used for on-campus maintenance purposes.  Kurt kindly donated a Chevy mini van that will be a tremendous help to our maintenance department.  Your generosity is much appreciated, Kurt!

U.S. History Lecture:  On Tuesday, November 6, Keith Carr, a graduate fellow in History at Providence College, addressed the Fifth Form as part of our year-long American History Lecture Series.  Mr. Carr spoke of his research into the landmark Supreme Court case of Marbury v. Madison and the implications of Chief Justice John Marshall's declaration of the Court's power of judicial review.

Mr. Bowen Smith, History Department head, said, "By inviting several of the most talented graduate students from local universities to join us this year, we hope to give our classes a sense of the rigor and direction of scholarship at the next level."  The next U.S. history Lecture will take place on December 5. 

Abbey Hosts 2007 R.I. Squash Open:  On November 23-25, Portsmouth Abbey played host to the 2007 Rhode Island Squash Open, a prestigious tournament that included all major men's and women's amateur skill levels as well as a men's pro division, consisting of many of America's top squash professionals vying for a place on the U.S. Squash team and a purse of $6,000.  The pro matches drew sizable crowds to watch some great squash.  Head Abbey Squash Coach Mr. Guillermo Moronta and Fourth Former Kyle Brown represented the Abbey in this year's tournament.  For more information, contact Mr. David Brown at 401-643-1227.

2007 Clothe-a-Child Underway:  The return to School following Thanksgiving break signals the start of Portsmouth's annual Clothe-A-Child fundraiser, which has been conducted since 1990.  In early December, representatives from S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) collect donations from their fellow students, parents, faculty and staff to purchase new coats and other much-needed items for disadvantaged families.   In the past, the School community has generously provided enough support to sponsor more than 100 children each Christmas season; last year, the students raised $5,455.23 in 10 days--enough to sponsor 110 local children in need.  The S.A.D.D. students hope this year will be no exception! 

Collections will be accepted from Thursday, November 29, through Saturday, December 8.  All purchased items will be displayed in the foyer of the Stillman Dining Hall on Tuesday, December 11, during lunch time. Donated clothing, gift certificates and monetary donations are made to several area agencies and organizations.  For more information about Clothe-A-Child, please contact the Infirmary staff at 401-643-1233.

Fr. Julian Exhibits Watercolors in Fall River:  The artwork of Dom Julian Stead '43 is currently on display as part of a two-man exhibit at the Great Fall River Art Gallery, in Fall River, Mass.  Fr. Julian exhibits his work, which includes mostly watercolor scenes from Colorado and Wyoming, created in the summer of 2006 when he spent four months as chaplain to the Abbey of St Walburga, Virginia Dale, Colorado.   Fr. Julian's work is displayed alongside that of Jose Soares P '00, '02, fellow artist, Abbey staff member and an oblate of Portsmouth's monastery, whose oil paintings depict scenes from the Azores and Rhode Island.   The show opened November 10 and runs through December 23.  For more information and to view Fr. Julian's artwork, click here.

Upcoming Events:

February 9, 2008 - Parents' Social on campus, hosted by the Parents' Committee.  Details TBA.
March 4, 2008 - Vero Beach Reception, hosted by Jim Mullholland '79
March 5, 2008 - Palm Beach Reception, hosted by Barry Donahue '68
March 6, 2008 - Miami Reception, details TBA. 

Please email us (rsvp@portsmouthabbey.org) if you would like to be included on our invitation list for these Florida events.  Please check the Website for more events throughout the winter term.

Answer to October Question of the Month:  When and how did the "Holy Lawn" come to be?  Those of you from earlier years who responded knew that parcel of land as only a sheep meadow!  Here's the low-down, according to Father Damian: "The so-called Holy Lawn acquired this name through the students' respect for keeping to the paths leading from the lower campus to the dining hall and church which were built in 1960.  Shrubs were planted at the corners of the path in front of the church to act as a deterrent to walk over the lawn, and this contributed to keeping the lawn intact.  The original intention was to establish criss-cross paths once the quadrangle was completed (the auditorium/administration building, science building, and library/classroom complex).  Especially after the classroom building was constructed, a path leading directly to the mail room and bookstore (then located in the administration building) would be made, thereby bisecting the lawn.  However, students kept to the paths and gradually the lawn became known as holy, sacred, in mock deference to the prohibition to walk on this plot of grass. What began as an impractical idea (keeping the area lawn without paths) became an unforeseen reality.  The Holy Lawn is only used for Prize Day, Commencement and very special occasions such as the 75^th Anniversary Celebration in 2001." 

November Question of the Month: Mr. Peter Mack, who between 1990-2000 served the Abbey in many capacities, including admissions officer, English teacher, director of athletics, and coach of several varsity teams, was a popular figure on campus--as were his dogs.  How many dogs did Mr. Mack have, and what were their names?  Please email your answers to communications@portsmouthabbey.org.  

We Welcome Your Input:  If you have questions, comments or ideas for Monthly Musings, please send them to the School's Communications Department at communications@portsmouthabbey.org .

 

Kathy Heydt Director of Communications

Kathy Stark Asst. Director of Communications

 

Jim De Vecchi Headmaster

Annual Archive
2003-04 Musings
2004-05 Musings
2005-06 Musings
2006-07 Musings