Monthly Musings
REVERENCE FOR GOD AND THE HUMAN PERSON
RESPECT FOR LEARNING AND ORDER
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SHARED EXPERIENCE OF COMMUNITY LIFE
This is the eighth in an ongoing series of informal communications with Portsmouth Abbey School's constituents. Current parents, alumni/ae, past parents 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.
A Day in the Life: Have you ever wondered what is discussed in a typical Friday morning school Assembly? These are a few announcements made at a recent Friday morning Assembly: A current parent will be coming to speak to the School community about the pitfalls of alcoholism. Portsmouth Abbey School would like to thank Jerome Igle, Jefferson Fellows and Joe Awantang who won the 11th Annual Martin Luther King Day History Trivia Bowl on Aquidneck Island (please click here to read more). There will be a Saturday night Coffee House in the Student Center featuring an ‘open mike’ and a variety of student musical and theatrical performances. Ballroom Dance lessons begin next Tuesday night. Korean Culture Night celebrating the Lunar New Year was a success (to see photos please visit the online photo gallery). The Aquidneck Island World Affairs Essay contest, which was won by an Abbey student last year is open again and due in March.
A student art exhibit will be opened this week end in Newport with a number of works by Portsmouth Abbey students represented (please click here to read more). The newly designed community service sweatshirts are available for purchase. Casino Night is coming up and dealers and other volunteers are needed. Come to a brief meeting to volunteer for STARKIDS, Tim Flanigan’s (Class of '75) non-profit organization for underprivileged children. The School try-outs for the International Shakespeare Competition will occur this week. Renowned Providence actress and musician, Rachel Warren, will perform her two person musical cabaret in the dining hall Monday night (to see photos please visit the online photo gallery). There is a lot going on here these days.
Daniel McDonough, Dean of Academics, announces Dean's List for the Fall Term: 22 Third Form, 19 Fourth Form, 25 Fifth Form, and 29 Sixth Form students were named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2003 Term. To qualify for Dean's List, a student must be taking at least six courses, have a GPA of 3.5 and no grade under B in regular courses or under B- in Honors/AP courses. To see a complete list of Dean’s List, Honor Roll, and APL scholars please on our website.
Your Participation Counts! We set out to raise the Annual Fund total by 30% this year from $700,000 to $900,000. Having passed the $600,000 mark, we’re well on our way. However, the participation of all alumni, parents and friends is necessary to achieve the goal. If you have not yet participated, please take a moment to click here and make your online donation.
Abbot’s Reception is another Success. The Abbot’s Reception took place on December 10th at the New York Yacht Club in Manhattan. Brief remarks by Bill Keogh, David Moran ’71 and Dr. Jim De Vecchi followed by the warmth and conversation of over 200 guests in the Model Room. We thank our patrons for their generous support. Next stops: Florida, California and the Midwest.
Winter Sports Teams Off to a Strong Start: The Boys' Varsity Basketball team has started off their season with a 7-2 overall record and a victory in the Huckins Tournament held at Middlesex School, beating Middlesex, Kent's Hill and St. Sebastian's. Currently, the Ravens Varsity Swim Team is undefeated with a record of 5-0. They have recorded wins over Canterbury, Moses Brown, Williams, Sacred Heart, and St. George's. Girls' Varsity Hockey is also undefeated with a record of 7-0. Abbey Varsity Squash is off to its best start in recent years with a 3-1 record. The Ravens Boys Varsity Hockey Team currently has a 4-5-1 record on the season but is 3-0-1 in the month of January. Stay tuned to the new website for continually updated games, scores, and highlights.
Looking for work? Our Development Office would entertain internships for young college grads next year. We have other needs in Admissions and Development. Please send resumes to pburke@portsmouthabbey.org or tklemmer@portsmouthabbey.org. Have you seen our Employment Opportunities postings on the website?
From the College Counseling Office: The College process is in full swing for Sixth Formers. Some Sixth Formers have gained acceptance at their Early Decision choices, most others have completed numerous applications to other selective colleges. The Office began its official work with the Fifth Form in January. Mrs. Wells and Ms. O’Leary schedule a meeting with every Fifth Form student at least once before the end of the year and recommend that students visit colleges over spring break and summer vacation to get an idea of what they are looking for in a college or university. On Saturday February 21, the Office will hold its Annual College Seminar for Fifth Formers and their parents. The special guest speaker will be Christopher Gruber, Director of Admissions at the University of Richmond. For a schedule and more information about upcoming events in the Office of College Counseling please visit our College Counseling webpage.
Abbey Singers to Perform in Boston: The Portsmouth Abbey Singers have been invited to perform for the National Catholic Educators' Conference in Boston on April 14, 2004. The NCEA is the largest organization for Catholic Educators and the convention attracts participants from across the United States. The Portsmouth Abbey Singers will give a short concert on Wednesday April 14, 2004 at 12:50 PM in the Hynes Convention Center. At 5 PM they will participate in the closing Liturgy with other high school students from Catholic High Schools in the area. Portsmouth Abbey School also proudly presents its Community Spring Concert on Saturday May 1, 2004 at 7:30 PM in the school auditorium. The Pro Deo Ensemble, the Abbey Singers and guest soloists will perform Schubert's Mass in G, Madrigals, anthems, multi-cultural songs and popular tunes at this annual event. The concert is open to the general public. Mark your calendars now: April 14, 2004 at 12:50 PM. For more information please contact Gael Berberick at 401.683.2000 x294.
News From the Monastery: Dom Benedict celebrated his 91st birthday last month.
Alumni service network seeks placements: Alumni working in non-profit agencies, or who have ongoing contact with non-profits, are encouraged to contact the school concerning possible volunteer placements for Abbey students. The school is continuing to explore community service placements for current students for the spring or summer breaks. The Abbey community could be greatly enriched through such alumni support. Please consider helping develop these opportunities! Contact Blake Billings '77 at communityservice@portsmouthabbey.org.
Squash and Fitness Center Update: The snow and cold weather has been no match as construction on the new state-of-the-art Squash and Fitness Center continues at an enthusiastic pace. The structure is now completely enclosed and the squash courts and fitness center floor are in the initial stages of being erected. The School continues to look for additional financial supporters for this major project. If you are interested in learning more particularly concerning available naming opportunities such as the fitness center, individual squash courts, locker rooms, athletic offices and trophy cases, please contact Tony Klemmer '73 or Patrick Burke '86. Please visit the online photo gallery to seen building progress.
Mark Your Calendar: Reunion Weekend for alumni whose year of graduation is 4 or 9 will be October 1-3, 2004. Coinciding with the Reunion festivities will be the 4th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament at Carnegie Abbey on Friday, October 1, 2004.
Where there is a will, there is a way: Many alumni, parents and friends choose to support the School through a provision in their will or trust. These bequests can be made in a variety of ways including: a specific dollar amount or percentage of the estate; a portion of the remainder of the estate; or through a contingent provision. For more information or a confidential discussion about how you might support Portsmouth through a provision in your trust or will, contact us: Tony Klemmer ’73 at 401.683.2000 x211, tklemmer@portsmouthabbey.org or Patrick Burke ’86 at 401.683.2000 x291, pburke@portsmouthabbey.org.
Do you like to golf? Want to play at Carnegie Abbey? Ask us about it. Very limited rounds available, first come-first serve. Email golf@portsmouthabbey.org.
January's Did You Know... Does anyone out there know who the first graduate of the school was to become a monk? How about the second? The third? Not sure, think you know, care to take a guess? Please send your answers to communications@portsmouthabbey.org.
If you have questions, comments, or ideas, please contact Tony Klemmer tklemmer@portsmouthabbey.org or Jim De Vecchi jdevecchi@portsmouthabbey.org. We welcome the opportunity to communicate with you.
Tony Klemmer '73
Assistant Headmaster
Institutional Stewardship |
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Jim De Vecchi
Headmaster |
Visit our web site at: www.portsmouthabbey.org
