Form V December 2022

Hello Form V Parents and Families!

The Communitas this month is all about New Beginnings – and I can't help but laugh a little to myself as I resist hibernating for the winter in snowy Buffalo! I suppose it's a good thing to begin a new term in December – to keep campus spirits high and enliven morale with a fresh start to classes and sports and activities. Students at the Abbey are moving indoors for athletics and clubs.  Rehearsals for Matilda are well underway. Community service projects and our Clothe-A-Child Fundraiser round out the Giving Season.

I hope to see students and parents at the December 13 Advent Service and Christmas Blessing on campus, starting with an Open House in the Bookstore. Make sure to RSVP on the Parent Portal if you will be attending. We will have the chance to stock up on Abbey swag and then enjoy mass and dinner and a special opportunity to mingle with the Monks over dessert in the Monastery dining room. I am looking forward to this evening as it's been canceled for the past few years because of COVID. It will indeed bring a great beginning to the Christmas season.

Importantly, the College Counseling Office will be hosting a seminar for Fifth Form parents on Friday, January 20, and Saturday, January 21. This informational weekend will feature presentations on the admissions process and financial aid, a hands-on workshop for the Maia learning system that students will use throughout the application season next year, mock admissions demonstrations, and one-on-one sessions with college advising. If you plan to participate in the weekend's events, RSVP to Deanna Lloyd at dlloyd@portsmouthabbey.org or call 401-643-1254. 

Also on the calendar for January 21 is Winter Family Day with sporting events for the community to enjoy. You will find me watching the Ravens' wrestling matches!

Finally! Let me express my sincere gratitude to all of our parents who made gifts to the Annual Fund during Parent Participation Month.  The Fifth Form came through with over 75% participation from our families!  Awesome! Thank you so very much! We are well on our way to 100% participation this school year!

A very merry holiday season to you all – it's a wonderful time to be with family and friends and to spend time with students at home. I will be hosting one of our Chinese students this holiday, and so looking forward to having Mary and Alex with me to celebrate Christmas. Safe travels and God Bless!