Bear Essentials - June 11, 2017
Have a Great Summer!
Featured Content
This will be the final Bear Essentials of the 2016-2017 school year. Over the summer, we will send newsletters as needed to communicate special information, and will resume weekly publication once school begins again in September. Thank you to everyone in the Ursuline community for a wonderful year. We wish you and your families a safe, relaxing and fun summer!
Congratulations to the Class of 2017
The sixty-one members of the Ursuline Class of 2017, joined by family, friends and Ursuline faculty and staff, gathered on June 4 for the Academy's graduation. In keeping with tradition, the graduates processed down the staircase in front of the Ursuline Convent to begin the ceremony. We extend our thanks to Regina Sullivan '78, who returned to deliver the keynote address. Ms. Sullivan is an Executive Vice President at Fidelity Investments and Head of Global Shared Services and Operations for Fidelity International. Our congratulations to valedictorian Carine Hajjar and salutatorian Alexandra Rota for their heartfelt remarks to their classmates and families. Congratulations also to the following students who received awards at the ceremony:
- Julianne Webster, Serviam Award
- Claire Gormley, Sister Mercedes Videira Medal
Many of our other students were recognized at Baccalaureate Mass on June 3 with awards and scholarships for their academic and service achievements. Read more.
From the Main Office
Calendar Highlights
- Monday, June 12, Rising Senior Class College Workshop, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Looking Further Ahead
- August 4, Athletic participation forms due
- August 22-23, Senior portraits
- August 24, Fall sports tryouts begin
- September 5, First day of school for all students
Other Dates to Save
- September 6, Backyard Social for parents, grades 7 and 8
- September 7, Backyard Social for parents, grade 9
- September 14, Backyard Social for parents, grades 10 and 11
- Saturday, September 23. Homecoming and Convocation Center Dedication
- Saturday, November 4, 10th Annual Brescia Ball
Click here for a list of important dates on the 2017-2018 school calendar.
The full calendar, as well as summer reading lists and assignments, will be posted soon.
Lowder Street News
Spain and France Trip in April 2018
It's not too late! The World Language Department at Ursuline is still accepting rising sophomores, juniors and seniors to travel to Barcelona, Madrid, Provence and Paris in April 2018. The students will explore the cultures of Spain and France as they ride, cook, eat and dance their way through these beautiful countries. Highlights will include:
- Flamenco lesson and show in Madrid
- Barcelona by bike
- Paella cooking lesson
- Horseback riding in the Camargue
- Scenic evening boat ride along the Seine
- Eiffel Tower top floor visor
- Shopping in the Champs-Élysées
To register, please visit ACIS.com / Group ID: 94605 or contact Dr. Radwan for more info.
Darby Stranberg Attends Massachusetts Art All State
Congratulations to Darby Stranberg '18, who spent this weekend at Massachusetts Art All State, after being nominated by art teacher Caroline Rufo, submitting several works of art for review, and interviewing with the program committee members. The Art All State program brings high school juniors from across the state to U Mass Dartmouth for a weekend, for an intensive art collaboration working with professional artists on a group art project, as well as learning about contemporary art and art careers.
Athletics
Ursuline Tennis Finishes Season Strong
Congratulations to the Ursuline Academy tennis team, who defeated Old Rochester High School 4-1 in the semifinals on Thursday. Despite a loss to #1 seed Martha's Vineyard in the Sectional Championship yesterday, they finished the season with an impressive record of 16-5 and a Division 3 South Runner-up finalist trophy.
Track and Field Breaks Records
at All States
Our Ursuline Track & Field team added a final exclamation point on the 2017 season at All States on Saturday June 3. Siobhan O' Sullivan broke her own school record in the shot put with a 34' 7.25" performance. Our 4 X 100 team of Jackie Hayes, Annalee Petrella, Kelly Cheevers and Ashley Thomas became the first in Ursuline history to break 51 seconds: exact time 50:94.
Ursuline's softball team celebrates after its win over Foxboro last week.
Fall Sports Information
- Tryout information for fall sports is available on the Ursuline website.
- All athletic forms for the fall need to be turned in by August 4th
- Girls interested in trying out for a fall sport need to have ImPact testing done. The testing will be offered at Ursuline Academy on August 22 and 23. To schedule an appointment or get more information, contact Ms. Kim Munsey. If you had testing done this past school year, you are set. Test results are good for two years.
Serviam
Service over the Summer
Campus Ministry reminds all students that service hours for the upcoming academic year can be completed this summer! Email Ms. McNally if you have any questions about summer service. Some organizations in need of volunteers include:
- Enable Intervention, Norwood
- White Oak Cottages, Westwood
- My Brother's Keeper, Easton
Listening Walk Volunteers Needed
The Clarke School for Hearing and Speech is looking for volunteers to help at their Listening Walk fundraiser at the Southwick Zoo in Mendon on June 17. You can sign up here if you are interested.
Shaving Heads for Pediatric Cancer Research
Ursuline's Abby Wukitch '18 will be fundraising this summer for the St. Baldrick's Foundation to support pediatric cancer research, by participating in one of their signature head-shaving events. Abby's mom, Dr. Elizabeth Mullen, an alumna of Ursuline Academy, is a pediatric oncologist. Inspired by Dr. Mullen's patients and their families, Abby has done many fundraising events before. Although this one promises to be the most visible, Abby is ready for the challenge. "My time at Ursuline has really helped me realize that I want to make changes to make the world better no matter how big or small my decisions are. Shaving my head is a little scary – but not nearly as scary as what kids with cancer have to face." Abby's event will not only raise awareness and raise funds, but she will also donate her seventeen-plus inches of hair. Click here to sponsor Abby or to learn more about the St. Baldrick's organization.
Bethlehem Farm Service Trip
Best wishes go out to our Ursuline team of students, accompanied by Ms. Parker and Ms. McNally, who will be volunteering at Bethlehem Farm in West Virginia from June 24-July 1st. Please keep them in your prayers as they serve in Appalachia. Learn more about Bethlehem Farm here.
Supporting Ursuline
Haven't Made Your Annual Fund Gift Yet?
Donating to the Annual Fund is a great way to close out the school year by showing your support for Ursuline Academy and how it is shaping our daughters into strong young women. Participation in the Annual Fund is an important measure of support for the school's mission and programs. Please take a moment to make a gift by June 30 to be counted in this year's fund.
Thank you to all who helped support Ursuline over the past year.
Your efforts are greatly appreciated!
Just for Fun
Rikki Visits the Admissions Office
Seventh grader Katherine Ziska brought her famous dog, Rikki, to visit the Admissions Office this week. Katherine and Rikki were stars of the world renowned video "Rikki's Story: Unique Dog Finds Best Friend" which was produced by the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Mrs. Polles, a strong supporter of pet adoption, was thrilled to meet Rikki in person and they are pictured here with additional grade 7 friends. Watch the video that made Rikki famous.
On the Calendar
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Ursuline Academy | 85 Lowder Street | Dedham, MA 02026 | 781.326.6161