October 29, 2021
Community Voices: A Message from Admissions
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We've enjoyed an incredibly beautiful fall and it's bittersweet to feel the chill in the air and see the leaves finally turn, but I'm hoping that you're like me and you look forward to cozy sweaters and a good book by the fire! The Ursuline campus is always bustling with activity in the fall, and there's nowhere that's more certain than the Admissions Office. Over the past two months, we launched a comprehensive marketing campaign, returned to visit some of our partner Catholic schools for the first time in two years, held our first Visit Day last Friday, and have been welcoming prospective families for private campus tours almost daily.
Our biggest event of the year -- Open House -- is just a week away, on Sunday, November 7th from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. We are expecting more than 180 families who are exploring Ursuline Academy for their daughters. Why did your family choose Ursuline? What does your daughter like best about her school experience here? Those are the types of questions our visitors will be asking, and we welcome parent and student volunteers who would like to help answer them! If you haven't already signed up, student tour guides are still needed, and your daughter can join us for a tour training session next Tuesday, November 2nd during activity period. Students are asked to register here.
Our school community is also blessed to have an active Parent Ambassador team, and I thank them for the gifts of their time and talent to support our admissions events and programming throughout the year. If you'd like to join the Ambassadors, or simply wish to volunteer at Open House, please complete this form or contact Janet Reynolds at jreynolds@ursulineacademy.net for more information.
Each day, I witness the incredible talent, energy and commitment of our students, parents, faculty, and staff who bring this campus to life. Your dedication speaks to the value of an Ursuline education, rooted in faith and manifest in our students who become young women of character, intellect, leadership and service. It is a privilege to share the story of Ursuline and its legacy, and to invite prospective families to join our community and benefit from the same.
Thank you to everyone who helps us to promote Ursuline. And thank you especially to our Open House volunteers! See you on November 7th!
Warm wishes,
Cathy Solomon
Chief Enrollment Officer
| |
Update on Masking Policy
We are grateful for our community's continued cooperation in protecting the health of one another. With the approach of winter weather, cold and flu season, and more time indoors, Ursuline Academy will continue with the policy of requiring masks while indoors, regardless of vaccination status. We continue to encourage all those who are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine, COVID-19 booster, and flu shot; each additional vaccinated individual offers further protection to our community and our extended families. As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to adapt our policies as the situation evolves. Thank you for all you are doing for one another.
| |
Upcoming Events and Programs
Parent Conferences and Curriculum Videos
Grades will close on November 1 and the second quarter begins on November 2. In place of an on-campus back-to-school night this year, faculty members have created videos to explain their classes and the curriculum that they will cover this year. Along with the videos, Parent-Teacher conferences will take place on Friday, November 12 and Monday, November 15. The November 12 conferences will be via zoom from 1 - 8 p.m. and the November 15 conferences will be either virtual or in-person from 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Look for an email on Monday with instructions for viewing the curriculum videos and signing up for Parent-Teacher conferences.
All Saint's Day Mass on Monday, November 1
The Ursuline community will celebrate All Saint's Day with a liturgy on Monday, November 1. We will have Mass together to celebrate this Solemnity. Full uniforms, including blazers and tights, are required for all students.
Picture Retake Day on Tuesday, November 2
Students, did you miss picture day or want a retake? O'Connor Studios will be back on Tuesday, November 2. If you would like a retake, please fill out the form on the back of your picture package and return your entire package on your scheduled retake day. If you were absent for the original sitting, please bring your form and payment with you or be prepared to fill one out when you arrive. Click here for O'Connor Studios FAQs.
Ursuline Open House on November 7
Parent volunteers are needed to welcome guests, answer questions, and serve refreshments at our Open House on Sunday, November 7. Click here for our Sign up Genius form. Students interested in helping should sign up here. If you have not already taken a lawn sign to promote the event at your home, business, or church, please have your daughters stop by Angela Hall on their way out of school to pick one up! Thank you. Contact admissions@ursulineacademy.net with questions.
Monthly First Friday Mass at Ursuline
The Campus Ministry Team would like to invite all members of the Ursuline Community (faculty, staff, students, and families) to join us for Mass on the first Friday of each month at 7:15 a.m. Mass will be held in the Reynolds Center gym. Please RSVP using this form so that we can best prepare for seating and Eucharist. We hope that you will be able to join us in prayer and reflection during this year. The first Mass will be Friday, November 5.
| |
Ursuline's Virtual Gala
Students! We need your talent! Submit a talent video for a chance to be a star and win CASH PRIZES when our Virtual Gala returns on Sunday, December 12. Video submissions will be narrowed down to a field of finalists that will be announced and voted on LIVE during the virtual event. Submissions must be received by Monday, November 29, 2021. Note: This year, talent segments are requested from current Ursuline Academy students only.
Sponsor the Event!
Consider sponsoring this year's virtual gala in support of the amazing talent that is Ursuline! All proceeds will help Ursuline to provide both need and merit-based financial assistance to our students. Click here for sponsorship details.
Auction Donations
Help us put together the best auction and door prize selection ever! Are you one of those people who loves putting together auction items and gift baskets? Do you know all the best places to go and the hottest new trends for our students and families? Then we need your help! Donate an item or cash to be put toward a basket or prize.
| |
Clue: On Stage!
Clue: On Stage (High School Edition)
November 5 and 6, 7 p.m.
Six guests assemble under the roof of Mr. Boddy's abode. Colonel Mustard. Mrs. White. Mrs. Peacock. Mr. Green. Miss Scarlett. Professor Plum. All bear secrets that they wish to keep hidden. As their secrets are unveiled, bodies tumble down the corridors. While trying to uncover the murderer, the clock ticks. Police officers race to arrest the six criminals. Will the person behind the murders be discovered? Will our six guests be punished for their devilish secrets? Come find out on November 5 and 6 at 7:00 p.m. in Angela Hall.
Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn; written by Sandy Rustin;additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price; based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture; based on the Hasbro board game CLUE; original music by Michael Holland.
Parent Volunteers for Drama Performance: If you are able to help with ticket/concession sales on Saturday, November 6, please email guild@ursulineacademy.net.
| |
Virtual Speaking Events
RESCHEDULED for Wednesday, November 3
Coping Skills for Current Times: Supporting the Mental Health of 7-12th Graders
Our UA/XBHS Parent Speaker Series program scheduled for this past Wednesday, October 27 was cancelled due to weather-related power issues for the presenter. The program is rescheduled for this coming Wednesday, November 3, at 7 p.m. Join clinician Linda Price for an engaging workshop about supporting youth in grades 7-12 in developing coping skills for the current times. When teens are struggling, they often turn inward or act out to manage their mental health. Dr. Price will offer a framework to understand these responses, share the most common emotional needs and behaviors, and provide strategies for supporting a teen's mental health and wellness. Q&A to follow. Access the program with the same Zoom link you received last week or click here to register now.
In case you missed it! Speaker Series on Injury Prevention in Student Athletes
For those who were unable to attend the zoom event on October 20 with Dr. Ellen Geminiani '79, physician in the Sports Medicine Division at Boston Children's Hospital, you can watch it here.
Dr. Geminiani provides clinical patient care in sports medicine with a focus on figure skating and dance and research development to improve care and prevent injuries. Dr. Geminiani presented on injury prevention relating to all student-athletes.
| |
Ursuline's Making Strides Walk
Making Strides! It's not too late to donate!
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk last Saturday! If you walked (or if you didn't!) and are still able to make a contribution to the UA team, we appreciate the support. All donations go to the American Cancer Society.
Donate here to the UA Making Strides team.
| |
Athletics Updates
Fall Sports
As you read this, we are in the final days of the fall sports season. This has been a challenging week for all of our teams due to the storm.
- Cross Country: Cross Country's League Championship has been rescheduled for next Tuesday at Bear Cove in Hingham. Those students participating will be dismissed at 2:30 p.m.
- Field Hockey: Field Hockey will be playing its final game of the season this afternoon. The game was moved to Gonzalez Field.
- Soccer: Tonight's game against Mt. Alvernia has been canceled. As of now the Varsity and Junior Varsity are scheduled to play their final regular season games at Malden Catholic tomorrow morning. Congratulations to the Junior High Soccer team on their two victories this week as their season comes to an end. They beat Rashi on Monday 4-1 and Montrose yesterday 5-0.
- Swimming and Diving: Congratulations to the swimmers and divers on winning the Catholic Conference league meet. Members of the team are now getting ready for the Sectionals being held next Sunday in Worcester.
- Volleyball: The teams will play their final games tonight as they host Malden Catholic. Freshman at 4; Junior Varsity at 5 and Varsity at 6:15 p.m. It is the Dig Pink Fundraiser for Dana Farber.
Soccer Team Fundraiser for Cancer Research
Congratulations to the Soccer teams for their wonderful job raising money for cancer research. Thanks to the coaches, players and everyone who supported it. The event raised $2,350.
Victoria Veator to Compete in New England HS Golf Championship
Congratulations to Victoria Veator '23 who has been invited to play in the prestigious New England High School Golf Championship at the Mohegan Sun Golf Club in Baltic, CT on November 1. She is one of ten girls in Massachusetts to be invited. Good luck, Victoria!
Winter Sports
Winter Sports Informational meetings were held last week. If you missed them and are interested in a winter sport, please see Mr. O'Connor. Please remember, sports paperwork is due no later than November 16.
Fitness Center Schedule
All students are encouraged to use the Fitness Center during the open time slots, whether they are on a team or not. The trainer will explain how to use the equipment and assist students with any questions they have. Next week, the Fitness Center is open to all Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3-5 p.m.
| |
Bears in Action
November After-School Service Opportunities
- Thursday, November 4 - White Oak Cottages, Westwood (3 - 5:30 p.m.)
- Wednesday, November 10 - Community Servings, Jamaica Plain (3 - 6 p.m. )
Participants must be vaccinated to participate in either of these trips.
Students can sign up using the links that they received in their email from Campus Ministry.
AMC Math Competition for Students on November 10
Sign up for the AMC 10/12, a math competition being offered on Wednesday, November 10! Ursuline is pleased to offer another math competition opportunity, right here on campus! Each year, the Mathematical Association of America provides the means for administering tests that allow students to demonstrate problem-solving skills in a low-stress, friendly way - right in your school. Colleges love to see evidence of these skills, and therefore participation in these competitions is a good addition to that college resume. This year, the competition will take place at Ursuline on Wednesday,
November 10. Two different exams are being offered on that day, depending on the math subjects which you are currently or have already taken. Anyone who is enrolled in Algebra 1 or higher is welcome to participate. If interested, please see Mrs. MacKenzie in room 012 by Friday, November 5 to sign up!
International Trip to Japan, April 2023
Ursuline Academy is planning an international trip to Japan for students in April 2023. Current 10th and 11th graders are eligible to enroll. The tour itinerary will include Tokyo, from the Imperial Palace to video game mecca; folk villages and gardens in the Japanese "alps" Kanazawa and Takayama; an overnight in a traditional Japanese inn (Ryoken); Kyoto with its Geisha district; a Tea Ceremony and traditional dancing show; Himeji Castle; and a visit to Hiroshima (atomic bomb site) via bullet train. April is cherry blossom season in Japan. Enroll at: explorica.com and use Tour Center ID: Petti-9568. Contact Mrs. Petti in Room 104 or email lpetti@ursulineacademy.net with questions.
| |
Community News
Christmas Orders from Online Store Due this Week
Please note that the next cut-off for ordering from our online store is October 31 at midnight. This will also be the deadline to guarantee delivery in time for Christmas. We hope you like the selection of merchandise and note that most items are customizable with clubs, sports or affiliation to the school. Please Contact Kate Gormley, bookstore manager, at uabookstore@ursulineacademy.net with any questions.
Creative Community Network Seeks Student Change Agents
Students in grades 9-12 are invited to apply to join a leadership program in the Social Justice Center at Emerson College to connect with young change agents across schools and neighborhoods throughout the Boston area. This program aims to work with and support high school students who identify as students of color, LGBTQIA+, and/or first-generation. Students will have an opportunity to collaborate together as a cohort on a generative creative community action project. As a cohort, we will explore topics including systems of oppression, socialization, allyship, solidarity, liberation, art as activism, and more. The program will run from November 2021 - June 2022 and students will receive a stipend for participation.
Apply by November 1: bit.ly/CCN21Apply
Nominate: bit.ly/CCN21Nominate
| |
Halloween at Ursuline
Ursuline students and staff enjoyed trunk or treating in costume during Activity Block today in advance of Halloween this weekend. Principal Sue "Mama Bear" Petrone joined the fun!
Quick Links
|
Ursuline Academy | 85 Lowder Street | Dedham, MA 02026 | 781.326.6161