Monday, September 13, 2010

Check here for updates each week! For those of you who missed last week's update - check out the stories below...

The new recruits
New year, new faces at Ursuline Academy

As Staples® reminds us each fall, "its the most wonderful time of the year!" Birds are chirping, leaves are changing, temperatures are cooling off and students are gearing up for a new year at Ursuline Academy.

Upon entering school on their first day, students were delighted to find a clean and renovated locker room, modernly chic student lounge and high-tech scoreboard in the gymnasium. "I am so excited about the lockers," says ninth grader Agata Atayed, who already decided that a colorful shelf is the perfect addition to her new storage space."They are so big!"

With so many exciting changes to the building, students almost didn't notice the new faces roaming the halls! Until first period that is, when they were introduced to the newest members of the UA faculty.

This year, we are happy to welcome seven new teachers to the Ursuline community. From left: Mr. James McGovern teaches Latin7 & Latin I-V; Ms. Caitlin Chipman teaches Algebra, Algebra II and Pre-calculus; Mrs. Colleen Peters (an alumna from the Class of 1995) teaches Geograhy, World History and Psychology; Mr. Daniel Jaworski (or "Mr. J" as the students call him) teaches Life Science and Computer Science; Mrs. Jennifer Schein teaches Geometry; Mrs. Lisa Collins teaches Anatomy and Physiology and Advanced Placement Biology; and Mr. Mike O'Connor (parent of 2 graduates) is our new Director of Athletics.
Agata (back) with friend Kelsey, relaxing in the new locker room.
I caught up with Ms. Chipman last Tuesday, who said that her first day of classes went "very smoothly" and that she is happy to be starting her teaching career at UA. Athletic Director Mike O'Connor, who is already hard at work in his new position, wants to insure that all students are able to play a role in the program: "I hope that some girls will take on the role of Team Manager...in that spot, they are recognized as part of the team!" When asked about her Life Science teacher "Mr. J," one young student (who asked not to be identified) claims that she not only enjoys his methods of teaching, but also his "cool ties."
Sure, it is always hard to be the "new kid" in school, but it seems that this dynamic group of educators is certainly up for the challenge of inspiring our students to achieve their full potential.

___________________________________________

Setting The Pace
Paige, Colleen, Tori and Catie at 60 State Street
An energetic group of Ursuline Academy student leaders are setting the pace for their peers. On August 11, (from left) Paige Sawyer, Colleen McGauley, Victoria Sitcawich and Catie Chipman attended the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer "Pacesetter Kickoff Breakfast" atop picturesque 60 State Street in downtown Boston.

Amid breathtaking views of the city skyline, the students joined other team leaders for a delicious breakfast and special presentation. In an effort to stress the great impact of the Making Strides event, a panel of speakers took to the stage to share personal stories of hope and survival. Magic 106.7's Candy O'Terry, who served as Master of Ceremonies, lost her mother to cancer and inspired others with her words: “365 days a year, this is my passion and my cause," she said, fighting back tears.

The event, which was attended by team leaders and volunteers from around the state, served as a great source of inspiration for Ursuline's student liaisons, who are up for the task of making the walk a school wide event this year. "We are going to try to get everyone involved," Chipman said enthusiastically. The group plans to utilize WUA-News, colorful fliers and tons of school spirit to drum up interest among students and faculty. "We have lots of ideas."

Team Ursuline, 2009
Last year, Ursuline followed quickly in the footsteps of partner school Catholic Memorial and joined the Making Strides High School Challenge. With just two months to raise awareness among community members, UA was able to net just over $5,7000 and actually won the "small schools" category of the competition.

Prior to the start of this year's event, ten Ursuline students will take the stage at Boston's Hatch Shell to represent the school community as the High School Challenge Winners are recognized. School President and Team Leader Jillian Lawler will speak on behalf of UA.

On October 3, Ursuline hearts will unite once again to fight breast cancer. Please join us this year, as we work together to fight a cause that touches each of us in some way.




Posted by at