From the Head of School - A Visit & Pilgrimage to New York City

What an incredible trip to New York City we had!

Perhaps when you asked your son how his trip to New York City went, you heard something like this real life exchange:

Parent- How was your trip to New York City?! Student- Good.

Parent- Oh. What would have made it great?

Student- If it was longer.

I'm sure this isn't unfamiliar to our parents of adolescents and pre-adolescents. Peeling back the monosyllabic responses can be a difficult operation, but once you do, I hope you find that we had an incredible time in New York, complete with some of our best performances, growing independence, the "good trouble" of friends traveling together, and we even met Spider-Man halfway across the Brooklyn Bridge!

I hope that your sons will share the very best of these adventures in the city with you. They did a tremendous job while they were away.

As we traveled one thing all of our chaperones were careful to do was to narrate each instance in which students were practicing their independence. These instances are small, but important in the formation of a boy. This included entrusting them with wake up times, breakfast arrangements, packing snacks to bridge the gaps between meals, and with bed times. Of course, we also adhered to the adage "trust, but verify." Regular checks, reminders, and conversations helped them stay on task.

From day one, students were developing the "soft skills" of independence: While touring the Museum of Natural History, I saw students lead one another, ask what exhibits their friends preferred, purchase souvenirs for siblings, wait for stragglers to catch up, among many more examples.

As the trip continued, their independence and confidence only grew. This was most apparent during their performances.

Rehearsals were beneficial, but not urgent or hectic. This is because the boys were well-versed in their repertoire, practiced, and confident. It was a lesson in preparation and the confidence to be gained from preparing well. Our time and attention were not forced upon mastering a new piece at the last moment; but instead on care for one another and the process of formation at the heart of this school.

Last, I would add that each boy successfully contributed to the mission of our school. True to our prediction, parishioners and members of Saint Patrick's and the Metropolitan Club brought their hearts and prayers with them, allowing the boys to elevate those intentions to God through song. At the Metropolitan Club, members were either moved to tears or to sing along, with little space between!

Many thanks to our fantastic chaperone team: Mrs. Ahmad, Mrs. Carney, Ms. Janowski, Father Kelly, Mr. Lee, Mr. Nemec, and Mr. Straub. And many thanks to you and the boys for your trust and goodwill.

Repleatur os meum laude tua,



Mr. Moran