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A Message from the President
Anna Yaegashi ’24, Sr. Virginia O’Brien, S.U., and Maya Perez ’23
Dear Notre Dame, Winter 2022
Encore 2022 focuses on several of our alumnae who live Anne de Xainctonge’s mission and desire that it remains vibrant at Notre Dame School in the years ahead. I am delighted to introduce one of them as our new Principal, Karina Vargas. Karina began her time at Notre Dame when the school was in our modest home on St. Mark’s Place. As a senior, Karina and the entire student body of 208 packed their books and belongings on a Thursday in April 2002 and moved into our new home on West 13th Street the following week.
Our building was quite rustic in 2002. Twenty years later, thanks to our community of alumnae, parents, and benefactors, our 360 students enjoy what was only a dream for the Class of 2002: state of the art technology, a beautiful art room, the Dolan Arts and Athletics Center, the ND Commons, and, of course, our prayerful Alumnae Chapel.
No matter our location, Notre Dame School always remains focused on our mission: “academic excellence for girls, an awareness of God in their lives, and engagement with the world around them.” This year we are renewing our commitment to focus on three social justice initiatives: diversity, equity, inclusion, and the Gospel (DEIG); immigration; and climate change. We desire that all our students experience a sense of belonging Chez Nous, receive an exceptional college preparatory education, and become leaders that make the world more just and peaceful.
While we entrust Karina Vargas with the role of Principal in the tradition of Anne de Xainctonge, I ask each one in our entire Notre Dame community to renew your support of Notre Dame. Your generosity has brought us this far since our beginning, over 110 years ago. We trust in your continued support so that our students learn to live more deeply the Gospel message and celebrate 20 years on West 13th Street. With gratitude,
Dr. Virginia O’Brien, SU President
