6 minute read
The Dorms open to girls
Girls’ Wing Brings A New Look to Anselm House
The all-boy Anselm House is already taking on a new look in anticipation of the Priory’s first young women who will join the on-campus community in the fall.
These 10 young women will have a space all their own, defined by a separate entrance, patio and lounge, with new colors and new furniture in the rooms. Bedrooms and bath will become female-friendly, with extra mirrors and electrical outlets in anticipation of hair dryers and curling irons.
This is just the backdrop--it soon will reflect the tastes and interests of the girls themselves, said Jack Hundley, Director of Operations and Finance and campus resident. The young women could—and probably will—come from as far away as Asia and Mexico, and as close to the campus as San Francisco and the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties. A satisfyingly large number of inquiries have come from around the globe and across the United States, said Carol Mauss, Assistant Director of Admissions. Referrals come from the American and Catholic boarding school associations, from families who speak with educational consultants or Priory representatives at boarding school fairs and—most welcome of all— from Priory families and friends.
“Our own community is always the best source of new students. They know us, and a young man
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Kirsten Chen Resident Advisor Stanford Class of 2003
Two resident families have a special role in dorm life. They are the Trujillos—Resident Advisor Chris, wife, Shawna, who is Dean of the Middle School, and preschoolers Taylor and Parker, and the Carlsons—Dean of Students Erik, wife Lisa, Lucy (at right on Erik’s shoulders) and newborn daughter Pippa. The artist’s sketch is a vision of the completed girls’ lounge. or woman they send is very likely to be a good fit,” commented Al Zappelli, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. He hopes that our best applicants for next year will come from our own parents and alumni. Contact him at azappelli@woodsidepriory.com if you know of an interested family.
“We are looking for applicants who are serious about academics, like to be involved in lots of activities, and would enjoy contributing to both the boarding program and the day school program.” he said.
Boarders of both genders will find a high quality living experience geared to developing independence, academic skills and lifelong friendships among adults and peers, Mr. Zappelli said.
“In boarding school, you get used to managing your time and forming your own goals. It really pays off when you go to college. You are way ahead of everyone else when it comes to being able to take care of yourself,” commented resident advisor Kirsten Chen. Kirsten was a high school boarding student at St. Paul’s, and she graduated from Stanford in 2003.
The on-campus community consists of 17 residences for faculty, administrators and staff, plus the monastery which is home to the five monks, and St. Anselm and St. Benedict Houses for boarding students. Residents share a special commitment to living by Benedictine values, said Mr. Zappelli, who has lived on campus with his family for fourteen years.
“This is really not a’new’ program for us—it is a ‘next step’ that we’ve anticipated for some time. And it is very welcome.” said Tim Molak, Headmaster— who lives on campus with his wife and daughter. The school community is well prepared, he said; nevertheless, a consultant recommended by the Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) will work with the residence staff to assure a top-notch first year experience, he added.
In a small school, new faces and perspectives are always exciting:
“I think the addition of girl boarders will be great for all of us. I’ve really enjoyed having girls from other parts of the country and the world in my class. One of the best things is that we get to see our own area from another point of view,” said Megan Noice, a senior. Megan and her sister, Katie, have been good friends with students from the Slovak Republic in Central Europe.
Boarder Guilly Mendoza added “There will be more minds thinking up new activities, and with more people we can do even more. More boarders are always good!”
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U pdate
Maas Family Commons Completed and occupied on schedule.
Performing Arts Center More than $4 million of the $7 million goal achieved. Next steps are being assesed.
Endowment Nearly $2.2 million towards $5 million gaol. Current effort is the annual drive to fund scholarships named for Priory Benedictine fathers (the “Father Funds”)
Architects’ Rendering Gives a Hint of Performing Arts Center Interior
Several poster-sized, computer-generated renderings, prepared by Miller/Kelly Architects in San Francisco, provide both information about the planning and hints of what to expect in the proposed Performing Arts Center.
Performing Arts at the Priory Major on-campus performances by students and professionals in the fall semester
Dromedary International Music performers visit language arts and music classes Cookies ‘n Classics student recital music The Kentucky Cycle historical drama, a high school student productioin Young Concert Artist Wendy Chen, guest artist on campus, public and private concerts Latino-Indigenous Festival presented by the language arts students and faculty. Two events—one of dance, flags and foods, and a Chapel presentation of vocal music and the spiritual and cultural traditions surrounding corn.
Coming in January:
Classical Guitarist Robert Belinic Priory Winter Concert, with six student ensembles performing
Mary Castaneda danced the Cumbia, from Colombia.
Sonal Khanna and Ian Brent were partners in a dance from Honduras and Guatemala in a LatinoIndigenous cutural festival presented by students and faculty of the language arts department.
Woodside Priory School 302 Portola Road Portola Valley, CA 94028 (650) 851-8221 fax (650) 851-2839 At the Priory on January 26 & 27!
Classical Guitarist Robert Belinic Public Concert WPS Chapel
Reception following No Charge
Contact preed@woodsidepriory.com for updated information
Mr. Belinic will visit the Priory campus as “artist in residence” for a day, meeting with music students and giving a private concert for the Priory community. His public concert is not yet scheduled but will be at 7 p.m. on either January 26th or 27th.
Robert Belinic is one of several musicians who perform in an occasional series at the Priory through an arrangement with Young Concert Artists Inc. in New York. His artistry has resulted in numerous prizes and reviewers’ praise. The following are from issues of New York Concert Review:
“…a consummate musician of grace and stature, easy yet exciting on stage…”
“As with so many of the works of Paganini and Liszt, the performer provides the necessary link to turn mere notes into magic.”
“With ultimate Latin flair, Mr. Belinic gave glorious and colorful dimension to three works of the Venezuelan composer Antonio Lauro”
NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID MENLO PARK,CA PERMIT #805
