Farewells

At the end of the school year we said farewell to several faculty and administrators that have served Priory for an extensive amount of years. Priory was a different place when all of them began and now they are leaving Priory a better place due to their actions and pure love for Priory to make a difference.

Molly Buccola

Molly Buccola will be leaving Priory after 14 dedicated years of service as a valued Campus Minister and a variety of other roles such as theology teacher, retreat team leader, and cross country coach. Her friend and colleague Fr. Martin Mager, O.S.B. said, “Molly has brought the role of Campus Ministry to a new level. Although she is loved by everyone at the Priory, she presents a very special role model for young Priory women. She is strong and compassionate and a friend to all. She is simply, the best.” Head of School Tim Molak called Ms. Buccola, “pure grace,” and “her smile and persona draw people to her; you meet her once and you will never forget her.”

Ms. Buccola reflected on her time with Fr. Martin, “I first met him when I was twenty-one. He developed most of the chapel and retreat rituals. He has been a mentor and friend.” When Molly was stuck on details of a retreat many years ago, he told her, “It’s time to let go. You’ve done the work, now it’s God’s turn.” She often replays Fr. Martin’s wise words in her mind, “with every retreat and really every life decision, especially this step into the unknown now.”

Plans for the future include moving to Bend, Oregon to be near her family. Beyond that, her future is wide open, “It is about seeing God in the little things, fostering an environment for the Spirit to flourish, and having faith that Wisdom will show herself when she’s needed. Where else can you find a “job” like that? I plan to take some time to “listen” for what’s next,” she said.

Brian Schlaak

To no surprise, the 2019-20 yearbook was dedicated to Brian Schlaak by the Class of 2020. “I’m not sure he knows how much he became the pillar ‘round which our school made its name. Brian’s spreading of smiles formed the Priory style, and without him, we just won’t be the same,” was just a small portion of the poem written by Grant Whitman ’20 for the dedication.

“It’s been a helluva run,” Mr. Schlaak wrote in a farewell email to Priory faculty and staff. “I thank all of you for your disparate roles in helping to color my experience here. It has been marvelous, instructive and broadening. I sincerely wish all of you well. I hope that our paths cross again. I will miss you,” he said.

Prior to Covid-19, Mr. Schlaak and his wife Thea, and son Augie, had planned to sail from New York City to England, then spend the fall living in Italy and traveling around Europe, and then in the spring volunteering at the Daraja school in Kenya where Mr. Schlaak is on the board. Now post Covid-19 with the cruise canceled and travel restricted, Mr. Schlaak’s plans have changed and they have decided to “embrace our future as nomadic gypsies.” They may also spend time in the Ojai area where they recently purchased a house and a small avocado ranch.

Mr. Schlaak leaves after 15 years of faithful service. His impact on the school reaches beyond the measurable. Head of School Tim Molak said, “He has been the driving force behind the academic excellence and balance we enjoy today and he has left his mark on all of us. May God hold him–and his family–in the palm of His hand.”

The Campus Ministry area near Room B8 is now dedicated to Molly Buccola. Molly was a shining star, had a smile that would light up a room and a heart that knew no bounds!

The second floor Founders Hall office has been dedicated in honor of Brian Schlaak. Within those walls, Brian worked his magic for over a decade talking to parents, planning the academic program, and mentoring/counseling hundreds of students.

Yvonne Faisal

After 16 years at Priory serving in roles of Mathematics teacher, department head, class mentor, Director of Systems & Innovation, and chaperone extraordinaire for global trips, Yvonne Faisal will be moving on to the San Francisco Girl’s School as the Director of Academics.

“Yvonne was an invaluable lead or team member in nearly every innovative Priory evolution through the course of the past fifteen years,” said Brian Schlaak. “She leads with her heart, is devoted to the wellbeing of kids and has an abiding passion for education. The Priory would not be where it is without her,” Brian added.

With two daughters as Priory alumnae, Yvonne admitted, “My children grew up here and I deeply appreciate those peers who helped raise them along the way. In fact, I will miss that for myself as well.” Yvonne also reflected on the quiet heroes of the school, “I will miss the care and attention from the Kitchen Staff and Facilities crew. They are the epitome of stewardship and make communal meals, hanging out on our beautiful campus, and serving our individual purpose both possible and meaningful.”

Tim Molak recently described Ms. Faisal as, “a teacher, mother, department chair, administrator, mentor, advisor, master scheduler, colleague, Senior sleepout survivor, always a call or email away–the source of solutions to concerns or problems and always listens with the ear of her heart.”

Todd Turner

Todd Turner has been a staple of the middle school for 22 years. Middle School Head Caitha Ambler said, “Todd has a unique way of “being a kid” with his students, but also has one of the most orderly classrooms on campus. It is this balance that is so magical. The bottom line, the kids absolutely adore him and will miss him immensely.”

Mr. Turner has been known to create unique and fun nicknames for almost every single middle school student and this is evidence to his commitment to getting to know the students beyond the classroom. Students Nate Chen ’24 and Carter Baginskis ’24 put together a farewell video for Mr. Turner and several students of all grade levels expressed their favorite memories and words to describe Mr. Turner like “funny, welcoming, dedicated, encouraging, happy, and energetic,” were mentioned repeatedly. Students reminisced on his famous “Simon Says” games, “Agent Turbo” and “Pit” math challenges, the blind toss of the dried out marker into the trash can, and his uncanny ability to scare the hiccups out of anyone.

Mr. Turner was also the recipient of the St. Stephen Teaching Award this year. During the awards recognition, Tim Molak described Mr. Turner as “all those who rub shoulders with him every day know the affection the students have for him and the engaging, funny, thoughtful, inspiring, creative teacher he is.”

As Mr. Turner plans to attend grad school to earn a degree in Educational Leadership, he will remain a part of the Priory Alumni Engagement Office and will continue to connect with alumni and attend events throughout the year. Mr. Turner commented, “The Priory will be the best job I ever had. I love our students first, parents, coworkers, and our campus.”

B13 the original Tinker Lab is dedicated to Yvonne Faisal. Yvonne was always ready to help, create a new space or class, encourage innovation or just “tinkering” a bit.

The Priory is honored to dedicate Room C7 to Todd Turner. We honor his dedication, love of learning, and commitment to coaching and teaching students especially those in the middle school.