Messages from Headmaster Michael Welch & Chairman of the Board of Trustees
From Headmaster Michael Welch
November 6, 2015
Dear Members of the Saint John’s Community,
Two of my aunts were extremely influential in my development as a school leader. Sr. Mary Joan Welch, S.N.D. served as Principal of a number of Notre Dame elementary schools in Connecticut. As was the practice at that time, the congregation often moved the Principal every six years. My aunt, Joan Welch, was a long time teacher at the former Rice Elementary School in Holden, MA, concluding her career with an approximately eight year tenure as Assistant Principal. Both of these women were loved by their students, and revered as strong and effective leaders, helping to forward the mission of the schools they served. My aunts were both crystal clear with me, that leaders come to serve a community, bring their gifts and talents, always remembering that leadership is about service, and that the leader does not come to a school to be served. They both believed that while leaders possessed gifts and talents to bring a school community, those gifts and talents were finite, and that leaders should never stay too long at one school. They were ardent proponents that schools need new life, energy, ideas, etc., and that change in leadership is essential.
When I returned to Saint John’s in 2001, as its leader, I assumed that I would serve in that position for no more than twelve years. I realized it would take time to get to know the community, assess the most critical needs at that time in history, develop a strategic vision and execute the plan to meet those needs. In June, I will complete my fifteenth year, and I have decided my final year as Headmaster. I believe I have brought to Saint John’s all the gifts and talents I have to offer, and because of the support of so many, we have addressed a number of needs-culturally, programmatically, financially, to such a point that the school is in a position of strength for its next leader, who will only continue to make Saint John’s an even better school.
One of the greatest Headmasters of a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School in recent history was Bro. James Kelly, C.F.X. Bro. James served as Headmaster for three of our schools, after beginning his ministry as a teacher here at Saint John’s High School in the early ‘70’s. In his letter announcing his own departure from Mount Saint Joseph High School, where he had served as Headmaster, Bro. James referenced a Fr. Gallitzin, who served as pastor of a Catholic settlement in the mountains of Pennsylvania in the early 1800’s. “Fr. Gallitzin, said to a young woman in his parish who was about to join a convent, “Always remember that you are useful but not necessary.” Bro. James went on to write, “In God’s plans we fulfill some many useful roles, but none of us are necessary. God can raise up saviors from anywhere. The moment we begin to think we are the only one who can do a job or that we are the only one who can fill a role, we are suffering from one of the greatest of pride’s delusions.”
I hope that I have been useful, and have been a good servant of Xaverian education at Saint John’s. I hope in some small way, that together we have made manifest the good, and life transforming dimension that can be brought forth at a Catholic and Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School. I want to thank the many of you who have joined in this important ministry, by offering your own gifts and talents. It is important to transition a school at a time of strength. Today, Saint John’s is in a position of strength, and I have every confidence that the Board of Trustees will appoint someone who will make Saint John’s an even better school tomorrow.
Given the public nature of my position as Headmaster, and out of respect for Saint John’s, I chose not to seek out future opportunities until I made this announcement. I am sure that I will explore a variety of opportunities including being of service to Xaverian or Jesuit ministries, ministries that have been a blessing to me throughout my life, and have allowed me to live out my relationship with Christ.
In the Peace of Christ,
Michael W. Welch
Headmaster
From Chairman of the Board of Trustees Carl Rapp
November 6, 2015
To the Alumni of Saint John’s High School,
Earlier this week, Michael Welch informed me that this would be his final year serving Saint John’s in the position of Headmaster. Michael shared with me his philosophy of leadership, which in part led him to conclude that this was the right time to make this decision, particularly given his views “on the natural cycles in the life of a school.” While it was difficult to hear this news, we respect his decision knowing that Michael has been led by his faith and core beliefs.
Michael‘s contributions during his tenure at Saint John’s have been profound. Under his leadership we have seen the transformation of our core curriculum, our campus and our finances. Throughout his tenure he has remained a passionate, optimistic advocate of our mission and remained faithful to the importance of a Catholic and Xaverian education as evidenced by the growth and success of our Campus Ministry program. His positive outlook, capacity for hard work and love of Saint John’s has been an inspiration within our community since his first day on the job almost 15 years ago. He will leave Saint John’s in excellent condition, with experienced and committed leaders positioned throughout the administration, faculty and staff. In his performance as Headmaster – as our leader and friend - he has honored those who taught him, who preceded him in the job as Headmaster, his fellow classmates from the class of 1978, his family and a generation of grateful students and alumni.
While he has no immediate plans following his departure from Saint John’s next June, we may expect to see Michael in another leadership role with a mission oriented organization as his professional journey continues. Similarly to past Saint John’s Headmasters, we have asked Michael for his counsel and insight as needed during a transition period starting next summer.
This week the Board of Trustees has convened a search committee, led by Vice-Chairman Mark Quinn, which will immediately begin a formal process that is expected to extend into the winter. During this time we will vet worthy candidates for the Headmaster position. Representatives from the Xaverian Brothers as well as our Board, faculty, staff, administration, students, parents and alumni will participate in this process. It is our objective to have the Headmaster position filled and announced to the Saint John’s community well before the end of the academic year.
Our school is strong and prepared for this generational leadership change. Michael wouldn’t have it any other way.
Please join me in wishing Michael and Bridget our very best as we all prepare for this transition.
Carl D. Rapp
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Saint John’s High School
