Headmaster's Welcome
Recently, Paul Johnson '78 a classmate of mine stopped by the school to pick up a sweatshirt for his son who will join the class of 2012. Paul was clearly excited that his son was about to become a Pioneer. We took time to talk about the joys and challenges of parenting adolescents in today's society. Our conversation later shifted to our own experience of Saint John's . Paul shared, “ Saint John's not only trained me to think critically, it helped shape the person I am today. I did not realize that benefit at the time, but I am forever grateful that my parents did, and now by making a few sacrifices I hope to do the same for my son.” Such sentiment caused me to reflect on the life transforming value of Saint John's .
I find the growth of Saint John's throughout the years quite remarkable. Our growth has not been relegated solely to growing the student body. We have purposefully targeted a student body of approximately 1,000. This size student body allows us to offer all programs that a school of our caliber should offer. Yet, as important a student body of this size allows us to know our students personally (by name), which is essential in the education of adolescents today. A great deal of our growth these past ten years has focused on developing the breadth and depth of an already challenging academic program. The growth of our World Language and Social Studies Departments as seen by the addition of Mandarin Chinese, and the addition of A.P. World History reflects the ever growing global dimension of Saint John's . Our future plans include the growth of our Science Department through offering courses in engineering. Yet within our challenging environment, today's students find the one on one attention and support they may require by spending time with their teachers outside of class. While our curriculum is rigorous and diverse, the appropriate support structures have been set in place, so that we may continue to educate a diverse student body, which we have always done.
The untold story of Saint John's in recent years involves the growth of our fine arts as well as campus ministry programs. Upon the completion of the Ryken Center in 1999 our fine arts program has developed beyond our expectations. Our Blackbox Theater plays host to eight drama productions a year, six improve shows, five acoustic concerts, as well as drama classes. Our jazz bands boast a total student enrollment of 115. Thus, 15% of Saint John's students are playing jazz!!! Our campus ministry programs continue to expand, offering retreats to students each of their four years at Saint John's . Our service programs bring students to New York City, New Orleans, West Virginia, South Dakota, Ecuador, and of course to those in our immediate area most in need of our assistance. As a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School , we take seriously our responsibility to educate young men to be of service to others.
Saint John's offers more than a great education! In addition to challenging academics that inform the student, Saint John's High School provides a teaching community that helps form a student's character. Finally the experience of a close knit community transforms a student into a young man. Our vision is to sustain and enrich the values and faith based education which has been a hallmark of a Saint John's education, strengthening our position as one of the premier college preparatory schools in New England, all the while focused on making Saint John's affordable for those of modest and below modest means.
If you are an alumnus who has not visited our campus in recent years, I invite you back to see all “that has changed,” and to experience all “that has not changed.” If you are a prospective student of family, I welcome you to visit and to explore the life transformative nature of a Saint John's education.
In the Peace of Christ,
Michael Welch '78, P'08,'09, ‘11