Chez
News
Notre Dame School
of Manhattan
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Letter from the President
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Pied Beauty
Glory be to God for dappled things –
For skies of couple-color as a brindled cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh firecoal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings;
Landscapes plotted and pieced-fold, fallow, and plough;
And all trades, their gear and tackle and trim.
All things counter, original, spare, strange;
Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:
Praise him.
Gerard Manley Hopkins, SJ
November 21, 2019
Dear Notre Dame,
November is a time to remember and a time to give thanks. We remember in our prayer members of our community who have gone before us, especially at our Thanksgiving liturgy on November 27
th
. We give thanks for their lives and generosity to Notre Dame.
We surely give thanks to God for living members of the ND community, especially our current students, families, alumnae, benefactors and friends. Without your support, the wonderful opportunities you will read about in this edition of
Chez News
would not exist.
Anne de Xainctonge desired that her students discover God in all things and give God thanks and praise. The girls experience opportunities to discover God in music, song, dance, literature, prayer, sports and especially, in each other. Over their years at Notre Dame, they come to know more about themselves, the world around them, and the environment which we all share. Fascinating stories that highlight these areas are found inside
Chez News
. Enjoy the read in this extended version of our monthly newsletter.
Above all, may you and your families savor a Happy Thanksgiving. Let us take time to notice, listen, wonder and be grateful for all our blessings. In and through all our relationships, work and leisure, may we echo Hopkins’ words by our very lives – Praise Him.
Gratefully,
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Dr. Virginia O’Brien, SU
President
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Lincoln Center comes to Dolan Center!
The Jazz Ensemble performs for ND
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Music is an important part of the human experience and an integral aspect of the Notre Dame curriculum. The Music program, under the direction of Ms. Nicole Wakabayashi, educates and inspires the students’ musical abilities, but also enlightens them on various cultures, histories, and traditions.
In addition to music classes, Notre Dame is fortunate to be able to provide a multitude of dynamic opportunities to enrich the students’ lives in these ways. Late last month, the Lincoln Center Jazz Ensemble performed in the Dolan Center for the school community. The performers dazzled the audience with their upbeat musical skills. In between songs, they also explained to them the evolution of jazz and the blues, and how the history of the times impacted iconic musicians like Louis Armstrong.
This opportunity was made possible by a grant the school received from the Gilder Lehrman Institute. The Gilder Lehrman Institute is the nation’s leading American history organization dedicated to K-12 education. Its mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources. Notre Dame’s grant allows for three concerts per year, providing a breadth of musical experiences for our girls.
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New York University Steinhardt West African Gyil and Percussion Ensemble
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And speaking of spectacular musical experiences, Ms. Wakabayashi recently brought the New York University Steinhardt West African Gyil and Percussion Ensemble to the school. This group performed traditional African songs on unique and fascinating instruments. They also discussed their music education with the students, and how they learned about African culture through travel and study. They ended their time with incredible traditional dances that they taught a group of brave student volunteers to do. What an uplifting experience!
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Two photographs from Fanta Diop's exhibit
on display as part of
Celebrating Black American History through Music, Art, and Poetry
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Members of the Studio Art Class Class create a 'word cloud' through the arrangement of speeches by famous African American, articles, pieces of slave narratives, and spirituals
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Alais Springer-Elkerson '23 and Shania Marte '23
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Maya Perez '23 and Jillian Lewis '20
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Hannah Delaney '22, Sissel Nyarko '22, Lily Notes '21, and Emma Hanks '20
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It is not only outside performers who are uplifting. Just last week, our own students gave a stellar performance in their show
"What Is Black? Celebrating Black American History Through Music, Art, and Poetry."
The array of poetry, music, and dance that was presented both educated and inspired the entire audience, and shed much insight into our American history. It was a very special evening, and a moving experience for all!
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As Psalm 98:4 states, “ Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises.” Joy, praise and singing are clearly evident in the music educational opportunities at Notre Dame.
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Bringing the World to Notre Dame
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Mr. Vasey welcoming Mr. Sakumzi Macozoma and Mr. Bulelani Thandabantu Ngcuka to Notre Dame
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From the outside, Notre Dame looks like any lovely school building – a beautiful historic structure nestled on a quiet street in Greenwich Village. Don’t be fooled – Notre Dame is a center of international study and global conversations, where students have opportunities to dialogue with intercontinental activists and renowned authors. Nowhere is that more apparent than in Mr. Vasey’s “Global Inequalities” class, which recently hosted two prominent South African executives and civil rights activists. Mr. Sakumzi Makozoma and Mr. Bulelani Thandabantu Ngcuka were invited to campus to speak to the students in late October. Both were friends with Nelson Mandela and were imprisoned with him. All three were pivotal members of the African National Congress, and
worked tirelessly together to end apartheid.
Mr. Vasey served as moderator for a fascinating dialogue, in which the students had the opportunity to ask questions and hear first-hand accounts of these activists’ experiences in South Africa’s system of institutionalized racial segregation. The two speakers encouraged the girls to stand up and be heard, and to always work for justice and what is right.
This memorable assembly was not the only opportunity for students to engage in fascinating conversations. In fact, it is a daily occurrence in Mr. Vasey’s course. Several years ago, he created the curriculum for his “Global Inequalities” course out of a personal goal to make sure his students acquired an understanding of global conflicts to help end them. “I started this course because it is my personal belief that if change, peace, and justice are ever to come in the world, it won't be my generation that brings it. It will be the young people who usher it in,” stated Mr. Vasey. “I'd like this course to play just a small role in making sure our young women have the tools they need to be critical, empowered, confident, and aware,” he added.
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ND faculty and students with special guests from South Africa.
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And he has been successful in doing just that. Each year, more than 50 juniors and seniors take "Global Inequalities", which focuses on five different crises of inequality (racial, economic, gender, social, political, etc.) on five continents around the world, often as they disproportionately affect women (the crises can change from year to year). Mr. Vasey explained the unique nature of his curriculum. “The course is more than a problem solving course; this is a problem posing course. The logic here is that before anyone can jump to problem solving, the problems in the world must first be identified, understood, rooted out, and exposed.” His topics have included the suppression of feminism in China, women's social, legal, and judicial inequality in India, and life in international refugee camps. Each crisis of inequality is carefully studied for eight weeks, during which students read only the most current and authoritative texts and articles on the subject, and special emphasis is placed on seeing each crisis of inequality from all angles and without bias.
A major component of the course is a formal Speaker Series that Mr. Vasey schedules each year. The speakers include the authors of the texts the students read, as well as experts in the relevant fields (as was apparent with the recent guests from South Africa). There are typically four or five speakers who visit ND per year. Some, he schedules well in advance. Others are serendipitous encounters and connections. It was actually through a conversation with Mr. Peter Sandler, father of Charlotte Sandler ('21), that brought the most recent speakers to ND, and Mr. Vasey was so grateful for this connection.
As a year-end project, each student spends four months developing a comprehensive, multimedia advocacy campaign for any issue that's important to her. Then, in May, each senior makes a 20 to 30-minute presentation on their advocacy issue that focuses first on problem posing, and then on problem solving. The presentations are gathered together and put on a class website. The goals of the course are to encourage these young women to view their world critically, and to empower them to believe in their own strength to generate change in the world.
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Global Inequalities students learning about women's inequalities in China through the book
"Betraying Big Brother - The Feminist Awakening in China"
by Ms. Leta Hong-Fincher. Ms. Hong-Fincher will be the next guest speaker for the students.
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It is clear that Mr. Vasey has accomplished these goals. As a result of his class, and all the outstanding courses offered at the school, Notre Dame students are informed, bold, and confident. Their ND education will empower them to become global leaders who are able to work towards justice and equity in a challenging world.
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The Liturgy Club participating in Notre Dame's monthly Mass
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Theology is taught to all students at Notre Dame and is a major part of the school’s curriculum. But the focus on the Catholic faith goes much deeper than just classroom learning. Anne de Xainctonge’s commitment to Ignatian spirituality was the foundation on which the school was built and transcends each class and every activity. Ignatian spirituality is rooted in the experiences of Ignatius Loyola, a 16
th
century saint who founded the Jesuits. St. Ignatius gained many insights into the spiritual life in the course of a decades long spiritual journey, during which he became expert at helping others deepen their relationship with God. Its basis in personal experience makes Ignatian spirituality a practical and personal approach to deepening one's faith. The principles of Ignatian spirituality include finding God in all things, caring for the whole person, finding and honoring one’s gifts, and using them for the glory of God. All of these elements are nurtured and supported among the ND students, faculty, and staff.
Those who follow Ignatian spirituality are also called to be Contemplatives in Action. St. Ignatius explains in his writings that this requires one to stop and reflect on one’s actions, ensuring that the focus is always for the good of others and the glory of God. It is a deeper dimension to activism, and a philosophy that Notre Dame imbues not only in its students, but faculty as well. New teachers and any interested faculty members attend a regular session on Ignatian Spirituality led by Sr. Mary Dolan, SU, and Dr. Tim Dooley. Both individuals have a deep understanding of this approach and give valuable insights. This time together is not only a spiritual bonding time, it helps the faculty pass these teachings on to their students in an impactful manner.
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Helena Stuhr '22, is commissioned as Eucharistic Minister during October's liturgy presided by Fr. Paddy Gilger, SJ
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The Notre Dame students take this learning to heart and are eager to understand. Dr. Dooley, who teaches Theology, stated that they are inquisitive and crave a deeper comprehension of their faith and spirituality. This desire is not only apparent in the classroom, Notre Dame girls are very involved in their faith development through various clubs and activities as well. ND boasts seven Eucharistic Ministers, students who assist at Mass by distributing the Eucharist. Just recently, during October’s school liturgy, Helena Stuhr '22, was given this great honor. TLC (The Liturgy Club) is a group of students from all grades who meet to plan the monthly liturgies and special Masses. Led by Sr. Mary Dolan, SU, they discuss the readings, the psalms, and the music that will accompany the Mass. Students volunteer to be readers, servers, and ushers, and take their responsibilities very seriously and reverently. The Rosary Club is another faith club on campus. Begun by sophomore JoVanna Cicileo, and led by Ms. Skye Angioletti, students and faculty gather weekly to pray the rosary and discuss various approaches to prayer.
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TLC planning Thanksgiving Mass
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The Rosary Club praying together
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ND girls take their faith journeys outside of campus as well. Mr. Kevin McDonald leads a group each year to the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Ignatian Solidarity Network. Annually, up to 2,000 individuals gather to commemorate the lives of the Jesuit martyrs of El Salvador. Each year, the Teach-In connects Catholic faith and justice, addressing timely issues through two days of dynamic speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Mr. McDonald noted that through the years, ND participation has increased dramatically to the point where students have to apply and be accepted to attend. The group of 15 students attended the 2019 Teach-In from November 16- November 18.
Four centuries ago, Anne de Xainctonge was a pioneer in women’s education, emphasizing an Ignatian Spirituality, an awareness of God in their lives, and engagement in the world around them. She would be most impressed to see these 21
st
century Notre Dame students lighting the way for the future in such a profound manner.
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Mr. Robert Grote, Director of Admissions, with student volunteers excited to welcome visitors C
hez Nous
!
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In October and November, many of the private high schools in New York City plan receptions or open houses to showcase the merits of their schools, hoping to pique 6th, 7th, and 8
th
graders’ interest in attending. Some schools have evening functions, while some have afternoon gatherings with a small number of student volunteers. But few of these events are as all-encompassing as Notre Dame’s Open House. Well over half the student body and the entire faculty give their time - on a weekend - to showcase C
hez Nous
. On Sunday, October 27, Notre Dame opened its doors once again and welcomed over 1200 people! There were over 450 prospective 6
th
, 7
th
, and 8
th
grade students with their families who were eager to see what Notre Dame was all about.
The day was a busy one for these families. They were first greeted by 165 tour guides, who welcomed them warmly and gave personalized tours throughout campus. Then Dr. Virginia O'Brien, SU, President, and Ms. Jaclyn Brilliant, Principal, gave a wonderful overview of the school and all that is has to offer in academics, athletics, and arts. The guests were able to experience the courses firsthand by visiting various classrooms showcasing the English, Science, Math, Languages, Arts, and Social Studies departments. Each presentation highlighted the rigorous and engaging curriculum. The visiting students were thoroughly impressed with the teachers and their passion for their subjects.
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Tour Guides ready for action!
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The families were then led to the Commons where there were tables set up for information on the admission process as well as ND’s athletics program. A highlight for the visitors at the end of the day was the incredible smorgasbord of delicious foods for their enjoyment. It has become a ND tradition that current parents will come in with scrumptious snacks and desserts to share. They help set up tables with their wonderful delicacies, and stay to talk and answer questions of the potential new parents before they depart. Notre Dame has the best parents, and the best Open House refreshments in the city!!!
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Notre Dame Open House parent volunteers
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The day was once again a huge success, due to the hard work and efforts of those who participated. A huge thank you goes out to the tour guides, faculty and staff, and the parent volunteers who brought such conviviality, joy and light on a dark and rainy Sunday. The weather may have been bleak, but the spirit was vibrant C
hez Nous
!
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Our Home and Our Global Home
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The Sisters of St. Ursula founded Notre Dame School in 1912, when they came to New York from France. The school began in their home and became known as C
hez Nous
(French for ‘our home’), an affectionate way to refer to the strong sense of community that has been a welcoming home to generations of young women.
Chez Nous
continues to be a part of all aspects of school life – from the girls supporting each other in the classrooms and on the fields, to the faculty who passionately strengthen each student’s academic and personal gifts.
Chez Nous
is even part of our email address!
It is thus fitting that Notre Dame is taking to heart Pope Francis’s encyclical,
Laudato Si
(Praise be to you), whose subtitle is called,
On Caring for Our Common Home
. It is the first encyclical in the history of the Catholic Church focusing on ecology and care for creation. In this missive, the Holy Father declares that all people “have a responsibility for their ‘common home’ and need to address environmental justice, pollution prevention, species preservation, and the exploration of new technologies for clean energy”.
As a result, Notre Dame has widened its definition of C
hez Nous
to include our global home - our Mother Earth. Climate Change has been a school-wide social justice issue since the beginning of the school year. The students created an organization called S.T.A.N.D. (Solidarity Throughout All of Notre Dame), which is a club focused on social justice issues including climate change. They also participated in the Global Climate Strike in September. They continued their quest to understand the issues more deeply through a special Anne’s Values Assembly. Anne’s Values Assemblies are scheduled opportunities for the student body to gather for a deeper discussion of important virtues. Each month, Anne’s Leaders, juniors and seniors who are part of the school’s Leadership Program, guide the younger students in small group activities to strengthen their appreciation for these values. On October 23, the value of
Responsibility
was emphasized when Anne's Leaders welcomed two special speakers on the subject of Climate Change - Mr. Nicholas Napolitano and Ms. Nancy Lorence. Mr. Napolitano is from the Jesuit Education Office and is extensively involved in getting students motivated to take action to stop global warming and to effect positive change in the world. Ms. Lorence is the Chair of the Environmental Justice Ministry at St. Francis Xavier Parish, an organization with a specific focus on climate issues. She is also a member of Call to Action - Metro NY, a movement working for equality and justice in the church and society. Both speakers emphasized the necessity of every global citizen to work towards climate justice. They stated that even the smallest of actions by an individual can have a ripple effect as a whole. Both referred to
Laudato Si
as a specific calling from the Holy Father that all Catholics have a moral and spiritual obligation to take this matter to heart and work to save our planet for their generation and beyond.
The speakers ended their presentation by praising the Notre Dame students for their outstanding efforts for climate justice already being implemented, and encouraged them to keep forging ahead.
In
Laudato Si
, Pope Francis writes, “The ecological crisis is a summons to profound interior conversion, to renew our relationships with God, one another, and the created world.” Notre Dame students can proudly say that they are well under way in responding to his call.
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Junior Brigid McCabe, a member of S.T.A.N.D., explaining her club's mission to the speakers.
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Mr. Napolitano and Ms. Lorence meeting with Brigid McCabe '21, Shiyin Ge '21, Jaileen Wales '21, and Cecilia Fiorindo '21., the founders of S.T.A.N.D., after their presentation
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Anne de Xainctonge’s Values at Notre Dame School
Notre Dame initiated the Anne de Xainctonge Values Curriculum in 2006.
Each value is associated with a different colored ribbon.
The Twelve values are: Prayer, Trust, Gratitude, Hope, Perseverance,
Conservatio, Magis
, Friendship, Courage, Service, Responsibility and Respect
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Where Did Our Mascot Come From?
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Notre Dame is most proud of the expansion of its athletics program through the years, and the energy and power it exudes today. Twenty years ago, there were only four athletic teams at Notre Dame. Currently, the school boasts ten teams, at both varsity and junior varsity levels, with more than 40% of the student body participating!
Several years ago, as Notre Dame’s sports program strengthened and became more competitive among its peer schools, ND realized a mascot was necessary. The teams discussed a variety of animals and symbols that could best represent the school. Some students noticed the gargoyles at the top of the ND building, and thought they looked like dragons. Working with Brian Dempsey's graphic design company,
Blank Page
, the athletes reviewed various drafts of this mythical creature. The final rendition has become the Notre Dame Dragon, a powerful image with a fierce yet friendly smile.
The entire Notre Dame community has embraced the Dragon as its beloved mascot. It is the perfect symbol of the prowess of the ND sports programs, and the fortitude of all ND students.
GO DRAGONS!
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In this time of gratitude, Notre Dame School
gives thanks to all of its families and friends
and wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
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Contact Information
Elizabeth Bixenman
Director of Development &
Alumnae Relations
(212) 620-5575, Ext. 317
bixenmane@cheznous.org
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ANCHORING LIVES
for
GENERATIONS
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