Memo

To: All ASCS Parents

From: Steve Virgadamo

Date: February 10, 2023

Re: Week 23–Head of School Journal Entry – February 6, 2023 – February 10, 2023

GRATITUDE

Catholicism teaches that there are three distinct Persons to one God and that these three Persons form a unity. This belief is called the doctrine of the Trinity: God the Father - the creator and sustainer of all things. God the Son - the incarnation of God as a human being, Jesus Christ, on Earth.

God is a communion of persons — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — only one God, having only one divine nature, but existing in three persons who can be named, not because they are three separate somethings, but because they are three distinct someones. This revelation about God is no small matter. It means that God in himself is relational.

So, if we understand God to be in a relationship then we understand that even he cannot do it alone. There is an important lesson for all of us ASCS in that understanding. For us to be successful we – the parents, the staff and the students must be in a relationship.

This year that relationship has manifested itself over and over. Each day parents and staff form scholars. Myriad parents volunteer countless hours at school – whether it be at lunch in the dining hall, at HSA-sponsored events or to support our scholar-athletes who play in the Saint Sebastian Athletic league.

Countless number of parents have donated to the one day of giving or selected items from the gift catalog. Just some of the gifts received this year include: classroom rugs, office chairs, hand warmers, new student lab chairs, student scholarships, hallway bulletin boards, painting of the gymnasium, cutting back trees to enhance security, upgrade to our raptor security, water station fillers, collegiate banners, and the list goes on.

Gratitude is not a subject discussed in literature, though hardly a book or article is published without some expression of gratitude by the author for the help of others. The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some ways, gratitude encompasses all of these meanings. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible.

Last evening we hosted the Harlem Wizards at the school. It was a formidable program to organize. Over 410 guests attended. Kudos and a large shout out to Lindsey Pignataro, the HSA Leadership, and the more than 30 volunteers. One of the volunteers was Ella Trudeau, an alumnus who now attends Lauralton Hall who came back to help her alma mater.

The evening was a wonderful success. While the proceeds all go to help the HSA achieve the budgeted fundraising number for the organization, and that is a good thing, I must say that the best part of the night was being in community and having fun. It’s been far too long since we have been able to gather as an ASCS family.

Gratitude to our Athletic Director Karen Cella, the basketball coaches and the countless number of volunteers necessary to make our home games and hosted games a real experience for the scholar-athletes. Just this week I asked Karen to give some thought to scheduling an athletic banquet to celebrate the end of our ASCS Athletic seasons. Stay tuned.

Saturday evening is our annual Tiaras and Ties dance. More than 65 families are planning on attending. Many thanks to Laura Nelson for organizing the event. I’m unable to attend as I will need to be present for my 93-year-old mother as it’s my turn to be on family duty. I’m looking forward to seeing the photos and hearing the stories. At lunch today in the dining hall, it was obvious many of the young ladies were looking forward to the event.

These are just a few examples of the importance of the Trinitarian relationship among families, staff, and young scholars. Community and shared responsibility is the ASCS “secret sauce.”

One more thought – the staff at ASCS is the best of the best. I am grateful to each one for adopting a posture and a culture that says: “I’ll do everything I’ll do to help, now what is the question?"

If you have some time next week extend some gratitude to a staff member. The Roman Philosopher Cicero said: “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others."

Saintly Whisper

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”

-         St Catherine of Siena

Have a blessed weekend and make memories with your family.

God bless,

Steven Virgadamo

Head of School