THOUGHTS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL, JOSEPH VORBACH:
When I last wrote, I encouraged readers to attend a performance of Mary Poppins. This remarkable performance was a capstone event for the O'Connell Players and it marked the beginning of a busy period of capstone student experiences over the past two weeks. Mary Poppins was followed last weekend by the Festival of the Arts, an amazing opportunity to view the studio art of dozens of student artists while listening to student musical performances in three different venues. I posted two examples of student artwork on my Twitter account (@J_Vorbach) last weekend -- remarkable! Tonight there is an instrumental music concert at 7 p.m. in the auditorium, and next Friday a choral concert also at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.
Seniors in the Global Studies Certificate program have been making their capstone presentations and it has been my privilege to serve as a panelist on a number of them. These students are doing a remarkable job of synthesizing what they have learned from a variety of opportunities over the past three years. I have been most impressed by hearing them speak about what they have learned about themselves because of the experiences.
In athletics, the spring seasons have been wrapping up over the past two weeks. As we head into this weekend, Softball (WCAC champs) and Boys Lacrosse (WCAC semifinalist) are heading into state tournaments and the Crew Team, fresh off some impressive performances on the Anacostia River last weekend, has opportunities for regional and national recognition over the next two weeks. The track team, fresh off a great meet this past Wednesday, has state and WCAC meets still to come before the month is out.
This week being Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked students to help us turn the spotlight on our teachers by sending "Shout Outs" to teachers they particularly appreciated. A small sample shows us what students appreciate in their teachers -- reading these thoughtful, kind, mature and perceptive comments has been a beautiful and inspiring diversion throughout the week:
“[He] always brightens everyone’s day and is there when any student needs help. He also puts others needs before his own and is one of the most selfless people I know. I am so glad I’ve been able to have him!!”
"Everything you taught made such a big impact on my writing and my English career in general. When I was doing flash cards for my research paper this year I felt at ease because you pushed me last year. English last year is one class I know I’ll remember. Thank you.”
“He genuinely cares about all of his students and wants them to succeed. Also, he is very dedicated to his job. He gets to school very early every morning to help students study and to answer their questions.”
“You have been teaching me for so long, but I still think I learn something new in your class every day!”
“She makes the content interesting, cares about us and our lives, and makes us prepared and better students.”
"[He] is the anti-venom to the big, scary snake that is Pre-Calculus. By combining real-world examples with the subject being taught, he inspires his students in a vast amount of ways. Keep doing what you’re doing..."
"His way of teaching and expression inspires students to try their hardest in his classroom..."
"I have grown to actually enjoy and understand math! This is a drastic change from previous years. I would like to thank you for making such a positive impact, and for your positive energy you bring to the O'Connell community. :)”
"Her class is what gets me out of bed each morning to go to school. Thank you!!”
"With her guidance, my writing has improved remarkably. I'm able to effectively convey my thoughts and, ultimately write more intelligent and interesting papers. She ignited my creativity, allowing me to develop a unique voice in my writing."
"I particularly like that she uses group work sessions, and I feel I have grown considerably from the peer editing of the research papers."
"She genuinely cares about her students and wants to not only make us better students, but also better people."
“Because you are an amazing mentor and teacher…We appreciate all the time you dedicate to your students.”
"He really helps every single one of his students to make sure they understand the material and get the grade they deserve in his class.”
"I'm going to remember his class and teaching methods and use my study habits I've gotten from this class for the rest of my student life.”
"...is the kindest person in the world...is always there to help students."
"I really respect how [she] adapts the classroom to fit student needs."
"I have truly fallen in love with the subject due largely to the passion you exhibit for it during class."
"...loves what he does and passes that passion on to his students."
The amount of respect he has for all of his students cannot even be put into words.
"Every single one of us feel like an important part of the class and feel like we belong there. It is such a positive environment that nourishes so much spiritual growth and I am so blessed to get to be in it."
"This class has helped me to become a better Catholic and I feel close to God.”
"He taught way beyond the required amounts and had kids dig deeper and think outside the box. I'm so thankful I had him this year and I'll remember this class for the rest of my life."
"The care you exhibit for your students is unparalleled, and I think that is the most special and valuable quality in a teacher. Nothing feels better than knowing that no matter what, you always have someone in your corner."
“Thank you for encouraging me to push harder in everything I do."
"Freshman year I didn’t really care about school in a lot of ways, but you definitely helped me overcome this."