At Annual Vice-Principals for Academic Affairs Workshop, Service is Theme

All twelve participants at the Vice-Principals for Academic Affairs Workshop took full advantage of the annual mid-October gathering in Ocean City, NJ. The excellent guest speaker this year was Mr. Paul Homer, the Director of the Christian Service Program at the Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, NY. (Paul is the last person on the right in the photo above.) Paul shared the wisdom he has gained through his thirteen years as Director of the program and his role as the current National Chair of service programs for Jesuit high schools. He thoroughly explained the details and philosophy of Fordham Prep’s stellar service program, which includes a four-year service requirement for all students and culminates with a 70-hour requirement during the senoir year. Though types of service project vary tremendously, the approval of a project is always based on the Gospel definition of helping others who are in remarkable need. He affectively described the profound impact the serivce has on the students as well as the active faculty who are involved. Finally Paul stressed the critical importance of reflection, especially with regard to relationships developed, in achieving the goals of the personal growth and learning about social justice issues.

During the business meeting, Br. Kevin Dalmasse updated the administrators on the developments of the District’s strategic plan. Also on the agenda were discussions on academic integrity, advanced placement courses and how they fit in, required number of courses per year, SAT/PSAT preparation, incorporation of writing across the curriculum, academic advising and scheduling. The opportunity to share ideas and best practices, to socialize with colleagues from across the District, and to enjoy the Jersey shore in early fall, makes this workshop particulary popular.

Before departing, Mr. Paul Homer led the administrators in reciting St. Ignatious Loyola’s Prayer for Generosity.

Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous;
teach me to serve you as you deserve,
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and nnot to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to seek reward,
except that of knowing that I do your will.
Amen.