Dear Families,
St. Thomas Aquinas taught me quite a lot about the differences between secondary and primary ends. Aquinas frequently referenced secondary ends as meaningful only to the extent that their achievement is ordered towards the accomplishment of the primary end. He applied this principle to philosophy, theology, and of course morality. Now that our journey has begun, I would like to take a moment to illustrate the implications of this educational and formative journey of a school year by consulting Aquinas.
Secondary goals usually deal with the 'how' of the journey. These are...
Dear Families,
We were fortunate to have Auxiliary Bishop Francis Christian on campus this week for our annual back to school liturgy. Bishop Christian led the school community in renewing our baptismal vows and the faculty in the reading of an oath of fidelity to the Church. As I was reading the oath, I was reminded of our responsibility to model the faith for our students and of my gratitude in sharing that mission with such committed teachers. Traditions like our opening Mass are so important to maintaining perspective and priorities. Already, it seems like the rush of sports and homewo...
There were plenty of smiles today when students welcomed Mr. John Riley to help launch the new Latin program. Students in grades K-6 will participate in the Latin and Greek Roots Challenge, a program pioneered by Maureen Riley. Mrs. Riley comments on the life-long impact of learning Latin at an age-appropriate level:
Read MoreWe hope that you, too, will discover the benefits of teaching Latin and Greek etymology to your students or children or, perhaps, you will be intrigued enough to learn it yourself. We hope that our program, The Latin and Greek Roots Challenge, is your program of choice. How...
Dear Families,
On Tuesday, we gathered to pray the first rosary of the school year. I commented to the students that Tuesday marked the beginning of a one hundred and eighty day journey. I don't often think of this - which is quite befuddling - but teachers and students will soon be interacting before, during, and after school at such a high frequency that the relationship develops into a borderline parent-child dynamic. For me personally, this is no cause for worry or alarm. I really do consider each child here one of my own, and now that I am entering my eighth year at MRA, I sense the diffe...
Read MorePlease consider joining this novena, prayed with thousands of people around the world.
This is surely a fitting end to the summer time, spent in leisure with family.It is also a good transition, and we can pray for the grace to enter the school year with a joyful spirit. Since family and education are essentially interwoven, it is my hope that by praying this novena as a school, we will become better missionaries of Christ!
You can subscribe online and receive automatic emails each day of the novena (so you never forget!): http://www.praymorenovenas.com/. There are even audio and video lin...
Read MorePlease join us on September 1st from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm as we gather to celebrate the summer and eat lots of ice cream!
Just prior to the start of school each year, our community comes together to share the joys of summer and prepare for the new school year. Friends reconnect, families interact and the school faculty welcomes all into their classrooms.
This is a great opportunity for friends of MRA and others who might be considering the school to get an inside view our campus life.
Will you save the date and bring a friend? You will not be disappointed. After all, how can free ice cream let y...
Read MoreMount Royal Academy has announced academic awards for the 4th Quarter of the 2015-2016 school year. 35 students earned a position on the Headmaster’s List with a 4.0 average for the 4th quarter.
More than 60% of the student body attained Honor Roll recognition; placing on the Headmaster’s List, the High Honors List (no more than one B), or the Honors List (no more than one C). In total, 125 students received Academic Honors.
Grade 1
Headmaster’s List: Emily Beturne, Nicholas Lavertue, Finn McColgan, Lindsey Smrkovski, Mary Walsh
High Honors: Lucy Fryckowska, Hope Goyette, Blake LaMothe
Honors:...
Read MoreVirtue formation remains a critical component of the mission of Mount Royal Academy. Powerful cultural forces run contrary to the Christian moral principles this school aims to uphold and teach. Children need a constant reminder that true happiness is acquired through the pursuit of virtue.
The school year begins with gratitude so that students can focus on the myriad blessings in life. Docility enables the receptivity so essential to learning. Each successive virtue adds another shade to the canvas, so that, a vibrant picture of the well-formed character emerges by the end of the year. As yea...
Read MoreThe largest graduating class in Mount Royal Academy’s history enjoyed a memorable commencement ceremony last Saturday. The Saint Joseph’s Center was at full capacity as twenty-one eighth grade students joined ten seniors as they processed into the gym. There were several notable moments throughout the ceremony.
Andrew Mihaly, the junior high and high school history teacher, delivered the commencement address. As a former student turned teacher, Mr. Mihaly offered unique insights for the graduates. After recounting some candid and amusing moments during his own years as a student, he concluded ...
Read MoreSpirits were high and competition fierce as students from all grades participated in Mount Royal’s annual field day last week. Students fought hard to win a series of games such as, best cheer, pie eating, hoop and ball exchange, tug of war and more.
"One of the great things to witness at our field day is the collaboration that takes place between the older and younger children. Each team is made up of a selection of students from grade one through twelve. It’s beautiful to watch the natural friendship and mentoring that occurs spontaneously." said Matt McMenaman, teacher and admissions direct...
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