Words from Walcott Street

Words from Walcott Street is a blog by the principal of Saint Raphael Academy, detailing upcoming events and everyday observances on campus.

 

January 4, 2019 

Welcome to 2019! I hope everyone had a very blessed Christmas season; it is certainly my favorite time of the year. What’s not to like about the wonderment of the Christmas season, spending time with family and friends, and of course, presents under the Christmas tree—all great experiences! As we begin the new year on Walcott Street, we shift gears into a very busy season. At the Academy, the beginning of January means two things: the end of the 1st semester and student application reviews for the Class of 2023 (our new incoming Freshmen class).

It has been an incredible first semester in many ways. Academically, our students shined both in the classroom and on their SAT/PSAT exams. Our inaugural academic Rhode Island Quiz Show team was chosen to compete against 7 other schools, and their televised performance will be on PBS this spring. Our student-athletes are competing at the highest level. Two of our fall sports teams participated in state championships; unfortunately, both settled for state runner-up trophies after putting forth an incredible amount of effort and grit. Our thespians once again gave a magical performance in the fall musical, and I am convinced we have the best drama program in the state. We live our mission every day at Saint Raphael Academy. During the last few months, our students were busy working at soup kitchens, raising funds to fight breast cancer, collecting toys for tots, or simply living the Golden Rule! Yes, it has been a busy, hectic and—most importantly—delightful first semester.

Our teachers are busy preparing mid-term exams (information regarding mid-term week will be forthcoming), and our Admissions Office is collecting countless documents about our new prospective students. Every year, the Academy receives hundreds of student applications from 8th graders throughout Rhode Island (and a handful from Massachusetts). Our enrollment committee meets in mid-January to review the applications and insure we are selecting the right candidates for our Academy. Once again, the student applications look very competitive, and I am certain the Class of 2023 will be a wonderful addition to our school.

Every year, it seems the months fly by at the Academy. Before we know it, we will be preparing for winter break and hoping for an early spring. I look forward to seeing the amazing accomplishments of our students during the next five months, and I know our Seniors will continue to lead our school throughout their last semester at Saint Raphael Academy.

In Peace,

Mr. Richard

  

November 30, 2018 

Last night, I spent the evening being amazed by our students. I went to the opening night of the SRA Fall musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and I was in awe of our thespians. The students really brought the play to life; they sang, danced and acted like they have been doing it for years. With their busy schedules as students, it really is incredible that they are able to achieve this level of perfection in only a few months.

However, the individuals on the stage weren’t the only heroes of the evening. It was obvious to me, as I sat enjoying the show, that there is a large group of students who are “behind the curtain,” controlling the lights, building the sets, seating the audience and doing a million other tasks needed to make a show like this happen!

The play doesn’t happen without the direction and supervision of some wonderful adults within the Saints family. As the directors, Moira Carraher and Sara Costanzo spent countless hours perfecting every aspect of the play. I really appreciate their dedication and commitment to our students. Terry Murray did an awesome job with the costumes, Kristen Murphy made “magic” happen as the show technical director and Heather Gaffney-Hsu did a beautiful job planning and teaching the choreography to our actors!

As we get ready to begin the weekend, if your schedule allows, please come and see the play—you, too, will be amazed! The performance begins at 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday there will be a 2:00 pm matinee show. Come see what the buzz is all about--there isn’t a better high school drama program in the state of Rhode Island! Go Saints!

In Peace,

Mr. Richard

 

November 9, 2018 

Is it possible we are really beginning the second quarter? With the leaves falling to the ground on Walcott Street and the cold temperatures in the morning, it must be true. The school year is flying by, and I couldn’t be happier with how we’ve started the academic year. After reviewing the first quarter grades, I’ve been very impressed with our students’ progress. There is still work to be done for many of our students, but the majority are all trending in the right direction. Additionally, the Class of 2019 is showing the best SAT scores we have ever seen at Saint Raphael Academy! Again, I know many of the seniors will take the SAT again, and I know the numbers will continue to climb. Awesome job, seniors!

The athletic teams this fall have been nothing short of amazing. All our athletes and coaches have dedicated countless hours to their sports, and it has paid huge dividends. Most of our teams have made the post-season, and some are still competing for state honors. I would like to thank our coaches, who work tirelessly to support our student-athletes. I know it is a labor of love for the sport and their athletes. On behalf of Saint Raphael Academy, THANK YOU, coaches!

Every fall, our wonderful Admissions Office does an amazing job planning and executing two Open Houses for the upcoming class (in this case, the Class of 2023). No one in the state of Rhode Island does it better. However, all the members of the Saints family are part of the Admissions Office. Our families and parents, the students, SRA alumni, and the faculty and staff all recruit and engage our prospective candidates daily. For everyone who helps with this effort, keep up the great work. We will be accepting and enrolling some amazing and incredible students (like your sons and daughters), so know that your work is yielding fruit.

In Peace,

Mr. Richard