Message from President Day

Dear Families,

Here we are—the eve of day one of the 2022-23 academic year. As we prepare our minds and hearts for the months ahead, I would like to express my appreciation for your commitment to Loyola Blakefield. The privilege to partner with such wonderful families in the formation of your sons is the greatest honor an educator could hope for.
 
As the summer months flicker and fade, we turn the page and begin anew. Our campus will be full once again, brimming with laughter and learning as friendships blossom and imaginations ignite. Through every twist, turn, and obstacle the school year brings, our community will navigate as one. Each victory and triumph (large and small) will be shared as we continue to celebrate the abundant blessings and gifts that being part of one Ignatian family bestows.
 
In August, I was fortunate to join fellow leaders of Jesuit institutions in Baltimore and Philadelphia for an audience with Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus. Among his remarks was a contemplation of the balance between innovation and newness. Innovation is human made, designed by us and often necessary as we evolve to confront new problems or to create opportunity. Newness comes to us, and we are met with a choice in how we respond. In this way, newness is a grace gifted by the Holy Spirit that grants us an opportunity for renewal and rebirth. My hope is that we can all embrace the gift of newness as we enter this chapter together.
 
As we begin our 171st academic year—one full of hope and guided by faith—I invite every member of the Loyola family to pray the words of the Prayer of St. Ignatius.
 

Lord, teach me to be generous
Teach me to serve You as You deserve
To give and not to count the cost
To fight and not to heed the wounds
To toil and not to seek for rest
To labor and not to ask for any reward
Save that of knowing that I do your will

As we journey this school year together, I invite you to take an active role in your son's Loyola Blakefield experience. I offer you three meaningful ways to do that.
 
1. Be Mindful: Remain aware of how your son is doing day-to-day. Ask him about the courses he's enrolled in, what he's studying, and what activities or interests he is passionate about. Encourage him to be involved in as many aspects of student life as possible and remember to ask him what he needs from you to be successful.
 
2. Be PresentEngage in campus life as much as you can. Attend sporting events, take in a live music or theater performance, get involved with our parent clubs, and take part in spiritual formation opportunities or service initiatives throughout the year. In other words, don't be a stranger. 
 
3. Be an Ambassador: There is nothing more powerful than your authentic experience with Jesuit education at Loyola. Wear your blue and gold proudly, share your Loyola story, and help amplify the many reasons why we are recognized as the #1 school in the region.
 
I wish your sons (and you) a restful night's sleep ahead of tomorrow. The start of something new can often bring anxiety and apprehension. Please know that every adult member of the Loyola Blakefield community is rooting for our Dons and is eager to provide them a loving "home away from home" where they are nurtured and cherished. 
 
Let's get this year off to an incredible start.
 
Roll Dons!

 

Anthony Day
President
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communications@loyolablakefield.org
(410) 823-0601