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Merion Mercy Academy
Established in 1884 by the Sisters of Mercy
Sister Barbara Buckley, RSM Principal
Ms. Mary Ann Danovich
Vice Principal for Academic Affairs
Ms. Maureen Cullen Vice Principal for Development
511 Montgomery Avenue Merion Station, PA 19066
www.merion‐mercy.com
(610) 664‐6655 (ext. 119 for absence)
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Name __________________________________________ Graderoom ______________________________________ Address, City, State, Zip ____________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________
Alma Mater
Your school and my school, Long may fond memories dwell.
In your heart and my heart Of the spot we love so well.
Upward and onward Her precepts ever dear, Guide and inspire us
And keep sweet mercy near.
Merion, our Mater Misericordiae O may the glory of your name Grow brighter day by day.
Then hand in hand, we’ll ever stand, United, faithful, and true.
A loyal band to our loved land With the courage to dare and do.
Sky blue and true blue Her banners we unfold,
With the golden glow of the sunset hue Three cheers for the blue and the gold.
History of Mercy and M.M.A.
In medieval Spain a dying count of Barcelona, Godfrey the Rough, asked to have an escutcheon placed on his shield. Emperor Louis the Pious dipped his hand into the blood of Godfrey and drew four stripes on his gold shield. Thus originated the shield of the House of Aragon! Centuries later, King James of Aragon, St. Peter Nolasco, and St. Raymond of Pennafort founded the Order of Mercy in a church dedicated to St. Eulalia. To honor her they added the white cross on a red field in the upper part of the shield. The gold crown of Aragon surmounts the shield to honor and protect the followers of Mercy. Mother M. Catherine McAuley, an Irish heiress, founded the Sisters of Mercy in 1831. She saw the shield’s gold background as a symbol of God’s mercy and noted the similarity in the works to which the 13th century monks and the 19th century religious women were dedicated. Therefore, she and the Sisters of Mercy in Ireland adopted the shield as their standard. In the late 1940s, Mother M. Bernard Graham, Superior General at that time in Philadelphia, directed that the Order of Mercy’s shield be adopted as the community’s official shield since Mother McAuley admired the order’s work among captive slaves. The history of Merion Mercy Academy is the story of three women. Mother Catherine McAuley was an Irish heiress who dedicated her entire fortune to helping the poor of Dublin. Mother Patricia Waldron, who came to America at the age of 26, was the founding superior of the Philadelphia congregation. Mother Gertrude Dowling was the first directress of Mater Misericordiae Academy. It was the courage and farsightedness of these women that created what we celebrate today. Catherine McAuley spent most of her life trying to be a Catholic in an Ireland where that was a decided disadvantage. Orphaned as a teenager, Catherine lived with various families who attempted to discourage her faith. As a small child, she had helped her father care for and teach the poor, especially the children, and the desire to continue that care and teaching remained into her adult years. She
inherited an estate from a family with whom she lived and used the money to build the House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin. Catherine and the society women who had joined her decided to become a religious order. The new Sisters of Mercy pronounced vows on December 12, 1831. To the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, Catherine later added a fourth vow — the service of the poor, sick, and ignorant. Mother McAuley established convents in Ireland and England before her death in 1841. Anne Mary Waldron entered the convent of Ballinrobe, Ireland, and her leadership qualities were noticed immediately. She was sent to America to join Mother Frances Warde, who had founded convents in the U.S. In 1861 Sister Patricia Waldron left Manchester, New Hampshire, for Philadelphia. Upon arrival Sister Patricia and two companions began a “poor school,” an academy, and a night school for working girls. In 1884, Mother Patricia, now the superior of the Philadelphia congregation, rented a farm in Overbrook. Later that year, she bought a farmhouse and land in Narberth. The first convent, known as St. Anne’s, was designated as a resting place for the sisters, however, the sisters immediately opened a school for the “sons and daughters of the respectable farmers.” She later purchased a 13 room stone homestead on the adjoining property (where Waldron Mercy now stands) and the land surrounding it. This second building was then called “St. Anne’s” and the first building was given the name “Little Mater.” Eventually the community outgrew St. Anne’s and made plans for “a large stone building on the hill.” On October 7, 1893, the sisters and academy students processed from St. Anne’s to the newly‐finished convent building. This building became the convent and the girls’ academy. By the middle of the 20th century, it became apparent that the academy needed more space. The current building opened in 1955, and its modern expansion was completed in 2003. In 1969 the academy underwent a change in name to Merion Mercy Academy.
Mother Catherine McAuley was a woman truly ahead of her time. She was followed by those who emulated her unwavering trust in God despite hardships. Her fourth vow has affected many who have contributed to alleviating the pain of the world in which they live. After 181 years of mercy and 128 years of education at Merion, the strength of the foundress’ spirit lives on in the young women of Merion Mercy Academy.
Mission Statement
Merion Mercy Academy, an independent, Catholic, college preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, offers a holistic education which encourages academic and personal excellence. Its curriculum stresses mercy spirituality, global awareness, and social responsibility. Within a nurturing community, Merion Mercy Academy educates leaders: young women who live mercy and seek justice.
Policy Statement
Merion Mercy Academy invites young women to develop intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. Each student has the obligation to commit herself to these goals. MMA is dedicated to assisting in the proper formation of each student. The registration of a student is recognized as compliance on the student’s part, and on the part of her parents or guardians, with all of the policies, directives, and regulations of Merion Mercy Academy. Disregard for the policies, procedures and regulations of Merion Mercy Academy may be cause for dismissal from the school. Policies, procedures, guidelines and directives necessary for building a community where mutual respect and cooperation underpin the life of the school are found in the handbook. Copies are made available to every parent and student. Parents and students sign a card indicating that they have read the handbook and accept the regulations. The card is returned to school in September.
Morning Offering
O compassionate Jesus, look on me today with tenderness and give me the grace to walk on the path of mercy marked out for those who follow You. May all I do today reflect your merciful love. Amen.
Suscipe of Catherine McAuley
My God I am yours for time and eternity. Teach me to cast myself entirely into the arms of your loving Providence with a lively, unlimited confidence in your compassionate, tender pity. Grant, O most merciful Redeemer, that whatever You ordain or permit may be acceptable to me. Take from my heart all painful anxiety; let nothing sadden me but sin, nothing delight me but the hope of coming to the possession of You, my God and my all, in your everlasting Kingdom. Amen.
Prayer for the Beatification of Catherine McAuley
Loving God, You chose Catherine McAuley for the service of your people who are poor, sick, and uneducated. You inspired her to found the Sisters of Mercy that these good works might endure. Give to each of us a portion of her compassionate spirit and ardent desire to serve your suffering people. Bless all our undertakings and grant that union and charity may always thrive among us. Graciously hear our prayer for Catherine, and by granting the favors we ask through her intercession, hasten the day when her sanctity will be celebrated by all the church. Amen.
Bell Schedules 2012 – 2013
A Schedule (42 minutes) Regular Schedule 8:18 Warning Bell 8:23 9:19 Prayers, Ch. One
& 1st Period 9:23 10:05 2nd Period 10:12 10:26 Graderoom 10:30 11:12 3rd Period 11:16 11:58 4th Period 12:02 12:44 5th Period 12:48 1:30 6th Period 1:37 2:19 7th Period 2:23 3:05 8th Period
B Schedule (38 minutes) Activity Period 8:18 Warning Bell 8:23 9:15 Prayers, Ch. One
& 1st Period 9:19 9:57 2nd Period 10:04 10:15 Graderoom 10:19 10:57 3rd Period 11:01 11:39 4th Period 11:43 12:21 5th Period 12:25 1:03 6th Period 1:10 1:48 7th Period 1:52 2:30 8th Period 2:34 3:05 Activity Period
C Schedule (35 minutes) AM Liturgy or Assembly 8:10 Channel One 8:18 Warning Bell 8:23 9:45 Graderoom
Liturgy/Assembly 9:51 10:26 1st Period 10:30 11:05 2nd Period 11:12 11:47 3rd Period 11:51 12:26 4th Period 12:30 1:05 5th Period 1:09 1:44 6th Period 1:51 2:26 7th Period 2:30 3:05 8th Period
D Schedule (36 minutes) PM Assembly or Early Dismissal 8:10 Channel One 8:18 Warning Bell 8:23 9:01 Prayers &
1st Period 9:05 9:41 2nd Period 9:48 9:59 Graderoom 10:03 10:39 3rd Period 10:43 11:19 4th Period 11:23 11:59 5th Period 12:03 12:39 6th Period 12:46 1:22 7th Period 1:26 2:02 8th Period 2:05 3:05 Assembly or Dismissal
E Schedule (44 minutes) Exam Review/In‐Class Exams 8:10 Channel One 8:18 Warning Bell 8:23 9:09 Prayers &
1st Period 9:13 9:57 2nd Period 10:04 10:14 Graderoom 10:18 11:02 3rd Period 11:06 11:50 4th Period 11:54 12:38 5th Period 12:42 1:26 6th Period 1:33 2:17 7th Period 2:21 3:05 8th Period F Schedule (41 minutes) Extended Graderoom
8:18 Warning Bell 8:23 9:17 Prayers, Ch. One
& 1st Period 9:21 10:02 2nd Period 10:08 10:33 Advisory or Class Mtgs. 10:37 11:18 3rd Period 11:22 12:03 4th Period 12:07 12:48 5th Period 12:52 1:33 6th Period 1:39 2:20 7th Period 2:24 3:05 8th Period
G Schedule (39 minutes) Morning Faculty Meeting
8:00 Faculty Mtgs. 8:47 Channel One 8:59 Warning Bell 9:04 9:45 Prayers &
1st Period 9:49 10:28 2nd Period 10:34 10:45 Graderoom 10:49 11:28 3rd Period 11:32 12:11 4th Period 12:15 12:54 5th Period 12:58 1:37 6th Period 1:43 2:22 7th Period 2:26 3:05 8th Period H Schedule (31 minutes) Two‐Hour Delayed Opening
10:18 Warning Bell 10:23 10:54 Prayers &
1st Period 10:58 11:29 2nd Period 11:36 12:07 3rd Period
Lunches Begin 12:11 12:42 4th Period 12:46 1:17 5th Period 1:21 1:52 6th Period 1:59 2:30 7th Period 2:34 3:05 8th Period
Extracurricular Information 2012 – 2013
Academic & Cultural Clubs
Environmental Club The Environmental Club provides an opportunity to learn about, enjoy, and seek ways to protect the natural world. With a focus on science, the club offers guest lectures, field trips, and unique experiments to better understand how nature behaves and in what ways humanity can better save resources. Seasonal activities involve Earth Day, campaigns to promote recycling, and other outdoor events. The club is open to all students. Finer Things Club, The In the Finer Things Club, students who share a love for esoteric literature, theater, and film can find a forum for discussion, appreciation, and debate where all things old‐fashioned and seemingly obsolete become newly‐investigated and reconsidered. Academic in its nature, the club blends students’ personal experiences and interests in philosophy, culture, and etiquette, although the focus of any given meeting may change. The club is open to all students. French Club (Le Cercle Français) The French Club is for the enjoyment and promotion of the French language and culture. Activities include games, songs, guest lectures, films, culture capsules, field trips and a sampling of French cuisine. The club is open to all French students (of any level or grade).
History Club The History Club is a group dedicated to learning about history and promoting its value within the school. Students meet to discuss various aspects of history such as famous people, events, etc. and to learn more about the value of preserving history. The value of a history degree in reference to various careers will be illustrated. The club is open to all students. Latin Club The Latin Club is open to all students who are currently taking Latin, or who have had at least one year of the language, and who would like to enjoy the many social pleasures of Roman culture and society. Events may consist of banquets, holiday celebrations, and various activities that reflect Roman life. Literary Bears Book Club (and Reading Olympics competition) The Literary Bears is a school library book club that meets twice a month after school to discuss books read in common. This club offers the opportunity to read new and exciting titles appropriate for high school readers. Additional activities may include guest author visits, interactive print or electronic activities, or participation in a regional reading competition called “Reading Olympics.” The club is open to all students. Mathletes (Varsity & J.V.) The Mathletes represent Merion in the Archdiocesan Mathematics League. The group meets regularly to prepare a specific math topic for each month. Competitive exams are held once a month at various schools in the Philadelphia area. Mathletes is open to all students in grades 11 & 12 with strong skills in math. J.V. Mathletes is open to students in grades 9 & 10.
Mock Trial Merion participates in Pennsylvania's Statewide Mock Trial Competition. One of the largest in the nation, the PBA/YLD Mock Trial Competition gives over 250 high school student teams from across the state the opportunity to act as lawyers and witnesses in simulated civil trials before actual judges and panels of juries. Lawyers volunteer to assist students as team advisors, scorekeepers and regional coordinators. Each year, the winning team goes on to represent Pennsylvania in the national competition. Each team consists of three lawyers and two witnesses. Each school can have more than one team. Merion’s teams practice up to 4 times a week when the competition dates get close. The club is open to all students. Multicultural Club The Multicultural Club celebrates the dynamic heritages and cultural traditions of Merion’s students. Its members initiate activities to further awareness of different cultures from around the world. Routinely, the club cooperates with other groups to raise funds for African charities and mission work through participation in dances at Merion. Club members have run successful field trips to the United Nations in New York City. One year, a forum was held at which African American women professionals spoke in celebration of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, sharing stories and perspectives on education, race, employment, and relationships. The club is open to all students. Shakespeare Appreciation Club The Shakespeare Club is dedicated to enriching the knowledge of and passion for the works of William Shakespeare. Members analyze Shakespeare’s works, and inspire each other to embrace the works, especially by trying out for the Shakespeare Competition/Festival in winter. The club aims to bring to life the world of Shakespeare for its members, so that they may
fully understand the wit, historical elements, and tragic sentiments of his plays and poetry. The club is open to all students (especially those with a passion for language and performance). Spanish Club The Spanish Club provides enrichment for the Spanish curriculum by means of guest speakers, films, games, making Spanish food, songs and field trips. It also provides various opportunities for cultural experiences. The club is open to all Spanish students (of any level or grade). Speak Up The Speak Up program is sponsored and run by the Personal Guidance Office, and depends on the stewardship of student volunteers who want to help educate and promote the importance of healthy, non‐destructive life choices. Once an academic year – in the winter season – Merion plays host to a weekday seminar for boys’ and girls’ schools at which educators, parents, and students meet to discuss openly matters of concern to teenagers: peer pressure, sexuality, alcohol, drugs, and relationships. S.P.E.W. (Students Perilously Entertained by Wizardry) The Harry Potter Fan Club Students Perilously Entertained by Wizardry is a group built around an appreciation for and celebration of the fictional world created within the Harry Potter books. As a thematic offshoot of Literary Bears and the Finer Things Club, S.P.E.W. partners with other activities that have a literary focus. Students from all grades are welcome to participate; each girl is “sorted” into academic sorority “houses” for participation in discussions, quidditch matches, trivia contests, movie viewings, bake‐offs, and other Harry Potter‐related activities.
World Affairs Club and Model U.N. Students interested in participating in Great Decision discussions (based upon current articles provided by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia and the Foreign Policy Association) concerning current global issues are invited to join these dynamic and intellectual groups. Recent meetings have addressed the expansion of the European Union, Middle Eastern political reform, and status of Latin American economies. The time commitment varies for both clubs. Members of Model U.N. prepare for and answer invitations to area conferences and competitions. The two clubs are open to all students. Honor Societies Academic, service‐based and character‐based criteria for eligibility vary from society to society.
National Honor Society
National Art Honor Society
National French Honor Society
National Latin Honor Society
National Math Honor Society
National Science Honor Society
National Spanish Honor Society
Tri‐M Music Honor Society
Music and the Arts
Chorale Chorale is an advanced choral group composed of Glee Club members; girls are accepted by audition only. This group performs at Carol Night and in the Performing Arts Festival. They also travel to sing at other functions during the year.
Members earn one‐half credit for their work. Practice is usually held on Wednesday afternoons. Glee Club The Glee Club provides an opportunity for those who enjoy singing to experience a variety of choral music. The club is also a means of learning and improving vocal skills. The Glee Club performs at Carol Night and in the Performing Arts Festival. Practices are usually held each Wednesday afternoon and are open to all students. There is no audition necessary, nor does any student need to know how to read music.
Handbells Handbells is open to all students and currently has a 9th & 10th grade choir and a 11th & 12th grade choir. Rehearsals are held before school, usually Monday and Thursday mornings before first period. Handbells perform at Carol Night and at several liturgies and spring assemblies. Students must have a basic background in note‐reading and understanding rhythm. Liturgical and Modern Dance Troupe The Dance Troupe was founded as a means to express holiness and spirituality through liturgical dance at school masses. The Dance Troupe also incorporates other forms of movement such as jazz and tap, which the students perform at school concerts and liturgies. It is open to any student with at least five years of formal dance training. Try‐outs are held in the fall and (occasionally) the spring. Liturgical Ensemble The Liturgical Ensemble provides vocal and instrumental accompaniment (guitars, flute, violin, trumpet, piano, etc) for all liturgies and prayer services. The club is open to all musicians and singers.
Merion Mercy Ensemble The MMA Ensemble provides opportunities for instrumentalists to play orchestral music. The group performs in the Performing Arts Festival and advanced players may perform in the Music Theater pit orchestra. Membership is open to any student who plays a musical instrument. Rehearsal is held each Tuesday afternoon. Merion Mercy Music Theater (M.M.M.T.) Members of Merion Mercy Music Theater participate in all aspects of musical theater work. Membership is open to all students in singing, dancing, acting, costuming, and make‐up work. Through its productions (a fall drama and a spring musical) M.M.M.T. also offers opportunities for students to assist the director and producer in several important administrative tasks. The time commitment varies: from November to March on Sundays from 12:00 to 9:00 PM and Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 PM; and Tuesdays from 6:00 to 9:00 PM (during January and February only). Stage Crew Stage Crew is an integral part of the music theater program (M.M.M.T.) and it is also a group that provides technical service for all assemblies, concerts, etc. Members learn lighting, sound and set construction. Membership is open to all interested students. Meetings (work sessions) are held Tuesdays afternoons and Saturdays. Those who are part of the running crew for the drama and musical will also have to attend rehearsals closer to the shows on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Communications & Publications
Communications Club…(2 parts)
Good Morning, Merion! This sub‐group of Communications Club is designed for students who are interested in working in front of – and behind – the camera to broadcast the daily school news on TV. The live news program Good Morning, Merion! airs during graderoom with special announcements and presentations, followed by a silent, scrolling PowerPoint of text‐based information. Regular members are chosen each spring for the following year’s GMM graderoom. Participation as a guest anchor or special presenter is open to all other students.
Merion Cinema Club: This sub‐group of Communications Club inspires creativity through cinematography and production. Fun and imaginative, this club is for avid film‐makers; for people that aspire to make movies; for students that must use movie‐making software for projects; or for people that just love films! Students have the opportunity to advertize upcoming events to Merion through media. MCC will allow cinephiles at Merion to chat about movies. No experience is necessary; the club is open to all students.
Literary Magazine: Image Explosion Image Explosion, Merion’s literary magazine, offers an opportunity for the creative spirit to emerge. The staff begins to gather material during the first semester, but reviewing and editing submissions and laying out the newest edition occur mainly after Christmas. Members meet for an hour each week throughout the school year, but meetings are longer and more frequent in February, March, and April. Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 may apply for staff positions.
Yearbook: Meriannal The school yearbook, Meriannal, is an annual publication with a spring delivery. Recruiting for new members is done in the fall for the given school year. The yearbook staff is open to students in all grades through an application process. Meetings are held every Monday afternoon of the school year. "weekend‐” or “after‐school‐marathons" are held occasionally throughout the year to meet deadlines. Newspaper: Ricordia The Ricordia aims to inform, educate and entertain its public. Staff members work hard and occasionally put in long hours to produce six issues of the newspaper. This experience can be an introduction to a career in journalism or just an education in communication skills. Members are always in touch with what is going on and they enjoy being on top of the news! The Ricordia needs typists, reporters, photographers, cartoonists, and artists, as well as, and especially, good writers. The staff meets once a week after school and is open to all students. During the two weeks just prior to publication, the meetings run very late. Depending on the work to done, meetings must also be held on weekends or Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Photography Club The Photography Club allows students to learn how to use photography as an art form. They share styles of photos, camera types and techniques to improve their work through experimentation with the camera, light and subject matter. Student work is often used in the school newspaper, the yearbook and the literary magazine. The club is open to all students.
Service, Spirituality, & Leadership Opportunities
Community Service Corps (C.S.C.) The Community Service Corps of MMA, an affiliated chapter of the Archdiocesan Office for Youth and Young Adults, invites all students to participate in programs that serve their peers, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and people who are poor or disadvantaged. CSC programs encourage student initiative and provide a means for students to respond to the Gospel message. Throughout the year, student volunteers visit and organize activities at a variety of sites (a sampling of which is listed below). Members also participate in special events such as Hand‐in‐Hand, the AIDS Walk, and Operation Santa Claus. Membership is open to all students.
Student Action: Students involved in this activity select an organization such as Greenpeace, Amnesty International, Bread for the World, or Network and use the power of the pen to influence government decisions. Qualifications for this activity are commitment and enthusiasm. Informational meetings are held once a month.
Don Guanella: Students visit students at this boys’ school with special educational needs to offer companionship. Merion is often invited to attend its dances.
Inglis House: Students visit handicapped persons at this residential nursing facility in our own neighborhood.
Mercy Tutors: Students tutor students at both Blessed Sacrament and the Gesu School each week.
Project Home: Students tutor young children at this after‐school program each week.
LaSalle Academy: Students mentor other children, often with regard to how to publish a student‐written periodical.
Saint Columba’s House: Students visit homeless men at this shelter/residence on a bi‐weekly basis. They serve dinner and socialize with the residents.
Women of Hope: Students visit formerly homeless women with mental illness at this residence on a bi‐weekly basis. They participate in games and other activities.
Kate’s Girls: Students prepare an activity and/or entertainment and refreshments for the Sisters at McAuley Convent.
Philabundance: Students visit this large Philadelphia food bank to help prepare meals and shipments of food to shelters around the city. This activity often takes place on the weekend (Saturdays).
New Visions: Student visit and offer a ministry of presence to homeless men and women at a day shelter and kitchen in Camden, New Jersey.
Mercy Neighborhood Ministries: Students visit the newly renovated and state‐of‐the‐art facilities in the Tiago neighborhood of Philadelphia where they help to tutor children, run workshops in computer skills, participate in arts and crafts, and meet locals who attend prayer services and share community meals.
My Soldier Club: Students write to members of the Armed Forces overseas and send cards at holidays to
help spread cheer. Students raise awareness for and appreciation of the concerns of our nation's veterans within the school community and the entire country. Writing campaigns are open to all students.
Mercy Volunteer Program (M.V.P.)
The Mercy Volunteer Program provides mission opportunities to students during the summer between junior and senior year. Through M.V.P., students travel to and provide service in places such as St. Michael’s Mission in Arizona; Camden and Trenton, New Jersey; Kentucky; West Virginia; and (in the past) Peru. Missioners perform such ministries as teaching Bible school, working in soup kitchens and women’s shelters, and providing a ministry of presence to the elderly. There is an application process and extensive fundraising is necessary for participants in the program. Meeting dates vary depending on the service trip and its needs. Ministry Team The Ministry Team tries to provide an opportunity for students to integrate learned Christian values and principles into their daily pattern of living and into the broader context of their community. The team as a whole consists of students broken into five home‐groups, each with a faculty moderator. The members are responsible for preparing liturgies, assisting in planning retreats, organizing prayer experiences for various occasions, coordinating community and global outreach initiatives, and acting as Christian young women who "live mercy and seek justice.” Members meet every Monday afternoon. On the first and third Mondays, the entire team comes together to pray, evaluate events/projects, learn different aspects of ministry, assess needs, and set future directions. These meetings allow for ongoing empowerment of women in the Church, leadership training, community building, and the fostering of creativity. Smaller home‐group meetings
are held the second and fourth Mondays of the month to plan particular events. Membership is limited to students in grades 10‐12. Students apply (with personal reflection questions, essay, and teacher recommendations) in late winter for the following year's team; through prayerful review and discernment, they are then chosen by the committee of campus ministers and ministry moderators. Mercy Works Mercy Works is designed to help students organize small fundraisers in support of various service projects within the school and outside community. Mercy Works emphasizes reaching out to Merion graduates who participate in service projects during college. Members send cards, letters of support, and small donations as motivation to these graduates as they practice the charism of mercy. These alumnae are encouraged to return to Merion after their service trips to share the experience and to pass on the spirit of Catherine McAuley to present Merion students. The club is open to all students. Student Council The Student Council is a group of students elected by the student body to partner with administration in building an effective school community; to provide an effective voice for students in those school‐related issues which affect their lives; to maintain continuous communication between students and faculty/administration, as well as among the students themselves; to encourage students in the duties and responsibilities of good citizenship, using the school environment as the primary training ground; to mirror the quality of leadership among fellow students; and to encourage and facilitate leadership qualities in fellow students.
The executive board is made up of a president, vice president, secretary, and communications officer. Each graderoom is also represented by one elected member. Elections for representatives in grades 10, 11, and 12 are held in the spring (of the previous year) and freshman representatives are elected at the end of September. The time commitment for Student Council is serious. Members meet after school every Monday afternoon for approximately one hour. Additional afternoons and/or evenings will be involved when project planning necessitates. Weekends or evenings are required when there are school functions and expected duties. Women for Life & Love Women for Life & Love (once known separately as the Chastity Club and the Respect Life Club) encourages students to become involved in promoting the virtues of chastity (as it relates to everyday life) and respect for all life: born and unborn. Letter writing campaigns, videos and guest speakers are available to the members at monthly meetings. In January, most members participate in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. Relevant topics are presented and discussed at the club’s meetings. The club is open to all students.
Athletics
Interscholastic Sports (practice after school)
Fall: x‐country, field hockey, golf, soccer, tennis, volleyball August ‐ November
Winter: basketball, indoor track, swimming November ‐ March
Spring: lacrosse, softball, track, crew March ‐ May
Intramurals The intramural program is designed for the girls to enjoy themselves through athletics while playing in a competitive and collegial atmosphere. Many teams are formed within each grade, and they compete for the championship. Intramurals are open to all students regardless of skill. Games are held one or two days a week for one hour during the season.
Basketball: November through December Dance Team
The Dance Team endeavors to foster school spirit by performing
coordinated hip‐hop dance routines at league basketball games
and spirit pep rallies. Members train, focus on fitness, and learn
new dance technique. The team is selected after tryouts in the
fall, and they begin immediately to prepare for the basketball
season and other rallies/assemblies. The schedule for practices
will be determined at the beginning of the season. Fitness Time Although not an official club, “fitness time” is offered to all students on a B bell during activity period in the Patricia Waldron Center exercise facility. The purpose of this open exercise opportunity is to introduce a physical activity (e.g. circuit training, pilates, weight training, etc.) and to encourage the use of the P.W.C. Spirit Club (a.k.a. The Golden Bears) The Spirit Club conceives of outlets and executes different programs in support of school spirit. Students of any grade can
join and participate as they have time throughout the year. The group often coordinates and collaborates with the Activities Office, Student Council, and the Athletic Department to showcase, build awareness of, and spread enthusiasm for the school’s achievements: in sports, in activities, and in special events or rallies. Members need not be athletes or elected student leaders.
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