Santa Catalina School Head of School Position Statement Monterey, California July 1, 2022 Santa Catalina School Head of School Position Statement Start Date: July 1, 2022
THE OPPORTUNITY “There’s something magical about Santa Catalina. You feel it from the moment you arrive on campus.” A common refrain about this singular school. Welcome!
Santa Catalina School, located on the iconic Monterey Peninsula on the Central California Coast, seeks its next head of school for July 2022. A compelling combina on of educa onal programs for young people, PreK-Grade 12, Santa Catalina stands poised to launch its next chapter and seeks a leader who understands and appreciates the history, culture, and promise of this noteworthy school.
The School iden fies itself as “an manifest in the program and The profile of the School independent school in the ethos of Santa Catalina. appeals: a gracious and Catholic tradi on,” and delivers on Graduates describe their me at appealing 36-acre campus, solid its promise of inspiring students to Santa Catalina as “profound and financial stability, commi ed embrace academic challenge and transforma onal.” Board of Trustees, devoted body develop a sense of purpose “to of alumnae, talented faculty and serve the world with courage, The next leader of Santa Catalina staff, and truly engaging, capable grace, and compassion.” The will steward the all girls Upper young people. Santa Catalina has community extends a warm School, commi ed to both a well-established reputa on for welcome to every child and adult-- boarding and day students, and its academic excellence and for a palpable commitment to the coed Lower and Middle its unparalleled ability to nourish kindness and respect--and holds School, drawing from the local its students in mind, body, and fast to its mo o of “Veritas” as the communi es. The School also spirit. And now a new chapter aspira onal North Star for the life draws hundreds of young people awaits! The next head of school of the mind. “Head and heart” are to its successful summer camps. at Santa Catalina will carry on the legacy and beloved tradi ons of the School’s SANTA CATALINA MISSION successful 70-year history while guiding the School forward with Santa Catalina School exists to develop in each student a striving for strategic vision, crea vity, and excellence, a maturing awareness of moral and spiritual values, a courage. sense of responsible purpose, and a determina on to serve the world with courage, grace, and compassion.
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SCHOOL HISTORY Santa Catalina School for Girls was founded by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael in 1950 under the leadership of Mother Margaret Thompson, Mother General of the Dominican Congrega on. In its opening year, the School welcomed 40 girls, 32 in 5th through 8th grades and eight in 9th and 10th grades. Sister Mary Kieran led the School from 1950-1965, followed by Sister Carlo a (1965-2002) and Sister Claire (2002-2016). Santa Catalina separated from the Dominican Order in the mid-70’s and became an independent school. A core group of six sisters remained in place and created excep onal programs and laudable stability. In 1971, the School expanded to include a coed Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten, with its first coed eighth-grade class gradua ng in 1982. To its credit, the School made a remarkably successful transi on to Margaret Bradley, its first “lay leader,” in 2016, and all agree that the School has con nued to flourish.
LOCATION, FACILITIES, AND FINANCES Santa Catalina is situated in a spectacular se ng just a few miles from the Pacific coast in Monterey and near the seaside communi es of Carmel and Pacific Grove. The campus is stunningly beau ful, with tradi onal hacienda-style buildings, a gracious chapel built in 1954 as well as more modern architecture such as the “C2” science and math building, named for Sisters Claire and Chris ne, designed by a Santa Catalina alum and completed in 2016. Purpose-built arts facili es, commodious dormitories, and light-filled classrooms are nestled in rolling green open space, with a nearby athle c field, gymnasium, track, tennis courts, and pool. Gardens and lovely outdoor gathering spaces round out the beau ful campus offerings.
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Financially, the School has been consistently well-managed. Santa Catalina carries no debt and has set aside strong reserves (which will need to be replenished a er the Covid crisis abates). The School enjoys a $47M endowment and recently completed a successful $50M capital campaign for endowment, building projects, and tui on assistance. There has been remarkable Annual Fund growth over the past several years, with the Santa Catalina community crossing the $1M mark in 2020. The singular challenge is enrollment, which, while on an upswing before the pandemic, has not filled the dormitories (or high school day student popula on) to capacity. Lower School enrollment vacillates depending upon Monterey Bay demographics and will need a en on as well.
THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY Students The coed Lower and Middle School currently numbers 247 students, PreK-Grade 8, with 27% students of color, primarily Hispanic and Asian. Financial aid is awarded to 47% of LMS students. The gender balance in the LMS is rela vely even, although there is o en a slightly higher number of girls. The Upper School currently enrolls 209 young women, 103 boarding and 106 day students. (The capacity for the residen al program is 160 students.) Interna onal students in the residen al program currently hail from Mexico, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Jakarta, Switzerland, Germany, and South Korea. Domes c boarding students come from 13 different states with a majority from the west coast, 29% of whom are students of color. With the significant influx of interna onal students in the Upper School residen al program, Santa Catalina provides a defining global perspec ve for all students. Fi y percent of day students and 30% of boarding students receive financial assistance.
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One student describes what she 10% a ri on rate. All personnel Head of Upper School with nine appreciates about Santa Catalina: “I embrace the “whole child” ethos of direct reports, and the Head of believe that Catalina is so successful the School and the importance of Lower and Middle School with because of its emphasis on character development, beginning eight. The School also has a full community and its dedica on to with the school’s Pre-Kindergarten External Affairs team made of a selec ng the kindest, most students and extending to those communica ons team of four, and a talented, incredibly driven young women headed out to development team of seven. Two students...the faculty make university and the working world. admissions directors report to themselves available to help and Division Heads in the Lower and encourage students to be the best One faculty member wrote: Middle and Upper Schools, and the that they can be academically. “A en on to the student’s unique Business Manager works in Amidst a rigorous academic purpose is most central to our collabora on with the Assistant environment, having people that mission. With that comes being Head of School and a team of support and help you is invaluable.” responsive to each student’s people in charge of facili es, individual needs...and having the transporta on, housekeeping, and Faculty School feel like a home away from maintenance. The administra ve The faculty of Santa Catalina home whether you are a day or team is seasoned and experienced, includes approximately 60 teachers, boarding student.” and the new Head of School will teaching assistants, and specialists, inherit a team that collaborates and and the staff provides a variety of Administra on and Staff steps up to challenges. support services through Santa Catalina has two Assistant administra ve and student services. Heads of School, one of whom is Alumnae The Santa Catalina faculty is responsible for stewarding mission With 71 years of alumnae (women experienced and dedicated to the and iden ty and the other graduates from the Lower and mission of the School, and the a ending to programs and Middle and Upper Schools) and School reports less than an overall opera ons; two Division Heads--the alumni (8th grade boy graduates) as
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well as interna onal alumnae, the Santa Catalina experience through performing-arts events cap vate Alumni Associa on has over 6,800 gi s of me, energy, and financial large and enthusias c audiences. graduates to keep in the Catalina resources.” All parents in the School are fold. There is a dedicated alumnae/i members of the Parents administrator at the School, an Parents Associa on and contribute eagerly Alumnae Council of Directors, 18 The parent body at Santa Catalina is as trusted partners of the School. chapter chairs across the country par cularly engaged and generous. and around the world, Class Agents Parents at the School are drawn to Trustees and Class Correspondents and a bi- the School’s commitment to The School is governed by a annual publica on “The Bulle n” character development as integral to dedicated group of 22 trustees, that keeps graduates apprised of the program: children are asked to be many of whom are alumnae or the Lower and Middle and Upper kind, civic-minded, and community- parents, and all of whom are Schools. Several annual gatherings oriented, and parents happily follow devoted to the long-term and events support Catalina alums suit. Approximately 40% of families sustainability of the School. The in mee ng their bold vision iden fy as Catholic, and all Board has an enviable commitment statement: “We are an appreciate the on-going commitment to best prac ce in governance intergenera onal community of to a values-based educa onal through suppor ng the mission women striving to grow spiritually, program combined with academic and school leadership, managing crea vely, and intellectually. We achievement. The tradi ons of the fiscal oversight, and se ng foster individuality and for tude School, such as holiday celebra ons, strategic priori es effec vely. while sustaining and extending the special School events, and
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PROGRAM
The Lower and Middle and Upper connec ons across grade Schools at Santa Catalina are all levels. A cornerstone of the housed on the same campus, Lower and Middle School embrace the same mission and experience is the Compass values, champion academic Program: students enter excellence and the development of mixed-grade circles in character and purpose for each “houses” named for the four student. Thorough descrip ons of School values (Excellence, courses and the par culars of the Responsibility, Spirituality, curriculum are available on the and Service) with the website, by division: Lower School compass needle being Curriculum, Middle School Veritas, the School mo o. Curriculum, Upper School Lower and Middle School Curriculum. students enjoy field trips, outdoor educa on, excellent Signature programs are both arts offerings, and learning appreciated and highly regarded. support that provides remedia on, reinforcement, The Lower and Middle School and extensions of the The strong Lower and Middle School learning in the classroom. Physical program includes robust programs in Educa on instruc on is crea ve and The Upper School science, math (Singapore Math), responsive to the needs of students; Among the signature programs of literacy (Lucy Calkins’ program is during the pandemic, physical note in the Upper School is the used for wri ng instruc on), social educa on teachers devised an on- Marine Ecology Research Program studies, and environmental studies. line “Wake Up Catalina” workout that (MERP), which uses the Monterey Weekly assemblies celebrate the was both popular and effec ve at Bay Na onal Marine Sanctuary, an community and build cherished keeping students physically ac ve. environment so rich in biodiversity it is known as “the Serenge of the Sea," in a sequence of learning and increasingly independent research. The program commences in the sophomore year and culminates in a senior-year capstone marine biology project. MERP complements the significant array of Advanced Topics courses in the curriculum.
A comprehensive advisory four-year program, Journey, is also in place, fostering leadership skills, self- knowledge and reflec on, college counseling and career aspira ons, service and philanthropy. Through
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the program, girls deepen their understanding of themselves, build their confidence, and learn the value of encouraging and suppor ng peers. Upper School students also have access to a school counselor. A school-wide health and wellness ini a ve was begun four years ago and created in collabora on with Duke Integra ve Medicine. Launched first in the Upper School, the ini a ve promotes a culture of self-care, life balance, spiritual awareness, rela onal community, and personal agency.
The Cer ficate Programs in visual and performing arts are noteworthy for the ambi ous panoply of girls-only produc ons with 70% student par cipa on: two musicals, one play, student talent show, Christmas concert, Senior Produc on, and Evening of the Arts--every year! The girls do everything from scenic design, ligh ng, and carpentry to ac ng, ushering, and playing in the orchestra. Visual arts are also a vibrant part of the program, and on all fronts, “Students run the show!”
Finally, 75% of Santa Catalina girls par cipate in athle cs, everything from water polo and tennis to lacrosse, soccer, and volleyball. Students also lead a robust number of clubs, from a variety of affinity groups to a new Purple Club that takes on the challenge of conduc ng civil discourse in the poli cal realm.
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OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES AHEAD The School will ask its next leader to embrace and act on the exci ng opportuni es and challenges ahead for the next chapter of Santa Catalina’s trajectory:
Visionary educa onal leader: Define and implement a visionary and relevant future for Santa Catalina. Develop the culture of con nuous improvement while respec ng the tradi ons and history of the School. Provide inspiring curricular leadership for PreK- Grade12 program, support the School’s commitment to academic excellence and professional development, and ensure the quality of the residen al program.
Caring community builder. Cherish and nurture the Santa Catalina culture, which has long been characterized by warmth, kindness, and respect. Embrace fully the School’s inclusive spiritual ethos and me-honored values as a reflec on of the School’s mission. Be a visible and engaging presence.
LEADERSHIP QUALITIES AND TRAITS The School seeks a dynamic leader who is deeply familiar with leading a transforma onal educa onal program. Approachable and warm, engaged and energe c, the School’s new head of school will become an integral part of this inclusive community. Communica on skills will be paramount, as will be the courage to make difficult decisions in the School’s long-term interests. One trustee reflected that “presence and backbone” might be the two most important quali es in the new head and added quickly “a sense of humor, too!” Faculty noted that a passion for the educa on and character development of girls and young women and a delight in interac ng with children of all ages, from the youngest PreK students to those preparing to graduate, will be central to the new head’s success.
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to enhance the reputa on of the School and draw interested families to the School.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion advocate. Embrace and embed a commitment to diversity and equity for all cons tuencies. Develop curriculum, hiring prac ces, and training that will ensure a culture of belonging for all members of the community. Encourage opportuni es to engage and deepen conversa ons about racial, ethnic, and gender diversity.
Experienced mul -divisional galvanize stronger admissions results Skilled change management. leader. Understand and implement in a compe ve environment. Ability to cra the path and the effec ve mul -divisional iden ty Analyze the forces at work in narra ve for change. Engage all and support. Clarify leadership roles determining boarding and day cons tuencies in future-oriented and responsibili es as well as enrollment in the School, and sustain scenario planning. Set goals and systems and decision-making effec ve marke ng and outreach realis c melines effec vely. processes that support a high- efforts. Develop partnerships in the Implement the current strategic func oning PreK-Grade 12 school local and interna onal communi es plan along with new ini a ves. that is both coed and single gender, both day and boarding.
Commitment to all girls educa on. Ar culate and promote the School’s commitment to the educa on of young women with a focus on developing and expanding the on- going leadership programs and wellness ini a ves. Assure the relevance and dynamism of a program to prepare young women to face confidently the challenges of our mes.
Impac ul enrollment strategist. Create expanded outreach to
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Dynamic communicator. Ability to communicate policies and ini a ves across all cons tuencies. Know how to tell the stories that vivify Santa Catalina and the benefits that students experience. Connect with the vibrant alumnae and alumni communi es.
Financial sustainability. Support the financial health of the en re School through con nued rigorous, disciplined management of the School’s financial resources. Support fundraising objec ves. A end to the on-going needs of the facili es and plant management responsibly and efficiently. Evaluate the overall staffing of the School in light of program needs and fiscal responsibility. APPLICATION PROCESS Organiza onal development. We welcome applica ons from those who are eager to take on the A end to Human Resources policies opportuni es and challenges of this remarkable School. and prac ces that promote fairness and transparency for all employees. Candidates interested in applying to become Santa Catalina’s next Head of Clarify administra ve roles and School may apply online at: h ps://rg175/candidate/signup. The applica on responsibili es. Ensure a high- includes: func oning senior leadership team • Le er of interest that supports on-going and new • Resume ini a ves at the School. • Wri ng sample (can be an ar cle, educa onal philosophy, or personal statement) A final comment from a Santa • List of Five References Catalina Board member: “Santa Catalina School is steeped in a If you have any ques ons, please contact RG175 consultants: tradi on of excellence in academics, spirituality, community, and service. Coreen Hester or Catherine Hunter The new head must embrace the [email protected] [email protected] past but at the same me boldly direct Catalina to evolve and thrive The deadline for receipt of full applica on materials is Friday, April 23, 2021. We in a changing world of academia encourage interested applicants to indicate their interest in the posi on and to and society.” submit applica on materials in a mely manner.
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