Upper School Director

Search Prospectus

Walsingham Academy

Williamsburg, VA

www.walsingham.org

July 2017

Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, LLC History of Walsingham Academy

he first day of class at Walsingham Academy was September 16, 1947 at 601 College Terrace in Williamsburg, . This house, which has since served as a rectory for the priests at St. Bede Catholic Church, was built as a fraternity house. It was later Walsingham Academy is a Tbought by St. Bede parish for use as an USO residence for women. After the war, it was free to distinguished Catholic serve another purpose – a Catholic school. Christ-centered community for academic excellence. It was Father Thomas Walsh’s vision to have a Catholic school in Williamsburg, “because he felt that you reach parents most quickly through the children,” Sister Mary Emmanuel wrote in Walsingham’s chronicles. It was he who invited the Sisters of Mercy of Philadelphia to Williamsburg and offered the use of the USO building as a school. St. Bede Church of Williamsburg had the honor of housing the first Roman Catholic shrine of Our Lady of Mission Walsingham in America; because of this the Sisters of Mercy chose to name the Academy they Statement founded Our Lady of Walsingham Academy. Fifty-eight boarders and day students registered that first year. In June, there was one Located in picturesque graduate, Margaret Avery Leavitt ‘48, whose graduation was “celebrated with all the pomp Williamsburg, Virginia, and ceremony of twenty.” She said in her commencement address, “As Charter Members of Walsingham Academy was Walsingham Academy we are not a little conscious of the duty and privilege which is ours – built on the traditions of of placing the stamp of Catholic education upon this historic city of Williamsburg. In a spot academic excellence, faith and where priorities are so justly honored and held in esteem, to us it falls to wield the torch of a the development of the whole type of education whose tradition it is to place first things first.” child. Vibrant and challenging In 1951 the school was entering its fifth year and was bulging at the seams. There were 156 programs in academics, students in that house on College Terrace. Sister Mary Constance, the Principal, arranged for service, the arts and athletics the purchase of 62 acres on the historic road to Jamestown. The property was on the outskirts contribute to independent, of town. “There was nothing to see but woods when the Sisters became its owners,” Sister critical thinkers prepared to Emmanuel wrote. be responsible stewards of the Bishop Peter L. Ireton, Bishop of Richmond, broke ground on a wet day in June of 1951. world. They moved to the new school building on January 28, 1952. The old school continued to Walsingham students rise house boarders and the Sisters. By 1952 there were 215 students and ten Sisters. Less than five to the challenge of exploring years later, a new wing was added to the building on Jamestown Road with the addition of and developing their gifts; classrooms and boarding rooms for Sisters and boarders. Enrollment had risen to 389 by 1957. growing into responsible By 1963, the school enrollment was 789 including 315 in the Upper School. On November young adults; achieving 28, 1964, the new high school was dedicated and the students in grades 7-12 moved to a new personal success and acting building across the green. with integrity and compassion. The next addition to the school was in 1997 when an athletic complex, including a large gym, administrative offices, and classrooms was built. An addition was made to the Lower School in 1999 to accommodate a growth in enrollment, and modifications of the Upper School made better use of available space. Today, Walsingham Academy is home to over 550 students, with 220 in the Upper School. From its humble beginnings, Walsingham Academy had grown to be the premier independently Catholic, private college preparatory school in the Williamsburg area.

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The Position

The Upper School Director reports directly to Walsingham Academy’s President, Sr. Mary Jeanne Oesterle, SM. The Director ensures quality in the academic and student affairs programs in order to achieve the fullest attainment of the school’s overall Sisters of Mercy mission. As Chief Upper School Administrator, the Director serves as a role model for staff and students and bears ultimate responsibility for the integration of faith and learning within the school. The successful candidate will be a capable, accomplished and committed Catholic educational leader who embraces fully this Christ-centered, academically ambitious community of learners. 550 Total Students on Campus

225 Upper School Students

The School

Walsingham Academy is a school like no other. An independent Catholic school with traditional values, Walsingham welcomes students of all faiths. Development of the whole student is a guiding principal of this Sisters of Mercy school. Small class sizes ensure that each student interacts with his or her teachers in both group and individual settings. The school’s rigorous college preparatory curriculum prepares students for some of our nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities. Walsingham students explore, discover and develop their gifts, so that they can assume responsibility as mature participants in a pluralistic society. The next Director will be expected to embrace this unique ecumenical environment that makes Walsingham Academy so special. 38 Seniors

Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, LLC Walsingham Academy 3 Class of 2016 College Acceptances

Averett University Baylor University Boston College Bridgewater College (2) Butler University Case Western Reserve University Catholic University of America (2) Christopher Newport University (3) Clark University College of Charleston College of William & Mary (3) East Carolina University Elon University Emory University Fairfield University Flagler College George Mason University (3) George Washington University Goucher College Hampden-Sydney College (4) Hofstra University James Madison University (9) Longwood University Academics Louisiana State University Lynchburg College (2) McGill University Walsingham Academy’s strong academic program is enhanced by vital programs in service, Michigan State University the arts and athletics. Our goal is to help all of our students grow into adults who act with Muhlenburg College North Carolina State University integrity and compassion through the discovery, development and use of their gifts. Thus they Old Dominion University (2) will both achieve their personal goals and be equipped to work for the betterment of their Pratt Institute Purdue University community and the world. Radford University (3) Randolph-Macon College (2) As a Christ-centered institution, Walsingham Academy prides itself on being a community Regent University of faith and service. To this end, the spiritual life of Upper School students is centered on the Samford University Savannah College of Art & Design theme of “Finding Purpose: A Community of Faith & Spirit” with three main focuses: Your Life School of the Art Institute of Chicago is Sacred, You Are Not Alone, and We Learn By Loving Others. Walsingham gathers monthly School of Visual Arts Seton Hall University as a school community to pray and celebrate together, and begins and ends each day with a Sewanee: The University of the South Shenandoah University prayer. Students take a theology class each year they are at Walsingham. St. John’s University Syracuse University “[To] connect the rich to the poor... the influential Texas A&M University to those of no consequence, and the powerful to the weak, The Ohio State University The Pennsylvania State University to do the work of God on earth.” University of Alabama (2) University of California-Davis - Sisters of Mercy Mission Statement University of Connecticut University of Georgia (2) University of Mary Washington (2) University of Maryland, College Park University of Melbourne The Arts University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill University of Richmond The arts are what make us most human, most complete University of San Francisco University of South Carolina (2) as people and cannot be learned through occasional University of Tampa or random exposure any more than math or science. University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Utah Walsingham’s vision for the Fine Arts is to educate University of Virginia (3) University of Washington students who will use their God-given abilities in creative Villanova University platforms. Whether it is on a canvas, in music, on stage, Virginia Commonwealth University (5) Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State or through an instrument, the goal is to equip students University (7) with the tools they need to be effective communicators Virginia Wesleyan College Wake Forest University (2) through the medium of art. Education and engagement in Washington & Lee University West Virginia University the fine arts at Walsingham Academy is an essential part West Virginia Wesleyan College Worcester Polytechnic Institute

4 Walsingham Academy Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, LLC Fast Facts 12 Average Class Size

The Arts (Continued) of our school’s curriculum and an important component in the educational program of every one of our students. “You can’t just give someone a creativity injection. You have to create an environment for curiosity and a way to encourage people and get the best out of them.” - Ken Robinson Athletics 27 Walsingham Academy has a long and proud tradition in athletics, fielding competitive, Teaching Faculty interscholastic teams since the school’s founding in 1947. During Walsingham’s early years, the boys’ teams were known as the Apostles, while the girls competed under the name Mariettes, a dichotomy that lasted through the 1967-1968 school year. Today, the Trojans compete in the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS) and participate in state championships governed by the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA). The vision for the future of athletics at Walsingham Academy is the development of a model program that is admired and emulated for consistent athletic excellence, disciplined play, academic success, and the personal growth of our student athletes. Our program will be a strong contributing member of our community and communicate a presence that demonstrates character and integrity. 15 International Students

Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, LLC Walsingham Academy 5 Williamsburg, VA

Living in Williamsburg means living in the midst of history. Established in 1699, Williamsburg was the capital of Virginia at the time of the American Revolution, and the area prides itself on keeping that history alive. Walk through the streets of , the restored historic area, and you’ll encounter costumed interpreters willing to entertain you with tales of living in colonial times. The city is at the heart of the Historical Triangle of Virginia, which includes Jamestown and Yorktown and is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It’s also home to the College of William and Mary, the country’s second-oldest public university. Williamsburg is located along the Interstate 64 corridor between the James and York rivers and is an hour or less drive to the Atlantic Ocean or the Chesapeake Bay. The scenic, 23-mile, cobblestone-like connects the Historic Triangle. A Williamsburg ZIP code extends beyond the city’s nine square miles, however, including parts of nearby James City and York counties. Beside Jamestown, America’s first permanent English colony, 144-square-mile James City County includes Busch Gardens Europe — an amusement park known for its roller coasters as well as its picturesque grounds. York, in the easternmost corner of the Historic Triangle, was the site of the British army’s surrender that ended the Revolutionary War. In York County, like Williamsburg, history mixes with tourism: You can find battlefields as well as water parks both outside (Water Country USA) and inside (Great Wolf Lodge). Williamsburg takes pride in its rich colonial history. POPULATION Nestled in the northwest corner of Virginia’s greater area, an area known for its strong military presence, Williamsburg and its adjacent counties draw retirees as well as young families. A wealth of living opportunities abound, ranging from a condominium in the planned urban community of New Town — where you can walk from your front door to more than 170 restaurants and shops — to a lavish riverfront home in the gated resort community of Kingsmill — which includes three renowned championship golf courses, a spa and more than 20 residential neighborhoods spread among 2,900 acres. The population of Williamsburg hovers around 12,700 with a median age of 22.6 — thanks to the presence of William and Mary. Nearby James City County has about 63,700 people, while York County has around 61,100. Median home values range from $212,000 in the city of Williamsburg to $337,600 in James City County — although million- dollar-plus homes are not hard to find. Williamsburg is at the heart of the Historical Triangle of Virginia, which includes Jamestown and Yorktown. WEATHER A four-season climate means hot and humid summers (perfect for a trip to the bustling — although busy — Virginia Beach oceanfront) but usually mild winters with an average annual snowfall of six inches and temperatures that stay above freezing. The area’s extensive network of wooded parks is ideal for autumn leaf-peeping, while spring brings out the flowers, including daffodils and dogwoods. The Virginia Beach oceanfront is a popular tourist destination in the summer. ACTIVITIES Williamsburg draws not only history buffs but, thanks to a vast selection of shopping, entertainment opportunities and several newer mixed-use developments, it also draws shopping fans. The Premium Outlets, one of the most popular outlet malls in the country, is located in James City County along Richmond Road — there you can find everything from candles at Yankee Candle’s southern flagship store to Virginia hams. The Merchants Square area of Colonial Williamsburg offers high-end restaurants and specialty shops. And if you enjoy good food and wine, look no further. The area is full of restaurants, offering everything from fresh seafood to savory barbecue. The Williamsburg Winery is Virginia’s largest, and history is visible even here: Most of the wines, including the award-winning Governor’s White, have historical references listed on the back of each bottle. A world-class small town, The Williamsburg area is a great place to call home!

6 Walsingham Academy Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, LLC Fast Facts

Challenges and Opportunities

This is an important and promising time in the history of this distinguished and well respected school. Walsingham Academy is a warm, caring and spiritually enriched community with a high-achieving student body and dedicated faculty and staff that is just hitting its stride. After 12 year of service to the school community, the former Upper School Director suddenly retired in June of 2016. Leaving Walsingham as an academically rigorous, Christ- centered, college preparatory institution, the school appointed an interim Director for the 2016-’17 school year. Respected and trusted by the school’s constituencies, the interim Director ensures Walsingham Academy’s growth, momentum and community-wide achievements are 10 maintained while the search for a permanent Upper School Director commences. AP Courses The next Director will be expected to maintain an emphasis on best practice in teaching, learning, and the overall quality of the student experience. Additionally, he or she will be an accomplished visionary who can build immediate trust, confidence and rapport among his or her colleagues, students, Board members and parents. The community is immensely proud of its Catholic identity and welcoming ethos. Students of all faiths feel welcomed and are encouraged to grow in their own beliefs and traditions. Maintaining this welcoming and inclusive culture will be a key expectation of the next Director.

Joint Responsibilities with President

• Assure that the mission and values of the Sisters of Mercy are realized in the school. 88% • Collaborate in the of the Class of 2016 development of the budget enrolled in AP Courses for the Upper School. • To implement a well- developed and integrated curriculum that will encourage within every student an inventive spirit, flexibility, a desire to set and attain expectations, an appreciation of peers, belief in themselves, and an opportunity to become future leaders of society. • Ensure the Catholic identity of the school within its unique ecumenical setting. • Provide for the spiritual growth and development of the school community. 10 • Establish and coordinate school calendars. Honors Courses • Develop policy for recommendation of the Board of Trustees. • Participate in recruitment and admissions efforts. Final authority for admissions decisions resides with the Director. • Collaborate in the development of the Strategic Planning. • Work in collaboration with Lower School Administration to insure a continuous curriculum Prekindergarten through 12th grade.

Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, LLC Walsingham Academy 7 Core Responsibilities

Mission Service Responsibilities • To work in partnership with the administrative team to foster the spiritual and intellectual growth of the school community, and to promote the mission of the Sisters of Mercy.

Operational Responsibilities

Planning • To assist the President with the implementation of Board-approved long and short range planning strategies and goals. • To develop, recommend, and monitor planning goals that ensure that the educational, safety, and operational needs of the school are met. • To plan for and integrate planning processes related to maintaining accreditation.

Finance • To work with the President, Business Manager, and the Finance Committee in developing the yearly and projected budget for the school. • To monitor and maintain yearly budget.

Personnel • To hire, supervise and evaluate teachers and other school staff. • To promote a working environment that promotes collaboration and shared decision making. • To facilitate and supervise the mentoring process for new faculty. • To encourage on-going professional development of school staff through goal setting, observation, review of lesson plans, professional development opportunities, faculty meetings, in-service opportunities, department meetings, and partnering of teachers.

Recruitment, Admissions, Retention of Students • To work collaboratively on the admission of students • To develop on-going supportive relationships with students. • To respond to students’ needs and monitor their progress. • To assist students in the development of self-discipline. • To develop policies and processes for disciplining students, including guidelines on supervising student behavior at school-sponsored activities. • To recognize and encourage outstanding student performance.

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Core Responsibilities (continued)

Educational Leadership and Administration 1784 • To develop student rosters and monitor the preparation of the master schedule. Average SAT Score • To foster a positive religious educational climate within the school. of the Class of 2016 • To encourage communication and cooperation among students, teachers, and students’ families. • To develop appropriate correspondence with students, parents and other family members. • To attend meetings and serve as an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees and its appropriate subcommittees. • To attend and encourage participation in school-sponsored events. • To promote a flexible and responsive school climate. • To maintain student and staff records and be responsible for state and diocesan reporting. • To work with the President to develop appropriate student and personnel policies: ensuring the communication and implementation of said policies.

Curriculum 38 Students of the • To implement a well-developed and integrated curriculum that will encourage within every Class of 2016 student an inventive spirit, flexibility, a desire to set and attain expectations, an appreciation were awarded over of peers, belief in themselves, and an opportunity to become future leaders of society. • To work with the Faculty to develop and implement a dynamic and creative curriculum. $1.8M • To ensure that the curriculum challenges the learners to achieve their full potential and contributes to the moral development of students. in merit-based scholarships and • To ensure that the curriculum is designed in such a manner that it will stimulate a logical awards progression through the intellectual stages of critical thinking, , clarity of thought/ expression, and acquisition of 21st century skills. • To work with Faculty to implement a curriculum that defines learning strands for all curriculum areas. • To be knowledgeable of the current research on learning and use it as the basis for instructional diversity. • To work with Faculty to maintain a sequence and review cycle for curriculum areas.

Public Relations • To be visible in and accessible to the needs of the Walsingham community. 91 • To participate in local, diocesan and professional organizations. Number of colleges • Represent the Academy at school, social, civic, and religious functions. and universities students accepted to

Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, LLC Walsingham Academy 9 Desired Experience and Characteristics

The President seeks a dynamic Upper School leader with the following qualities: • A Christ-centered leader who will model Catholic values and continue to raise the profile of the school as a premier independent school with a Catholic mission at its core. The President strongly desires practicing Catholics in good standing, however candidates of all religious beliefs and traditions who can meet this important faith standard are welcome to apply. • A high profile, relational leader with passion for the Sisters of Mercy mission, and who will engage with all constituents in advancing the powerful Walsingham Academy story and exemplify its compelling spirit in the community. • An accomplished administrator who has proven success in advanced curriculum design and structure in a distinguished college preparatory school. • Appropriate school instructional and leadership experience, along with advanced academic credentials will be expected.

Personal Characteristics

• Student orientated and committed to Catholic education • Able to understand and embrace the ecumenical uniqueness of the school • Embraces the region’s gracious, kind and warm culture • Strategic thinker who sees the big picture • Exemplary leadership and mentoring skills • A good listener and strong team player • Able to balance and prioritize the needs of the school • Empathetic, open and warm • Fair, but demanding; willing to say “no” • Versatile and flexible • Superb people skills, savvy, diplomatic and discreet • Excellent communication skills, engaging, easily establishes immediate rapport across all constituencies • Entrepreneurial with sound financial acumen • Respectful of the school’s and community’s rich traditions • Strong organizational skills, a true “task master” • High-energy, and can “hit the ground running” • Highly visible at, and supportive of, extracurricular activities • Knows when to have fun and has a sense of humor • Committed to the long-term success of the school

10 Walsingham Academy Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, LLC To Apply

To apply, please submit the following materials, confidentially and as separate PDF attachments in one email to Michael Furey. Please include Walsingham US Director in subject field. A pplications will be accepted until the position is filled. • Cover letter that expresses your interest and qualifications for leading Walsingham Academy’s Upper School; • Current resume with all appropriate dates included; • Statement of educational philosophy for this uniquely Catholic college preparatory school; • List of five references with names, physical addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. No references will be contacted without your knowledge and approval.

Michael Furey, Partner [email protected] Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, LLC 124 Sycamore Drive Westwood, MA 02090 www.partnersinmission.com

Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, LLC Walsingham Academy 11 Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions is a division of Partners in Mission, the nation’s leading full-service consulting firm focused exclusively on developing excellence in Catholic school advancement and leadership. Since 2008, our dedicated team of professionals’ have partnered with clients to advance their missions by providing comprehensive and effective solutions to address the challenges they face every day.

Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, LLC 124 Sycamore Drive, Westwood, MA 02090

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