Winter 2020 Xaverian Magazine 7
of the community. Thus, the Visiting
Committee offers commendations and
recommendations consistent with the plans
and hopes expressed in the Self-Study.
Major Commendations from the
Visiting Committee include the Xaverian
community’s clarity of mission, the
vibrant involvement of the administration
in the life of the school, the generous
commitment to professional development,
the commitment to and support of the
campus ministry program, and the
faculty evaluation and feedback process
which “empowers” faculty and “enables
them to model life-long learning.” Major
Recommendations from the Visiting
Committee corresponded directly with
those Xaverian identified in its Self-Study.
These include the school’s commitment to
continue to invest in its rapidly expanding
arts program, continue to devise a plan
to support mission-appropriate diversity
initiatives, and continue to build upon
the strength of the Board of Trustees by
recruiting and training the next generation
of mission-driven trustees.
“We are extremely grateful for
the work of the Visiting Committee,
particularly that of Sister Barbara Rogers
RSCJ, Headmistress of Newton Country
Day and Chair of the 10-person NEASC
Visiting Committee,” said Dr. Conca. “This
is certainly a proud day for Xaverian.”
Pictured here is the NEASC Visiting Committee at Xaverian: Visiting Committee Assistant Chair, Dr. Brian Modarelli, Head of School at Christian Heritage
School (CT); Elizabeth Farrell, Science Teacher at Austin Preparatory School (MA); Andrew Szilvasy, English Teacher at Newton Country Day School of the Sacred
Heart (MA); Visiting Committee Chair, Sister Barbara Rogers RSCJ, Headmistress at Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart (MA); Matthew Collins,
Principal at St. Mary’s Parish School - High School (MA); Alexandra McMullen, Director of Middle School at St. Andrew’s School (RI); Jeanne Townsend, Database
Manager at Tabor Academy (MA); Kimberly Porto, Academic Dean at Hamden Hall Country Day School (CT); Ronald Russo, Religious Studies Teacher at Central
Catholic High School of Lawrence (MA); Steven Suomi, English Teacher and Director of the Student Center at The Governor’s Academy (MA)
The Visiting Committee observed warm and mentoring relationships among the
faculty and students, and continually heard students describing their teachers as
living embodiments of the School’s mission.
The students are grateful for the opportunities afforded to them, they are ambitious
while remaining other-centered, and they are honest and open in their dealings with
each other and their teachers.
Overall, the students beamed with pride in speaking of their school and spoke
positively about how all religious backgrounds are respected in the Catholic traditions
of the school.
The Visiting Committee observed an outstanding program with talented and
dedicated teachers. As evidenced by the Visiting Committee’s observations, there is
a deep devotion to the school by both the faculty and students. In addition, a robust
academic program with a wide variety of classes being taught on several levels
meets the needs of all of their students.
The faculty feel valued and supported, especially given the ample opportunity for
professional development offered to them.
The Visiting Committee was impressed by the comprehensive qualifications,
expertise, and dedication of the administrative team at Xaverian Brothers High
School. Through our interactions with various stakeholders, as well as our
observations, it was evident that the administrative team creates a collegial,
collaborative atmosphere that assures that the Catholic faith is pervasive in all
aspects of the School.
Highlights from the NEASC Report