Last week was English week at Santa Maria. We had many different events and activities - spelling bee, American and British themed food (whatever that means), and some interesting in-class activities. An interesting part about English Week at Santa Maria was that everything was in English. The ceremonies, masses, and even the daily bulletin was in English. Four teachers from the English Department and one student were chosen to write a short article/editorial to be published in the bulletin each day of the week - one per day. Of course, I was forcefully volunteered to write something for the final bulletin going out to all the students and teachers on Friday.
Now, the bulletin is just like morning announcements. It informs the students what is happening that day or week, and has an editorial section to express some kind of lesson for the students. All five of us writing for the bulletin had the same theme for our articles (it was planned that way) - Why Santa Maria? I wasn't quite sure what that really meant, but after I read Monday's article, then again I read Tuesday's article I was starting to get the idea. What does Santa Maria mean to me... why am I here? Honestly, they were the only ones that would hire me! No, not true... I got a few other job offers (if we're counting 'laying around my girlfriend's house all day' a job).
Thankfully, I got some good advice from a very wise, grey-haired man we'll call Mike (dad, that's you). So, instead of describing it to you... I'll just let you read it. Warning - this isn't funny or entertaining. It is from the point of view of a teacher, knowing that my 12-17 year old students will be reading it. It was published in the Friday bulletin here at school and I think a few people might have read it. (if you can't see the small picture below, I copied the text under it). Second warning - it's different from the normal things I publish here on the blog.
Why SM?In the early 1800’s, Father Joseph Chaminade and the Society of Mary were building their ministry through the formation of schools in France and Europe. They were met with many political and educational challenges, but with the inspiration of the Virgin Mary they were able to develop the traditions, beliefs, and strategies exhibited today in all Marianist schools throughout the world.
During these first few decades of existence, the Marianist schools were already displaying the charisma and values that Chaminade so deeply believed. On February 7, 1834, Chaminade wrote a letter to Father Jean Joseph Cheveaux S.M., reminding him that schools were “to introduce and to spread everywhere the spirit of faith and religion, and thereby to multiply Christians.” He continued by saying that this can be done by remembering 3 points: “(1) real missionaries never rely solely on themselves but place their confidence in the Blessed Virgin Mary, (2) the salvation of the souls of our students should be the purpose we propose to ourselves in our actions and prayers, and (3) a teacher cannot succeed with a student whose esteem and friendship he has not gained.” (Brother John R. Habjan, S.M. – Society of Mary Marianists).
More clearly, Chaminade’s three points were:
(1) Marianists say that learning does not take place in a vacuum. Knowledge and understanding matures through the interaction that takes place among students and between teachers and students. (2) As Marianist educators, we should live the life in which we preach to our students. And (3) developing a trusting relationship among teachers and students is a crucial part of the educational process. We’re young men and women with a desire to not only develop our minds, but our hearts and spirits as well.
175 years after this letter was written I walked into the front doors of Santa Maria in Lima, Peru for the first time. In the first 3 months here I can see that SM is a school that thrives using the same philosophy and charisma that Chaminade worked so hard to create. If you go to our website you will read Santa Maria’s Mission – Summarized, it says:
Educate for the formation of faith; educate in family spirit; provide an integral, quality education; educate for service, justice, and peace; and finally, educate for adaptation and change. These five strategic objectives are at the heart of why we’re here; more specifically, why I’m here.
My own educational experience was not much different than a student from Santa Maria. The high school I attended, Rockhurst, is a Catholic, Jesuit, and all-male school with a mission to educate young men who, at graduation, will possess the following characteristics:
Open to Growth, Intellectually Competent, Religious, Loving, and Committed to Doing Justice. Inspired by the founding Jesuit missionary, St. Ignatius of Loyola, Rockhurst’s mission is to develop promising young students into well-rounded young men. “Men for Others”.
Today I teach my students with both Marianist and Jesuit philosophies in mind. Inside my classroom are some of the best young men in Peru. After they graduate they will go on to do great things and be great men. Luckily, I get to teach them after much refinement and years of quality education with the help of some of the best teachers (and people) I’ve encountered. My students can see how much I enjoy my Marianist teaching experience so far. Whether I’m talking about slang in my English club, cheering for the soccer team, singing in the choir at the Confirmation ceremony, or giving out TOEFL practice tests in class (sorry guys, it has to be done) I am happily contributing to Chaminade’s mission, and Santa Maria’s desire to fulfill that mission.
Nearly 200 years after the first Marianist school opened, Santa Maria continues to develop students with the love of the Blessed Mary, the charisma of Chaminade, and the unique skill of each and every teacher. For me, working in a place with such significant values, traditions, and beliefs is a privilege. However, as the manual of Marianist teaching states, “It is the student body that determines the character of an establishment.” therefore, above all, no matter how much of a privilege I think this is, the students are the real spirit of this school. I can only hope they realize this and take full advantage of such a privileged opportunity.
Professor Brian Meagher
The place was a lot better than the sign leads you to believe. It even had a mascot - a two year old yellow lab named Gringa. Gringa is in a state of crisis right now... she just gave birth to three really cute puppies, and she got run-over by a car a few days ago. Not exactly the kind of thing that should happen to a new mother. She has a broken leg and a huge bowl over her head to prevent her from scratching the stitches on her skull. To her credit, she still wags her tail when she sees potential Hostal Alfredo visitors. Oh, another added benefit... she walks the halls at night and you can hear her banging into things with that huge plastic bowl around her neck.
