Dear Parents,

Easter, the greatest celebration of the Church, is the time when we reflect on our redemption through Christ.  It is a time when we are reminded to model Christ in our actions and words.   As a Catholic school, our effort in the formation of young men to live their lives based on Gospel values is our goal.  We hope that the Easter message of rebirth and renewal is instilled in our students as they mature into adulthood.

As educators of your children, we are bound to responsibly guide their development within the context of today's society.  It would be foolish and negligent to pretend the year 2013 is the same as 1993.  We live in different times, people communicate differently, information is exchanged globally and change comes at a faster pace.  In February 2013, US News & World Report stated, "Technology has become the prime facilitator for sharing products, information, and news. Things move at a quicker pace and the obscure can become notable in a flash."  That same article noted that technology jobs dominate the top ten of the "Best 100 Jobs of 2013." Demand is strong for individuals with a solid grasp of science and technology who can fill jobs ranging from computer systems analysts, to web developers to mechanical engineers.

We take our role in the formation of young people as a responsibility entrusted to us, and that is why we have implemented revisions to our science curriculum, aimed at strengthening the program.  Every science class requires a project-based activity each semester, whether done on an individual or group basis.  Topics range from mouse trap cars, to model bridges, to PowerPoint projects.  Malden Catholic has also put greater emphasis on laboratory activities. Presently, science classes all do a minimum of four, complete laboratory assignments each quarter.

Over the past two years, we expanded our Computer Science and Engineering offerings.  We now offer Introduction to Engineering, Engineering Design Principles, and Robotics. Students in these classes are learning things inconceivable twenty years ago. For instance, students recently programmed Arduino microprocessors using a variant of the "C" programming language to cause Light Emitting Diodes (LED's) to respond differently to different input conditions.  They are now following the Carnegie Mellon Mobile Robotics Engineering Curriculum to design, build, program and test LEGO-based robots.

In addition, students may take Programming in Java and Advanced Placement Computers.  These courses, augmented by our award-winning Robotics and Model Bridge clubs, provide a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing science and technology-related majors in college.

It is not enough, however, to teach the latest science and technology principles.  We must, in fact, live in and utilize the technology of the times.  This September, we will introduce iPads at Malden Catholic, beginning with the freshman class.  Students will have two textbooks on the mobile devices this fall, and we anticipate further migration of textbooks to the electronic platform in the next year.  We expect a tremendous, positive impact on teaching and learning, as both faculty and students take advantage of the power to connect and communicate through this mobile device.  We look forward to all students at Malden Catholic being equipped with a mobile device over the next two years.

Let us keep a spirit of hopefulness and renewal as we support and encourage each of our young men to reach his God-given potential.  On behalf of Malden Catholic, I wish you a blessed and joyful Easter.

Sincerely,

Edward C. Tyrrell

Headmaster