New Headmaster, Joseph J. Gill Formally Presented to School Community at Mass Celebration

The Mayfield Junior School community welcomed new families and new headmaster, Joseph J. Gill at the annual Fall Family Mass on Sunday, September 14. Bishop Gabino Zavala presided at the liturgy which this year included the formal presentation of Mr. Gill to the school community by Board of Trustees Chair Linda Mennis. In a brief ceremony, Gill stood before the large gathering of Mayfield Junior School families, trustees, faculty and staff to receive a copy of the Holy Child Network of Schools Goals book symbolizing his commitment to Holy Child education and the students of Mayfield Junior School. A seventh grader also presented a gift from the students made up of welcome wishes and messages in words and drawings sharing their favorite things about Mayfield. Bishop Zavala concluded the ceremony by asking the assembly to extend their hands as he bestowed a special blessing on Gill. At the end of the mass celebration, all of the new families received a traditional welcome blessing and were presented with a gift of flowers. Afterward families gathered for a box lunch at tables set up across the campus.

Joe Gill assumed the position of headmaster this July, succeeding Stephanie Griffin, who retired in June after fifteen years as head of school. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Joe received his bachelor’s degree from Springfield College and his master’s in educational administration from Indiana University. Joe brings to Mayfield extensive experience in all areas of school life and operations. “I am eager to join a school community that shares my conviction that great education only comes through meeting the developmental needs of the “whole child,” Joe wrote in his first letter to current families. “A great school is full of people who “do things” rather than simply watch others. This belief of mine is consistent with Mayfield’s motto, “Actions not words.”