• Making friends

• “Fitting” in

• Managing the stress of it all

• Getting help from your teachers

• Words of wisdom from the Administrative Team

• Where am I supposed to be!!!

Freshmen Survival Guide

Advice on how to survive high school from the

faculty and students who have been through it all . . .

Page 2

“There’s a God-shaped hole in all of us

And the restless soul is searching

There’s a God-shaped hole in all of us

And it’s a void only he can fill

That’s my point of view . . .

Bruce Almighty Soundtrack Lyrics

Song: God-Shaped Hole Lyrics

Artist: Plumb Lyrics

I can’t wait to share the peace that comes to all who know

God’s love. Welcome to Brady! Mrs. Bergeron, Theology 9

Welcome To

Brady!

Page 3

I Advise You To Listen . . . By Travis LaCouter

College of Holy Cross

It is no secret, Freshman year is hard. You are in a whole new

environment, probably shy, and likely uncomfortable with the whole

thing. Have no fear! I can say with confidence that Bishop Brady

provides all the tools needed for a smooth transition during that crucial

1st year. Whether it be through sports, clubs, or the lunch line, upper and

underclassmen interaction is a given at Brady.

For me, the Advisor system was one of the things that most helped me

through my Freshman year. The Advisor system works this way: each

student has a teacher advisor, whom they share with about 9 other kids

(there are usually about 10-14 kids in each advisory). Your advisory

group meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before classes start,

at which time you and your advisor can do everything from talk about the

weekend to how to get extra help in Algebra! Since advisories are mixed

among all classes, they are just another great way to meet new friends.

Find a teacher that you really connect with, that’s really cool? Pick him

or them as an advisor! Bear in mind, however, that as a Freshman, you

will most likely get assigned an advisor, but the longer you are here, the

more your choices for an advisor will be considered. Regardless of

whether you chose the teacher or not, advisors are a great resource. One

last point; advisors are what you make them. You can choose to come in

every other day and sit in the back row and stare at the chalkboard until

the bell rings, or you can talk to the advisor, ask them for advice or help,

or start up a conversation with the other kids.

Personally, I’ve had a different advisor each year (mine keep leaving!),

and even with that ever-changing experience, its one of my favorite parts

of the Brady community. It’s great to get to know teachers personally

and to develop a friendly relationship with them. And it is so valuable

knowing that there is always at least one teacher whose door is always

open, who is always willing to help, and who will look out for you.

I am sure you will find your rhythm in no time, and you’ll soon think of

Brady as it is, a Caring, Catholic Community. Good luck, and Welcome

to Brady!

Reflecting Back . . . By Carly David ’09

Now as a senior, I look back at all the things that I have done, all the peo-

ple I have met, and all the lessons I have slowly learned. Hear are some

things that I know now, that could have helped to know as a freshman.

1. Be Yourself—on my first day of school as a freshman, I thought all

the upperclassmen were looking at me. I was really self-conscious.

Now, as a senior, I can say that that is not what upperclassmen do.

Just be yourself and do not worry what other people are thinking.

2. Get Involved—you might hear this all the time, but it is TRUE!

One of the easiest ways to meet people is through a club or a sport.

If you are worried about meeting new people, join one of the many

extracurricular activities that Brady has to offer.

3. Change Happens—I was a person who hated change. I thought I

knew exactly who I was as a freshman and who I was going to be.

Now as a junior, I am just now finding out who I am. High school is

all about learning and many of the lessons you will learn are not

from the classroom. Just remember that change is a big part of high

school and good things come from it.

4. Keeping Friends—I have met so many people in these three years

and it is hard to imagine a day of school without them. The im-

portant part is realizing that friendships change in high school.

Growing up does not have to mean growing apart though. You nev-

er have to break a friendship in order to have different friends.

Page 5

Getting involved in one of the many clubs and activities is a great way to meet new friends. There’s sure to be something you’re interested in!

Clubs

Robotics Team Cheering their Robot On

at the FIRST Competition

TAU (Campus Ministry)

Drama

Math Team

National Honor Society

Music Ministry

Outing Club

Student Council

SADD

Rotary Interact Club

The Student Voice

French Club

FIRST Robotics

Spanish Club

Literary Magazine

Ski Club

Investment Club

Harvard Model U.N.

Destination Imagination

Briareus Society (juniors)

Juggling Club

Inning Club

Astronomy Club

Yearbook

Don’t lend your books to other students! Put your name in ALL of

your books—including workbooks. And—remember to do something

kind to someone you don’t know—every day! Mrs. Lee, English 9

Face-painting with the St. John’s little

ones during Catholic Schools Week

With High School Athletics comes greater

responsibility, commitment, dedication and

work ethic.

Mr. Vezina, Athletic Director

Meet The Administrative Team!

Don’t think you are the only one having a

problem; falling behind, confused, scared, lost

etc. Tell a teacher or advisor right off because

you usually are just one of several having the

same concerns. “You are probably in good

company and don’t even know it”. Joy Degnan, Vice Principal of Academics

Get to know your Guidance Counselor! If you

need a question answered, help with a personal

situation, or to talk about your classes or future

plans, your Guidance Counselor will be happy to

see you. Being the new guy in town, I’d love to

meet you all!

Mr. Dailey, Guidance Director

Enjoy! Start each school day with a bright

smile. High School is a great time to meet new

people and to explore new things. Challenge

yourself to grow as an individual. Most im-

portant,, enjoy yourself. Your four years at

Brady are going to fly by, so hold on tight and

don’t miss a beat. Mrs. Kimball, Advancement Director

"Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only

with the heart that one can see rightly; what is

essential is invisible to the eye." --

Antione de St. Exupery

Mr. Bonat, Principal

Meet The Administrative Team!

“EdLine—a tool that works!” EdLine will

make it possible for you to transform your

learning experience. Mrs. Walsh—Business Manager and Technology

Coordinator

Most new students worry that it will be difficult

to make new friends. Don’t sweat it! Pick a club

or two, join a team, and reach out to others even

if you are a bit shy. Campus Ministry might be

new to you but the door is always open for help if

you have worries and concerns, for community

service questions, or just to come in for a “prayer

candy.” I guess you’ll have to stop by and see me if you want to

know what “prayer candy” is all about! Mrs. Fairbanks, Campus Minister

I love this quote from Harold Ward Beecher:

It's easier to go down a hill than up it, but the

view is much better at the top.

Push yourself to get to the top and your high

school years will be filled with success! Mrs. Abbott, Admissions

“…Kid, you’ll move mountains!

So…be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray

or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off

to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So…get on your way!” Oh the Places You’ll Go, Dr. Seuss

Mr. Casale—Vice Principal for Students

Page 8

Girl’s Bathroom

1st & 2nd Floor

Gym

Cafeteria Fitness

Center

Music

Room

Stage

Boys

Locker

Room

Girls

Locker

Room

Business

Office

Campus

Ministry

Advancement

Office

Admissions

Office

Main Entrance

Main

Office

Mr. Casale

Mr.

Bonat

Mrs.

Degnan

Faculty

Room

Parking Lot

Driveway/Drop Off Area

Sick Room

Detention

Page 9 Do you know where you’re

going? Here’s a map to help . . .

Rooms 101—109 are on the 1st Floor

Rooms 201—212 are on the 2nd Floor

Art Room

AD’s Office

Boy’s Bathroom

1st & 2nd Floor

Girl’s Bathroom

1st & 2nd Floor

Chapel

Computer

Lab

Guidance

Office

Library &

Multimedia

Center

Mac

Lab

Boys & Girls

Bathrooms

Both Floors

Rooms 213—218 are on the

2nd Floor in New Wing Above

Library/Multimedia Center

Detention

Welcome To Brady!

by Jordan Lassonde ’12

To quote a dear friend, who I’m sorry to say has graduated, you are all awesome. Just remember that and everything will turn out fine. But if that doesn’t help here are a few things to remember. 1.Teachers are your friends. Ask for help and you will receive. 2.For the hotter months at Brady, Guidance, Admis-sions and the Library are all air conditioned. One even pro-vides candy. I’ll let you figure out which. 3.We don’t bite, by we I mean the upperclassmen. Ask us for help if you need it, we’ll oblige. 4.Sports are good outlets, clubs are better. (As you can tell I am decidedly non-athletic) 5.When all else fails, eat a cookie. It helps, I promise. 6.Everyone struggles with the lockers, they are tem-peramental and though you put in the right combination sometimes they just won’t open. It’s okay! 7. Lunch block is confusing, you are not the only one who thinks so. Look at how many upperclassmen end up going to lunch when they are supposed to be in class. It will get better. 8. Around Halloween time don’t be freaked out if random seniors start talking to you. We need Freshmen to dress up with. 9.Homecoming, Winter Carnival and Spring Fling are FUN! Participate, you’ll regret it if you don’t. 10.Everything can’t always go wrong, something has to go right. Never get down on yourself. You are awesome. Enjoy Freshmen Year, it doesn’t last long!

Page 11

High school is a really new and exciting time. At Bishop Brady there are

always a lot of things going on. One of the most important things about

coming to a new school, especially when you may not know a lot of peo-

ple, is getting involved! It’s much easier to make friends when you can

find people who have things in common with you, and you’ll feel much

more comfortable at Brady. There are tons of things to get involved in,

so make sure you find something!

If you’ve never gone to a school where uniform are mandatory, don’t

worry. The dress code here really isn’t that bad. It gives you a lot of

choices and is pretty flexible. You’ll be surprised how much easier it is

to get dressed in the morning when you don’t have to worry about what

to wear.

If you’re worried about the upperclassmen—don’t be. They won’t pick

on you for no reason. They won’t stuff you in lockers or anything crazy

like that. Most of the upperclassmen are really nice and can answer

questions that you have about Brady.

Make sure you do your homewook. All of it. It will always bring your

grades up and it helps you understand what you’re doing in class much

better. At Brady we use EdLine so you and your parents can keep track

of the grades you earn in all your classes. It’s really helpful, especially if

you fall behind in a class. Sometimes teachers will put homework or

study guides online, so make sure you use it!

How To Survive That Freshman Year! by Katie Pedro ‘11

Welcome to Bishop Brady!

After a long year of applications, tests, personal interviews, and

personal essays, your time has come . . . You’re one of us now!

Now is your time to shine and grow. . . Don’t be afraid to “test”

yourself and try something new. If you tend to be shy, try being a

little out-going, try out for a team, a role in the Fall play, or even

be the first to cheer out loud for the home team—even if you’ve

never done it before. Share your gifts and talents with us—you

may just discover some that you never knew you had! After all,

it’s the next four years that will shape you into the wonderful per-

son you’re hoping to become.

We’re so blessed to have you here with us. Our community is

stronger with your presence. Be sure to stop in the Admissions

Office anytime if you need anything or feel confused. Our door is

always open and we’ll be here to help! Mrs. Abbott and Ms. Funo, Admissions

Welcome ! By Kim Nesbitt ‘12

What to look forward to at Brady: A fun learning experience. You will

have a multitude of teachers, each with their own teaching style, and all

these styles really make you think about what you are learning instead of

just listening. At Brady, all your teachers really care about how you do in

class, and you will get to know some of them outside the classroom as

well as in it.

Welcome aboard, we’re excited to have you here!