TRADITIONS
FAMILY BARBECUE
This is one of the first gatherings of the school year, which, sponsored by the Fathers' Club, welcomes new families to Ursuline and enables others to renew ties from previous years. The Family Barbecue is an informal, fun event for parents, students, faculty and friends to come together over a picnic lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers.
FRESHMAN INVESTITURE
Every September, the new 9th grade class participates in an investiture ceremony. The Seniors present their Freshman Sister with a 'Serviam' pin, signifying the school motto, "I will serve".
PEACE DAY
The Ursuline School commemorates the 'International Day of Peace' with their Annual Pinwheels for Peace display. The day begins with a brief prayer service at the Peace Pole, installed September 2008 outside the school on North Avenue. This message of peace is one that resonates throughout the Ursuline School among all students, faculty, and staff.
RING DAY
Ursuline is known for its Ring Day, in October, the official ceremony of the bond that links the seniors to the thousands of alumnae who have gone before. The entire school participates in a celebration of unity, togetherness, and joy as the seniors receive their rings. The Junior class plans months in advance and decorates the building, which is one of the highlights of the day. The tradition of Ring Day involves each senior proudly walking through the giant golden ring, which dates back to the 1940's. The crossing of the threshold symbolizes connection to the school community summed up in the Latin phrase inscribed in the ring: Ac Fui, meaning, "I was there, I was a part." And truly, each student completely understands this only after she has stepped through the giant ring and received her own ring, with each member of the school community cheering her on.
MOTHER/DAUGHTER COMMUNION BREAKFAST
A Sunday liturgy and breakfast is planned by the Mothers' Auxiliary to enhance the faith of the school community. The presence of many faculty, mothers, and students in all grades adds to the wonderful morning.
FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE
As a culmination of festivities each October, the Fathers' Club organizes this formal dance. The unity between the dads and students (including alumnae) is strengthened through a fun-filled, special evening full of dancing, prizes, and excitement.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTIONS
Each spring, qualified juniors and seniors are inducted into the Veritas Chapter of the National Honor Society at Ursuline. Students in grades 8 and 9 are inducted into the Serviam Chapter of the National Junior Society. Students who exemplify the ideals and characteristics of scholarship, character, leadership, and service are rewarded for their hard work and dedicated involvement.
ANNUAL ART SHOW
Every school year culminates with an art show in which all student work is displayed, and in which seniors are given special places to set up one-woman shows. Each year, the administration buys several works of art done by graduating seniors, and the school now has an extensive collection on display. The annual school calendar is also filled with student art.
SENIOR MASS AND GRADUATION
After completion of their exams, seniors and their families share in Senior Mass, an awards ceremony, and graduation.
MOVING UP CEREMONY
To commemorate the completion of eighth grade and recognize the significance of moving on to the high school, the eighth grade class participates in a liturgy and awards ceremony.