Transfer Student Information

Dear Transfer Students,

I am confident that, like our students, you have experienced a very different school year since last August. However, despite the disappointment over what could not or did not happen, I hope that you will be able to find joy in what did happen—you have completed this school year and are about to embark on an exciting journey with your new Villa sisters!

At Villa Maria Academy, we are very busy preparing for your arrival in August and are anxious to help you become an integral part of the Villa sisterhood—a unique and special group of young women! If I could summarize the culture of Villa in one word it would be “care.” You will soon be part of our “Villa” community which runs on CARE, supported by collaboration, communication, companionship, comfortableness. These “C” words are important because they only work if all our members share their own personal gifts and talents to enhance all of us. Personally, I cannot wait to experience the gifts that each of you will bring to make Villa even better! I hope you are as excited to share these gifts as I am!

I hope that you can enjoy the summer break; however, it plays out. Take advantage of the down time to enrich yourself with good reading and companionship of family and friends.

Wishing you and your families God’s blessings of health and happiness.

Sincerely yours,
Sister Regina J. Ryan, I.H.M., Ed.D.

Please make sure the following items are completed as soon as possible by clicking on each link. You can also download a PDF of the Transfer Checklist.

Anchor Day Permission Form

Complete the Villanova Challenge Course Permission Form for Anchor Day by August 1.

• Sign all THREE pages, scan, and email to Madeleine Harkins, Director of Activities
  (mharkins@vmahs.org), with your daughter’s name and Permission Form in the subject
  line.
  OR
•  Sign all THREE pages, print, and return to the attention of Madeleine Harkins, Director
  of Activities, at Villa Maria Academy High School 370 Central Ave. Malvern, PA 19355

Class Shirt

• Let us know your shirt size via this Google Form by August 1. Shirts will be distributed before the first pep rally.

Uniforms and Spirit Wear

• June 4th: Gently Used Uniform Sale, 9:00am to 12 noon, Villa Maria Cafeteria
• June 20th: FlynnO’Hara Villa Maria Academy Private Uniform Shopping Event (Exton Location), 2:00-7:00 p.m.
• Order your uniform from the FlynnO’Hara website, by phone at 800-441-4122, or at the Exton or Broomall FlynnO’Hara store.
• Order your required gym uniform online from Ewing Sports as soon as possible to ensure delivery by the fall (it will be delivered to your home). Please note that all students will need a gym uniform, regardless of if they are registered for a phys. ed. class, because it is also required for seasonal pep rallies.
• Optional: Order spirit wear from the Villa School Store or online via Ewing Sports.

School ID Photo

• Submit a headshot wearing your blue summer uniform shirt for your school ID. The picture should be saved with the student’s name as the file name, and uploaded by July 15.

If you do not have access to Google, please email the picture to Laurie Scaggs at lscaggs@vmahs.org.

Medical Forms

• Complete the transfer student physical exam form including current immunizations (standard, non-athletic) by Monday, August 1. Examinations done within the year 2022 are acceptable. You may use the VMA physical form or a physical form from your doctor’s office. Immunization requirements are listed on the School Nurse page. 
• Complete the dental exam form by Monday, August 1. Examinations done within the year 2022 are acceptable.
• Complete the following forms as applicable: Authorization to Give Medication at School, Self-Carry Medication Form, Allergy Action Plan, Asthma Action Plan, Bee Sting Allergy Action Plan, and Seizure Action Plan.

Please note: The PIAA physical form will not be accepted as the transfer student physical form. The PIAA form is an additional form if your daughter plans to participate in a VMA sport.

You may mail, fax, or email all medical forms.

Mail to:
Villa Maria Academy High School
Attn: School Nurse
370 Central Avenue
Malvern, PA 19355

OR

Fax to 610-644-2866

OR

Email to nurse@vmahs.org

In the subject of your email, please enter student’s last name and graduation year. 

Please save the document as a PDF labeled with the student’s last name and graduation year.

Fall Sports

As you prepare to become a Hurricane, please be sure to contact Stephanie Taylor, Director of Athletics, at staylor@vmahs.org.

• Save the Date: Fall Sports tryouts will begin on Monday, August 15.
• Complete the PIAA Physical Form and Family ID forms by Monday, August 1 to attend fall sports tryouts.

Music Department

• Optional: Complete the registration form for private music instruction.

VMA Parents’ Association

• Get involved! Parents can sign up to volunteer for a variety of opportunities through the VMAPA.

Please see below for a list of Villa's Important Contacts. You can also download a PDF of this list. 

Sister Regina Ryan, I.H.M., Ed.D.
Principal
srryan@vmahs.org

Pierina Antonello
School Nurse
nurse@vmahs.org

Linda Henderson
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
lhenderson@vmahs.org

Brittany Sim
Dean of Students
bsim@vmahs.org

Madeleine Harkins
Director of Activities
mharkins@vmahs.org

Cindy Flores
Director of Counseling Services
cflores@vmahs.org

David Tirado
Director of Technology
dtirado@vmahs.org

Maria Faragalli
SIS Manager (PowerSchool)
mfaragalli@vmahs.org

Sister Mary Jo Ely, I.H.M.
Director of Campus Ministry
srely@vmahs.org

Sister Marie Claire Matsinger, I.H.M.
Director of Mission and Ministry
smclaire@vmahs.org

Stephanie Taylor
Director of Athletics
staylor@vmahs.org

Dr. Anthony Mosakowski
Director of Fine Arts
mosakowski@vmahs.org

Kathy McCartney
Director of Advancement
kmccartney@vmahs.org

Lauren Machita ’89 P’24
President of Parents’ Association
lauren.machita@verizon.net

Save the date for the following events! You can also download a PDF of the 2022-23 School Calendar.

August 15: Fall Sports Tryouts (PIAA Physical Form and Family Form due before tryouts)

August 23: Transfer Student Orientation

August 25: New Parent Welcome, 5:45 p.m.

August 26: All Students Report

September 24: Fall Ball

September 29: Back to School Night

October 8: Homecoming 2022

Welcome from VMA Counseling!

Here are ways that we will help with your transition to Villa Maria:

• Transfer Orientation: A fun experience that will teach you about Villa traditions, how to get involved, and making the most of your time at Villa! Plus, Villa 101: What You Need to Know!
• Support System: Our school and college counselors are available to provide ongoing, individualized support from day one through graduation.

In addition, we offer grade-level seminar classes that are focused around particular topics:

Investigate

Sophomore Seminar is centered on the theme “Investigate.” Students will explore, research, and reflect upon how they interact with and impact the world around them. They will identify their preferences through completion of personality inventories and have an opportunity to discuss perceptions and stereotypes.

Implement

The year-long Junior College Seminar focuses on the central theme “Implement.” First semester will focus on test prep and test-taking strategies in advance of the PSAT in early fall, and spring standardized testing. Through the remainder of the year, students rely on developed self-awareness and incorporate that information into their college search.

Imagine

Students use the Senior College Seminar to “Imagine” their possibilities. This course serves as a college application resource period to answer any logistical questions regarding the application process. The seminar also gives senior students an overview of procedures regarding their applications throughout the year.

Students are expected to present a polished and professional appearance at all times. Students must wear the regulation school uniform purchased from the school’s designated supplier. Skirts should be no shorter than approximately 3″ above the knee. Uniforms should be cleaned, in good condition, and properly hemmed when necessary. Read more about the general principles for uniforms and dress code.

Ordering Uniforms

You may order your uniforms:

• On FlynnO’Hara website.
• By phone at 800-441-4122.
• At the Exton or Broomall FlynnO’Hara store

Your required gym uniform can be ordered online from Ewing Sports and should be ordered as soon as possible to ensure delivery by the fall.  Please note that all students will need a gym uniform, regardless of if they are registered for a phys. ed. class, because it is also required for seasonal pep rallies.

Summer Uniform

• Regulation light blue cord skirt
• Regulation navy blue knit shirt with school emblem – no substitute permitted (T-shirts may not be worn under the school shirt)
• VMA navy blue socks (tights are not permitted; no logos other than VMA)
• Optional: Navy blue crew neck or V-neck monogrammed sweater. Fabric may be cotton or acrylic.
• Optional: Regulation blue VMA outerwear
• Navy blue blazer – required for liturgies and assemblies (names are to be placed in blazers).

Winter Uniform

• Regulation plaid skirt
• Appropriately-sized blue or white oxford cloth shirt; school monogram on collar is optional. No non-Villa logos or emblems are permitted. (T-shirts may not be worn under the school shirt.)
• Navy blue blazer – required for assemblies and liturgies (names are to be placed in blazers)
• Optional: Navy blue crew neck or V-neck monogrammed sweater. Fabric may be cotton or acrylic.
• Optional: Regulation blue VMA outerwear
• Navy blue opaque stockings or regulation navy leggings with navy crew socks

Shoes

• Shoes are to be in a loafer, saddle, or “boat shoe” style. They should be brown (any shade of brown is acceptable). There should no decorations such as prints, glitter, and so forth. View examples.

Gym Uniform

• VMA navy gym sweatshirt, sweatpants, navy shorts and shirt. Your required gym uniform can be ordered online from Ewing Sports and should be ordered as soon as possible to ensure delivery by the fall. Please note that all students will need a gym uniform, regardless of if they are registered for a phys. ed. class, because it is also required for seasonal pep rallies.

Outerwear During School Hours

• Students are permitted to wear any BLUE Villa Maria logo outerwear on campus. Non-Villa Maria logos, including college logos, are not permitted. There are designated special days when non-blue Villa gear will be allowed. When necessary, acceptable outerwear may be worn to travel between buildings. However, jackets or sweatshirts with offensive logos are not permitted on the VMA campus.

Please take note of the important medical requirements for all incoming transfer students. All forms are due by Monday, August 1.

• Transfer student physical exam form including current immunizations (standard, non-athletic). Examinations done within the year 2022 are acceptable. You may use the VMA physical form or a physical form from your doctor’s office. Immunization requirements are listed on the School Nurse web page. Please note: The PIAA physical form will not be accepted as the transfer student physical form. The PIAA form is an additional form if your daughter plans to participate in a VMA sport.
• Complete the dental exam form by Monday, August 1. Examinations done within the year 2022 are acceptable

Action Plans are required for your daughter if she has any life-threatening allergies, asthma, seizures, or other medical conditions. She may need to carry an asthma inhaler or an Epi-pen. If so, the Self-Carry Medication Form must be completed by a healthcare professional. Your child may need to take a medication during the school day; the Authorization to Give Medication at School form will need to be completed by a healthcare professional.

Complete the following forms as applicable:

• Authorization to Give Medication at School
• Self-Carry Medication Form
• Allergy Action Plan
• Asthma Action Plan
• Bee Sting Allergy Action Plan
• Seizure Action Plan

You may mail, fax, or email all medical forms.

Mail to:
Villa Maria Academy High School
Attn: School Nurse
370 Central Avenue
Malvern, PA 19355

OR

Fax to 610-644-2866

OR

Email to nurse@vmahs.org

In the subject of your email, please enter student’s last name and graduation year. 

Please save the document as a PDF labeled with the student’s last name and graduation year.

The mission and ministry of Villa Maria is rooted in her oldest and best loved tradition: The Children of Mary. This tradition calls all students to a way of life that is characterized by prayer, devotion to Mary, and service. Participation in Campus Ministry, Service Learning, Social Justice initiatives, and Outreach invites students to deepen their identity as daughters of God the Father, sisters of Jesus our Redeemer, and children of Mary, our Mother.

Questions? Please contact Sister Marie Claire Matsinger, Director of Mission and Ministry, at smclaire@vmahs.org.

iPad Use at Villa Maria

It is the vision of Villa Maria Academy HS that all students and staff will have access to appropriate and effective technologies and will use new and emerging technologies to inspire them to be lifelong learners while gaining essential skills that will enable them to become successful in their future college and career, and become contributing members of the community. iPads are required for daily use by all students and faculty at VMA. 

• The basic iPad 10.2″ model at 64GB is the minimum requirement. Some students do opt to purchase the iPad Air or iPad Pro, which are also accepted. Many students choose to purchase a case, keyboard, and apple pencil as well.

My Payments Plus

Villa Maria parents use a system called My Payments Plus (MPP) to put money in a payment account for students to use in the cafeteria. The accounts will also be used to pay for school store food purchases, school trips, and events.

All families are REQUIRED to set up an MPP account at the start of their daughter’s academic year, and there is NO feed to add money to an account electronically. You will need to link a bank account or credit card to move money onto the student’s account for Cafeteria and school purchases. (This works similar to E-Z Pass.) You may also set a notification for low balance and replenishment of funds. Learn more.

FACTS Tuition Management

Enrollment in the FACTS Management Tuition Program is necessary to complete your daughter’s registration at Villa Maria Academy High School. All Tuition & School Fees and all incidental fees will be payable through the FACTS Management Company. Please visit the FACTS Tuition Management webpage to set up your FACTS account.

Summer Assignment Information

Information for Summer 2022 reading lists and summer assignments are posted on the Summer Information web page.

Which clubs will YOU choose?

At Villa Maria, education extends beyond the classroom as our students are encouraged to develop their talents and discover their passions in every area of their lives. Whether they are playing a sport, performing in a concert, writing an article, creating a piece of art, or volunteering their time, our students encounter countless opportunities for growth. Students are encouraged to embrace new experiences, take some risks, and discover new passions.

We offer 35+ clubs and activities and numerous leadership opportunities! Students can sign up for clubs during the Activities Fair in the fall.

Social Events & VMA Traditions

Villa Maria offers a full range of social events and VMA traditions throughout the school year. Some, like the traditional Daisy Chain and Senior Sing for graduating seniors, are events girls look forward to throughout their time at Villa Maria. Others, like dances and pep rallies, provide fun for everyone. Learn more about Villa’s social events and traditions!

Like all things at Villa Maria, our athletic teams are rooted in the IHM charism of fidelity, creative hope, and love. Villa Maria is dedicated to the full growth of the whole person, and athletics can play a significant role in this growth.

As you prepare to become a Hurricane, please be sure to contact Stephanie Taylor, Director of Athletics, at staylor@vmahs.org. We are looking for information on which sports you have an interest in participating. Next, if you intend to try out for a fall sport, please mark your calendar for Monday, August 15, 2022. This is the first day of tryouts, and it is necessary that you are present for all sessions of tryouts. The fall coaches will be in touch with you with more information. In order to try out, you will need to (1) register on Family ID, and (2) have a completed PIAA physical form signed by your doctor and dated after June 1, 2022. You will find the links to Family ID and the PIAA Physical Form on the Athletics section of the site. 

We are so excited for you to become part of Hurricane Athletics!

Villa Maria also offers summer sports camps for basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, and rowing.

Villa Maria’s unique music program includes classes in music theory, history, composition, and technology. It also offers opportunities for solo and group performance as well as weekly private instruction in piano, voice, guitar, and all orchestral/band instruments during the school day.

Courses offered:

• Music Instruction (weekly private lessons)
• Music Theory
• Advanced Topics in Music Theory
• AP Music Theory
• Music Composition
• Music Technology
• Ear Training
• Music Appreciation
• Madrigal Singers
• String Ensemble

It’s not too late to register for weekly private music lessons! If interested, please complete the private music instruction form and return it to Leah Kim-Tomilson at lkim@vmahs.org.

On behalf of the VMAPA or Parents’ Association, welcome to the Villa Maria community! We are thrilled that you have chosen Villa Maria for your daughters.

The mission of the VMAPA is to support the school and to serve as a representative body of the parents of the VMA students. We do this in a number of ways, but specifically by

• supporting and promoting the educational interests of the school,
• fostering communication among the parents, faculty and administration,
• promoting activities that enhance a strong school community through fundraising and spiritual events.

We cannot stress enough the importance of volunteering your time and talent to support the VMAPA. When you volunteer at any event, it enables you to

• meet other parents
• be better informed
• work side by side with the faculty and staff
• help to build our community at Villa Maria Academy
• enhance the high school experience for you, as well as your daughter.

The VMAPA hosts many events throughout the school year, both in the evening and during the day. We encourage you to get involved. Your participation will enrich your Villa experience and bless you with friendships that you will cherish long after your daughter leaves the halls of Villa Maria.

Please know that we are here for you, ask us any questions. We encourage you to reach out to anyone on the board as we are here to serve and happy to help.