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St. Sebastian’s Traditions

St. Sebastian's is rich in its history and has a variety of traditions that are carried on year after year.

Hover over each image below to learn more.

WORD OF THE YEAR

An annual tradition established by Headmaster Emeritus Bill Burke in 1996, the Head of School chooses a “word of the year” as a theme, a word to study and celebrate.

CHAPEL SPEAKING PROGRAM

Annually, each student in grades 7-11 writes and delivers a speech to his classmates in our weekly Chapel service. The culmination of the Chapel Speaking Program is the Senior Chapel Speech. Each week begins with an all-school gathering in our Corporate Chapel. In this setting, seniors deliver their speeches to the entire school community – a group of over 400 people.

ALL SCHOOL READ

Each summer, the entire school community reads the same book, typically an inspiring true story about adversity. St. Sebastian’s has been fortunate to hear directly from many of the authors during the Summer Reading Assembly held at the beginning of the school year.

CORPORATE CHAPEL

Each Monday morning, students and faculty come together to pray, sing, listen to the Scriptures, hear members of the Senior Class deliver their Chapel Speeches, and receive from the Headmaster words of encouragement and inspiration. Students and faculty alike make announcements regarding all kinds of events on campus, from athletic contests and performance times to charity drives and special programs.

HENRY'S CORNER

The cheering section of St. Sebastian’s fans at sporting events is known as “Henry’s Corner.” Nicknamed after the well-known alum and faculty member Henry T. Lane, “Henry’s Corner” is often the largest and loudest group of fans in the league.

HOMECOMING

Each fall, the entire school community – current students and families, faculty, alumni and friends – comes to campus to enjoy a fun-filled day of football and soccer games, food and activities.

COMMENCEMENT

St. Sebastian’s Commencement, held in early June, is always a memorable day for seniors and their families, including many special traditions from special ties to the Headmaster’s Walk.

FOUNDER'S DAY

Every year, since the St. Sebastian's 75th Anniversary in 2016, the School celebrates its founding by Cardinal William O’Connor on September 29, 1941, on Nonantum Hill in Newton. To mark the anniversary, an assembly is held on September 29th with an assembly and a special guest speaker.

RED AND BLACK DAY

Underclassmen participate in an annual field day to celebrate the end of the school year. The students are divided between two teams, representing the school’s colors – red and black.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Students, faculty and families gather in St. Bartholomew to celebrate the holiday season with a festive and spiritual Christmas program, including scripture readings and performances by the St. Sebastian’s Jazz and Rock Bands and our a capella group, The Arrowheads.

GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY

Grandparents and special friends are invited to campus for a day at the end of April. This favorite annual event includes a luncheon, the opportunity to attend classes, Mass, and a dessert reception.

UNITY DAY

The purpose of this annual St. Sebastian’s tradition is to heighten our awareness of every person’s dignity and to strengthen the bonds that unite us so that all may grow in our capacity and resolve to know, to love, and to serve God and neighbor.