Declamation Society- The NDA Declamation Society assists students to find, prepare, develop, and present a piece of writing in the categories of an original piece, prose, poetry, duo and children’s literature. The Notre Dame Academy “Declamation Society” participates annually in the Worcester Diocesan Declamation Competition held annually at Saint Peter Marian in March of each year. Selections may be either original pieces or in categories as listed above. Most pieces are intended to inspire confidence in public speaking. As the club evolves, students will compete against other private and Catholic schools in the Worcester Diocese. The Declamation Society will meet once per week in order to prepare and practice their selections. Participants must be present members of the seventh or eighth grade class. French Club- The French club meets every five to six weeks immediately after school in Gage House. During this school year, members of the French Club will be introduced to a broad genre of French movies, including some classic films, some Disney movies, and some of the more recent movies that the French students view in their native land. girlUp- Girls are powerful. When they’re educated, healthy, and safe, they transform their communities. When girls stand up for girls in need, they empower each other and transform our world. As the NDA Chapter of the United Nations adolescent girl campaign, we engage girls to take action. Through advocacy and education efforts we work to help the hardest to reach girls living in places where it is hardest to be a girl. Strong girls make strong women #bethechange #girlpower. Math Club– Math can be fun! We have both Freshman & Varsity teams. Teams compete against other schools 3-4 times a year. Model UN-The Notre Dame Academy Model United Nations organization is an extra-curricular program open to all Notre Dame students in grades 9 through 12. The program is part of the National High School Model United Nations program. Students participate in forming their own MUN delegation(s) at Notre Dame Academy and meet on a weekly basis. In addition, they take part in the annual Saint John’s Model United Nations program each October and the Boston College MUN in March. Once students are assigned a designated “nation” at a particular conference, they then prepare country profiles, committee research, position papers, introductory speeches and assume the role of delegates in order to solve real world issues on topics such as international human rights, nuclear non-proliferation and climate change. Oxfam- Oxfam is a global organization working to end the injustice of poverty. With over 70 years of experience in more than 90 countries, Oxfam takes on the big issues that keep people poor: inequality, discrimination, and unequal access to resources including food, water, and land. Every year the Oxfam club hosts a banquet in our Student Center to raise funds for the Oxfam organization. PANDA-Stands for Prayerful Activities at Notre Dame Academy. The group meets to support and encourage the mission and activities of the Religion department. Activities include prayer discussion, artistic projects, musical & media experiences and more! Poetry Club- The NDA Poetry Club reflects on and discusses published written and spoken word poetry. Additionally, students are encouraged to share their own works in progress and completed pieces. The NDA Slam Poetry Competition Team This group meets twice weekly to discuss and create spoken word poetry and competes in local and regional slam poetry competitions. Science Club- The Science Club introduces students to science related careers while enriching their knowledge of science. We feature in-house labs and guest lectures, field trips, tours, and/or conferences. Our hope is to broaden our students’ exposure to science, while building connections in the community.

at Notre Dame Academy

Co-Curricular Activities

Spanish Club– In the Spanish Club we enjoy music, investigate interesting places, taste food and drinks, and celebrate the holidays of Spanish-speaking countries. The Spanish Club usually holds 2 sessions for each meeting, one after school at 2:45 P.M. and one at 7:35 AM to accommodate students who participate in other after school or morning activities. We meet once every quarter. A yearly membership contribution of $10 dollars is requested. We will meet once a quarter. The first meeting is Tuesday, October 29th. A roster was shared in google classroom for students to sign in. Student Council Student Council is an organization conducted by students with faculty supervision. The pur-pose of the student council is to give students an opportunity to develop leadership by organiz-ing and carrying out school activities and service projects. In addition to planning events that contribute to school spirit and community welfare, the student council is the voice of the stu-dent body. They help share student ideas, interests and concerns with the school wide com-munity. Representatives are elected to their positions on Student Council yearly. Yearbook Committee– The yearbook committee meets once a week in either the morning or afternoon—girls learn important skills ranging from time management & reaching deadlines, to marketing and editing.

Performing Arts Dance Ensemble-Meets once a week for a dance class or rehearsal for various scheduled all school performances, and winter basketball half times. Open to grades 7-12 all levels of dance. Fall Production- Cast through audition. Rehearses October through November two after-noons per week culminating in a mid-November performance. Spring Musical- Cast through audition. Rehearsals begin the first week of January. Show is in mid-March. Large casts including male roles. Music Department The Music Department performs 4 concerts each year - November (1st week), December (Christmas music), February (International concert which occurs just before February vacation), May (2nd week evening concert and Fine Arts day for entire school celebrating school’s artistic culture). Program usually involves over 50% of the school’s students. Vocal Groups Concert Chorale –the largest of the choral groups and performs at each concert. Chamber Chorale –performs at all concerts, many liturgies, and at other functions in the community including school’s Knollwood Society functions. A Cappella Group – Student run –performs at all concerts as well as some community functions such as Preservation Worcester’s Holiday Stroll. Instrumental Groups Instrumental Ensemble – the largest ensemble consisting of all school instrumentalists in-cluding string, keyboard, wind and percussion players; performs at all concerts. Jazz Ensemble - usually traditional jazz instruments (saxophones, trumpets, trombones & rhythm section) but could also include flute, clarinet, string players and other instruments – performs at all concerts and other community functions including jazz competitions. Chamber Orchestra –mostly strings but could include wind and keyboard players – performs at all concerts. Flute Choir – consists of flute players (piccolo, alto flute, etc.) – performs at all concerts. Guitar Ensemble –players at all levels from beginning to advanced – performs at all concerts. Percussion Ensemble –all levels of players, from beginning to advanced – performs at all concerts. IN ADDITION – The program offers private lessons in the following instruments: voice, piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, and all percussion. These lessons can take place during free periods and after school times.

NDA Athletics Eighty-five percent of our students participate in athletic activities and competitions. The "Rebels" represent an athletic program that exemplifies superior sportsmanship and team work. It offers opportunities for participation at every level including varsity, sub-varsity and 7th & 8th grade teams. The Academy has an unmatched coaching staff and a quality athletic facility. Our Teams include: Field Hockey, Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, Winter Track, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Softball, Spring Track, and Tennis.