A Monthly News Update From the St. Margaret's Campus
Vol. 4, No. 10 Tappahannock, Virginia, May 2002
CAPTAIN'S CORNER
Dear St. Margaret's friends and families,
As you can see from the pictures, the first weekend in May was a glorious celebration of St. Margaret's School. Yes, we planned the weekend to hold the traditional events which honor our seniors, but we also used the occasion to bring together students, parents, faculty, staff, alumnae, and board members to honor the future we are planning for our school.
On Thursday, the Board of Governors approved the final elements of Strengthening Our Foundations, our renovation campaign for Latané and St. Margaret's Halls. Everyone has wondered what we would do with the former dining room space in the Latané Hall basement. Now we have the answer! This large area which opens onto the river portico will be transformed into highly functional student centers: a pottery studio stretching out from the former kitchen, a fitness center facing the river, and a student lounge with television and computers in the wing of the building toward St. Margaret's Hall. Walls with windows to capture the light across all areas will formally divide the spaces.
With students settled in new surroundings, the three main floor rooms just inside the front door will become an official office, a library/meeting room with a Queen Margaret of Scotland theme, and a river reception room where parents and teachers can gather. New wall and floor coverings, bookshelves, armchairs, and desks will brighten these reception areas.
I was not surprised to overhear a student comment, "I really want to live in Latané next year because it will hold so many new spaces for us to enjoy living together." When Nita Enoch '71 and her board committee of Ellen LeCompte '71 and Mary Ann Hopkins '69 created the interior design plan, I imagine this was just the response they hoped to hear!
By Sunday morning when families gathered in the dining hall-after the musical revue, lantern ceremony, academic highlights, river regatta, crowning of the May Queen, and the May Ball itself, plus three festive meals-they had added memories and friends to last a lifetime. In my talk with parents on Saturday morning, I had asked them to take a moment on Sunday to reflect on our motto, "As we grow in age, may we grow in grace," and to catalog the many examples of grace they had encountered over their three days with us. I'd love to read those lists!
Sincerely,
Margaret R. Broad,
Head of School
COMPASS POINTS
Saluting Seniors - Wow, What a Weekend!
- Spring Family Weekend brought the SMS community together for a time to remember......
On Their Way Rejoicing - Commencement Weekend Highlights Outstanding Year
Commencement exercises will send the Class of 2002 out into the world this June....
New Leaders for the New School Year - New Leaders Tapped for 2002-2003
More than 20 girls will serve as peer leaders, school and class officers, and prefects.......
Parents Council - Parent Council Takes an Active Role
Parent Council concluded its second year by planning an even higher level of activity for 2002-2003.........
Spring Events Link Students, Families, Alumnae - Spring is Exciting at St. Margaret's
Some of the events around campus this Spring........
THE CURRENT
Students have extra opportunities to broaden their horizons during Minimester 2003, thanks to four educational trips organized and chaperoned by SMS faculty:
Wild West Texas - Explore Carlsbad Caverns, raft a whitewater river, horseback ride down dusty trails, and visit the famous McDonald Observatory for a star party. An estimated cost of $1899 per student covers airfare, van travel, hotel, admissions, and meals for this 11-day trip. Faculty: Cupper Dickinson and Sue Saunders.
Cultures of China - See the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Tian'anmen Square. Retrace the steps of Marco Polo. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Hong Kong, one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities. An estimated cost of $2800 per student covers airfare, travel within China, hotel, admissions, and meals for this 12-day trip. Faculty: George McDowell and Sara Brooks.
Volunteer Service - Make friends, build muscle, and learn practical skills on this third annual trip to repair homes in rural South Carolina. There's time for a little fun in nearby Charleston and the added benefit of fulfilling the SMS community service requirement. A fee of $225 per student covers transportation, housing, and food. Faculty: Andrea Robinson.
Sail the Bahamas - Six students will enjoy a unique living and learning experience aboard a 42-foot ketch as they learn science, sailing, and navigation. This popular trip is already full. Faculty: Susan Stephenson.
For more information about these trips, contact Sara Brooks at sbrooks@sms.org
THE FORECAST
Important Dates:
MayJune24 - Junior/Senior Banquet
24-26 - Closed Weekend
27-31 - Exam period
1 - SAT's, Baccalaureate
2 - Commencement
7 - Community appreciation lunch
7-9 - Alumnae Reunion
www.sms.org | St. Margaret's School, 444 Water Lane, Tappahannock VA 22560-0158 | Tel: 804-443-3357 | Fax: 804-443-1832