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A Monthly News Update From the St. Margaret's Campus
Vol. 5, No. 9 Tappahannock, Virginia, April 2003
CAPTAIN'S CORNER
Dear St. Margaret's friends and families,
This is the season when we consider next steps for our seniors, our returning students, our school, and this year-for the first time-also for our extended community.
Seniors are stepping into the spotlight with independent study presentations and senior speeches that show us they are ready to move beyond St. Margaret's. One reflected on her own education, exchange program in New Zealand, and independent study as a teacher's aide, all of which confirmed her life goal of becoming a teacher. Another had the thrill of developing an ad campaign for her own patented invention. Returning students are stepping forward this month to fill leadership roles for the next school year. As we read their applications and listen to their speeches, we will see them differently, noting their confidence and high aspirations, knowing our role will be to encourage, mentor, and support.
Next steps for our school involve finalizing the calendar, curriculum, staffing, and programs. It feels good to be enhancing rather than significantly changing these. We'll enjoy the longer spring break, the addition of several new courses, including one on financial literacy, and the publication of the weekend activity and service offerings for the new school year.
How appropriate, then, that our first continuing education forum for the extended St. Margaret's community was titled "Next Steps." On April 11, over a luncheon in our riverfront dining room, seniors, faculty, and friends of the school shared tables to hear three speakers address this year's topic, "The Continuing Relevance of a Girls' School Education."
Co-Executive Director of the National Coalition of Girls' Schools Whitty Ransome traced the growth of girls' schools over the last decade and the successes of their graduates. Kelly Williams '92, a graduate of the University of Virginia and now a major gifts officer at the Corcoran Gallery, commented that donors ask her if she attended a girls' school because of the confidence she brings to her work. Fola Ogundiran '03, senior prefect and Honor Council Head, concluded the program by remarking that, "As we are nearly ready to venture out into the world, we will take with us knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that St. Margaret's has helped us to build." After the presentations, structured discussions at each table placed our seniors in new roles as they interpreted their girls' school experiences for our guests.
This was a great day for St. Margaret's, and I encourage all of you to join us for next year's program. Watch River Views for the announcement and, whatever the topic, consider the joy of learning seated at a table with a teacher, a senior, and other friends of the school, with the Rappahannock River as the backdrop.
Sincerely,
Margaret R. Broad,
Head of School
COMPASS POINTS
Students Have More College Choices -
SMS Expands Its College Reach
SMS is becoming known outside the region, and seniors benefit....
Arts in Bloom -
Fine Arts in Full Bloom at SMS
A wide variety of courses brings out the creativity in every student...........
It's a Small World -
International Festival 2003: An Olympic Success
International Festival features the cultures of 15 nations............
World News in Perspective -
Teachers Lend Perspective to News Events
Teachers help students address troubling issues......
Sports News -
Winter Athletes Win Sports Awards
Varsity and JV Basketball, Varsity and JV Soccer, and Swimming ......
Alumnae & Community News -
Gatherings in Richmond and in the Northern Neck
Events unite the Extended SMS Community......
THE CURRENT
St. Margaret's calls its student activities and organizations "co-curricular" rather than "extra-curricular" for good reason. They complement the academic curriculum by helping students develop lasting interests and leadership skills-an important part of the
education for life that SMS provides. Here are just a few of this year's organizations:
Basic Needs - A service group that provides assistance to the local community by collecting and distributing school supplies and warm clothing, and by hosting an annual blood drive. Co-Heads: Juliane Kelly '03 and Lindsay Neist '03. Sponsor: ViAnn Farmer.
The Current - The SMS yearbook. Students sell ads, write copy, take photos, and design the content to produce a memorable volume. Co-Editors: Madison Barkley '03 and Ray Kurtis '03. Sponsors: Shannon Spears and Susan Stephenson.
The Tides - The SMS literary magazine. Students submit creative work, select what is printed, and create the layout. Co-Editors: Alli Johnson '04 and Cariad Shepherd '04. Sponsors: Jenni Brockman and Grace Rhinesmith.
Soulful Voices - Students began this gospel choir, which sings in chapel and at local churches. Director: Jennifer Stuart '04. Sponsor: Gayle Hicks.
Students Educating About AIDS - An education and outreach organization that aims to increase knowledge and understanding by sponsoring speakers and an annual chapel service. Co-Heads: Maggie Kite '03 and Nicole Lane '03. Sponsor: Blair Blanks, RN.
Vestry - Student members support worship services at SMS by serving as lay readers, service leaders, and acolytes. Sr. Warden: Laura Caton '03. Lay Eucharistic Minister: Claire Hopkins '03. Sponsor: The Rev. Ann Reeder Riggs.
THE FORECAST
Important Dates:
April
25 - Senior charms chapel
- Voting for 03-04 school leaders
28 - Alumnae dinner for seniors
29 - Juniors attend college fair
May
2-4 - Spring Family Weekend, May Ball
9-15 - Sports tournaments
23-25 - Closed weekend
26-30 - Final exams
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