A Monthly News Update From the St. Margaret's Campus

Vol. 7, No. 4 Tappahannock, Virginia, November 2004

CAPTAIN'S CORNER

Dear St. Margaret's friends and families,

Headmistress Margaret Broad This month in these pages, we feature the programs we have established to deliberately guide our students toward meeting both their goals and ours in multiple areas of their lives.

Our goal is for our students to succeed in life, not just at school. We know how important it is for us to extend our perspective to keep the world in which today’s students will live and work clearly in our sights.

Can you name the three qualities that will be the most valuable in the job market of the future? This was the question asked of us by Pat Bassett, President of the National Association of Independent Schools, when he spoke about “Schools for the 21st Century” at the annual conference of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools earlier this November.

His answer quickly focused our attention on the challenges our programs set for our students right now. The three essential skills for the 21st century are:

1) The ability to work with others
2) Integrity
3) Communication skills
Because River Views is a newsletter for parents which we also share with alumnae, I would like to challenge each of you to think about these skills in specific ways. To our alumnae, I encourage you to reflect on the structure and content of your days and years here to rediscover the seeds of these skills that have sprouted and grown in subsequent years. Student government, debates, publications, classes, sports teams, roommates, clubs, senior speeches and independent study presentations, drama productions, living up to and within the honor code. How do you use what you learned from each of these in your lives and work today? Let us know!

To our parents, I suggest you look again at the articles in this issue and the many St. Margaret’s resources you have from the admission materials to our weekly e-mails, the web site, and parent handbook. Formulate your own thoughts and then ask your daughter! I am confident that you could ask any St. Margaret’s student to name the ways in which she is challenged to master these skills during her life here and she would be able to cite specific assignments, responsibilities, and experiences that illustrate opportunities for her to learn and grow. Ask her and see!

Thanksgiving is the moment in the year when we all pause to express appreciation for what we have been given. What better time to reflect on the enduring gifts of the St. Margaret’s experience.

Sincerely,
Margaret R. Broad,
Head of School


COMPASS POINTS

SMS Meets Academic Needs - SMS Offers Academic Challenge, Support
Every student can achieve, and many excel.....…....

Fall Athletes Honored - Fall Athletes Honored at Sports Banquet
Two hockey players named to all-league roster............

Citizenship in Action - Students Engage in Democratic Process
Election engages girls in the democratic process..........

Taking Good Care - Co-Curriculum Promotes Wellness
Co-Curriculum emphasizes wellness........





THE CURRENT

Congratulations to Sadé Bowen ’06, who was elected to the Honor Council.

Congratulations also to the new class officers, who will lead their grades in carrying out traditional school activities.

Seniors - Susannah Orem, President; Lauren Glass, Vice President; Augusta Banner, Secretary; Jessica Bailey, Treasurer; Ashley Class, Activities Representative. Sponsors: Mr. Harter and Mr. McDowell. Activities: Senior Bazaar, Class Gift.

Juniors - Katy Saunders, President; Tosin Omotade, Vice President; Brooke Shafer, Secretary; Victoria Grant, Treasurer. Sponsors: Mrs. Gordon and Ms. McBride. Activities: Junior Donuts, Junior Variety, Junior-Senior Banquet.

Sophomores - Taylor Miller, President; Aubrey Sozer, Vice President; Katie Coffey, Secretary; Da Hae Lee, Treasurer. Sponsors: Dr. Kahler and Mrs. Rixey. Activity: Sophomore Halloween.

Freshmen - Becky Ulett-Hylton, President; Rose Patrick, Vice President; Gabi Price, Secretary; Gretchen Smither, Treasurer. Sponsors: Ms. Ball, Mr. and Mrs. Konstantinov. Activity: Christmas Dinner.

Eights - Kelsey Harris, President; Evelyn Drennen, Vice President; Hannah Hunt, Secretary. Sponsors: Mrs. Grimm and Mrs. Taliaferro. Activities: School observance of national holidays.




THE FORECAST

Important Dates:

 November
  • 20-29 - Thanksgiving break
  • 29 - Boarders return by 7 p.m.
  • 30 - Second trimester begins
    • December
  • 3-5 - Closed weekend
  • 6-10 - Senior Bazaar
  • 16 - Young alumnae lunch, Lessons & Music
  • 17 - Christmas Break begins at 2 p.m.




    • Winter Overnights
    at
    St. Margaret’s School

    January 9-10, 2005
    February 13-14, 2005

    Programs for both students & their parents–call today for your personal invitation. And current families, tell us if you know a girl we should invite!

    Contact the Admission Office at (804) 443-3357 or admit@sms.org

    Put her name on the
    SMS giving tree!

    Honor your daughter or remember someone dear to you this holiday season with a gift to the SMS Annual Fund.

    An ornament bearing your special person’s name will be displayed on the school Christmas tree in St. Margaret’s Hall throughout December.

    Contact the Development Office at (804) 443-3357 or kwilkins@sms.org for more information.




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