CAPTAIN'S CORNER

Dear St. Margaret's friends and families,

No month is as tradition-filled as December. As we process to St. John’s Church in the late afternoon darkness for Lessons and Music, then sit down to Christmas dinner on our final night together, each of us can look back on the traditions of our cultures, our school, and our families that we have shared this month, knowing that these have carried us beyond ourselves and challenged us to see what we can do to enrich the lives of others.

Treble Choir and Ensemble, our own angel choir, joined the Community Chorus to begin this season with a concert that filled nearby St. Timothy’s Church. The Advent wreath and the menorah have both been lit as we considered their meaning in faith, and just as we had settled into this season of waiting, our annual Latin chapel propelled us to the day of the birth of Jesus, complete with sheep, stars, and a tiny baby held for all to see as the morning light streamed through the chapel window to fall on Mary’s face.

The richly fragrant Christmas tree outside my office door now holds stars bearing the names of those honored by a contribution to the school’s annual fund. Stuffed animals, games, and treats spill from the stockings filled by individuals, advisee groups, and families gathered by Basic Needs to share with community children. Secret Santa gifts appear on desks and chairs. Salvation Army bell ringers shuttle back and forth between the dorm and Wal-Mart, while other students join local church members to provide lunch with Santa for children in our magically transformed gymnasium. I see former students honored with stars on our tree and as mothers bringing their own children to meet Santa, and remember that we shared these same traditions so many years ago.

This month, we also pause to consider our St. Margaret’s lives together, what we can be doing for each other and how we are progressing toward the ambitious goals we’ve set. On two quiet Sunday afternoons at home, I take the time each year for my own reflections on all of these activities and conversations as I prepare traditional, hand painted Christmas cookies.

These are my gifts to our faculty, staff, and family, drenched in sugar and meaning. A small left hand with a new wedding ring honors one of our two new faculty marriages, a tiny McCuan House projects what our newest building might look like, a blue Paddington bear captures childhood memories for our British-born son studying Chinese at UC Berkeley, a mitten conveys thanks for a helping hand. With a collection of over 100 cookie cutters, you can imagine how much fun it is to gather appreciation in shapes and colors.

Always, the month ends with gratitude and resolutions. Thank you for the life we share. I look forward to our new year together!

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

17 - Christmas Break begins at 2 p.m.

3 - Boarding students return by 7 p.m.

7-9 - Closed weekend begins at 2 p.m.

8 - Snow Ball

21-23 - Closed weekend

23 - Junior Variety

3 - Long weekend begins at 2 p.m.

7 - Boarding students return by 7 p.m.

Britain Tour Offered at Reduced Price London • Edinburgh • March 23-27, 2005 There’s still time to be part of the excitement when 20 SMS singers join with 180 other girls from 9 members of the Queen Margaret of Scotland Girls’ School Association for concerts in England and Scotland this spring. Even better news–we’ve trimmed the itinerary and lowered costs so more parents and alumnae can participate! For only $1995/person, double occupancy, you’ll attend concerts in London and Edinburgh, visit Scottish sites associated with St. Margaret and enjoy time for independent exploration. Elegant dinners and first-class hotel accommodations also are included. Tour reservation and deposit are due January 7. An itinerary and registration form are online at www.sms.org/ap94tour.htm For more information or assistance, contact Ellen Metzger LeCompte ’71 of Sterling Travel at (877) 893-7979 or hpettus@comcast.net