CAPTAIN'S CORNER

Dear St. Margaret's friends and families,

Spring at last! At St. Margaret’s this means it’s time to make decisions, celebrate successes, slow down a little to enjoy the beauty of our campus by the river and the camaraderie of strong friendships, and commit to goals for the coming year. This week, while seniors are making their final college choices, underclass students are completing leadership applications, selecting next year’s courses, and working hard to be the strong students and school community members they need to be in order to have as many choices as possible, now and in the future. Each year, those who follow learn from those who have gone before.

Right now, the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools is surveying all of the 2004 graduates of girls’ schools across the country to find out about their transitions to college. Anecdotally, we know our girls have used their SMS time-management skills to full advantage to achieve academic success, garner leadership positions, and adjust successfully to a much less structured way of life. We love hearing of our former students’ papers held up by English professors as outstanding examples of clear writing. When the survey results are in, we will be able to put solid statistics behind the many positive e-mails and comments we’ve received this year.

Within the next week, we will select our student leaders for 2005-2006. Here, too, those seeking election and selection have enjoyed strong role models in this year’s leaders. As school president, Annie Arnest has presided with dignity and humor, while also reaching out to make a personal connection with each student. Head Prefect Jen Clark, a five-year boarder, created a strong partnership with Director of Residence Natasha Kollaros to bring a more home-like sense of community to those living in our two dorms. Palmer Ware lived into her own sense of honor in her leadership of this year’s Honor Council.

Class presidents, peer leaders, prefects, desk aides, publications editors, student ambassadors, team captains, club founders and leaders; the skills girls learn in these positions transcend their St. Margaret’s years. Two of my favorite stories are of the SMS school president who went on to my alma mater and was chosen to be a prefect in a senior dorm as a sophomore, and of the diligent desk aide who never quite managed to become a prefect here, but who was chosen as a resident assistant after just one year of college for her superior appreciation of the skills needed to live well in a dorm.

In these last two months, when the school calendar is full with long-standing traditions that mark the transitions within our community, we all appreciate the opportunities we have to pause to celebrate the fulfillment of our mission in the lives of our students. I look forward to sharing these occasions with many of you.

Sincerely,
Margaret R. Broad,
Head of School

COMPASS POINTS

25 - Leadership applications due for 05-06

26 - College fair in Richmond for juniors

29 - Elections for school-wide offices

6-8 - Spring Family Weekend; May Ball

9-12 - Softball Tournament

10-13 - Soccer Tournament

Please join your SMS friends for these events: Commencement White dresses and red roses will evoke your own memories of St. Margaret’s as the Class of 2005 moves out into the world. Sunday, June 5, 10 a.m. Reunion on the Rivah 2005 Reconnect with SMS, renew old friendships and make new ones in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Honoring classes ending in 5 & 0; all alumnae welcome. Friday, June 10 - Sunday, June 12 RivahFest Tappahannock’s third annual community festival takes place on our campus and in the downtown area. Great food, music and crafts! Learn more at www.rivahfest.com - Saturday, June 18 For more information, contact the Development Office at (804) 443-3357 x3042 or x3003.

Your gift makes a difference to programs. When you support St. Margaret’s through the Annual Fund, you help us enrich the SMS experience with opportunities for students to create art, play sports, lead organizations and help others. Please make your gift today. The Fund year ends June 30, 2005.