From the Headmaster
August 2021
Dear Saint David ’ s Community ,
Every Saint David ’ s boy should feel seen , valued , and respected for who he is , and every Saint David ’ s boy should see , value , and respect all others for who they are . This issue of Saint David ’ s Magazine celebrates the “ brotherhood , fraternity , and belonging ” that lies at the heart of our school ’ s mission . It speaks to the kinship and sense of connection between and among all , and the strengthening of an inclusive community that appreciates and respects difference .
Inside this issue , we examine from many perspectives the ways our school cultivates “ true community ”— our mission ’ s call . In addition to my article on how we foster a “ fraternity ” that encourages compassion and kindness at Saint David ’ s , Tyler Faux ’ 05 reflects on how the school provides an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity and inclusion ; William Reardon ’ 99 credits his elementary school with having illuminated his passion for the arts ; Horizons Junior Advisory Board member Taylor Foran ’ 05 relays how Saint David ’ s engages meaningfully with boys from neighborhood schools through the Horizons at Saint David ’ s program ; and current parent Cindy Wagner writes about the strong , caring parent community that came together to help each other during the pandemic through the C . O . R . E . initiative , which she led . In addition , interviews with Facilities Director Mark Poelle and Nurses Rachel Manson and Tara O ’ Neill offer insight into how their teams kept and continue to keep our community strong and safe . Finally , Director of Curriculum Integration Nora Sundar ’ s Chapel talk addresses a year that called upon all of us to exhibit perseverance in ways big and small , offering a quintessentially Saint David ’ s example of brotherhood , “ fraternity ,” and belonging .
This magazine also pays tribute to two of our master teachers , Nancy Iannicelli and Gary Kessler , who retired in June after 22 and 36 years of distinguished service to the school , respectively . We are deeply grateful for the mission-centered imprint each has left on Saint David ’ s . Happily , the 2020-2021 school year concluded with an in-person spring gathering that honored Ms . Iannicelli , Mr . Kessler , and several recent retirees . We were fortunate to be able to successfully and safely bring together our extended community for the festivities .
As we move into our 71st school year , we remain optimistic , nimble , and strategic ... Ut viri boni sint . Enjoy the read . In “ brotherhood and fraternity ,” in fellowship , I remain ,
Respectfully yours ,
P . David O ’ Halloran
Saint David ’ s is an independent elementary school for boys of all faiths and backgrounds whose parents seek a school program rooted in its founding Catholic faith . Boys are admitted to Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Eight . Since its founding in 1951 , Saint David ’ s has graduated more than 2,200 students . They have gone on to the most competitive New York City secondary schools and regional boarding schools , and from there to ranking universities and colleges throughout the nation .
The school is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and is a member of the National Association of Independent
Schools , subscribing to its Principles of Good Practice for admission of students . Saint David ’ s also belongs to the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater New York . The school ’ s headmaster is Dr . P . David O ’ Halloran .
Community and Inclusion
In addition to our rigorous academic program and in keeping with our Catholic traditions , Saint David ’ s is known for its sense of family , compassion , and kindness . Our community includes boys and faculty that reflect the cultural , ethnic , racial , socioeconomic , and religious diversity of New York City . At Saint David ’ s , we believe that being curious without prejudice and without bias is essential to a well-informed , educated young man . Our boys develop cultural competency as they are taught to respect and embrace difference in all its myriad manifestations . Boys broaden their perspectives as they learn from other traditions , creeds , and ways of life — fundamental in fulfilling the aspiration of the Founders “ that they be good men .”
2 • Saint David ’ s Magazine