Saint David's Magazine Vol. 35 No. 2 Brotherhood, Fraternity, Belonging | Page 37

Boys Connect Through Book Club Discussions

AROUND CAMPUS

During this unprecedented time of social separation , we look for opportunities to enable students to come together with others beyond their pandemic-mandated cohorts , to foster community .
This spring , Saint David ’ s partnered with George Jackson Academy and the Buckley School to host a virtual book club for the schools ’ graduating classes . The book club selection , New Kid , is a graphic novel by Jerry Craft that relays the story of a seventh grader ’ s experiences upon enrolling in a new private school and the variety of challenges moving to a new school present .
The boys in all three schools began their discussions about this book from a similar shared experience : looking forward to graduation and the transition to a new secondary school . As the discussions unfolded in small-group breakout sessions ( the boys met three times over two weeks ), they delved deeper into their individual feelings and thoughts , and shared their various perspectives . Beginning with similarities and then delving deeper into differences , helped build a sense of belonging among the boys . This is one of many ways that we cultivate and build empathy , connection , and respect for difference .

3 Pi Red Pop-up Gallery

Third graders created their own gallery space .

Visit with the Headmaster

Dr . Gilbert ’ s Kindergarten Spanish class explored the Saint David ’ s community , stopping in at a variety of offices , including a visit to the Headmaster ’ s , where they expressed their gratitude , in Spanish , to Dr . O ’ Halloran .
Summer 2021 • 37