new to the school . Our New Student Liaison helps to welcome and ease the transition for boys joining Saint David ’ s in nontraditional entry grades and their families .
Saint David ’ s is committed to building an ever stronger and more inclusive school community among the boys , faculty , staff , and parents with the continued support of our DEI consultant Dr . Derrick Gay . Jessica Pagan and Pedro Morales , Inclusion , Diversity and Community Co-Directors , in conjunction with Allison Vella and the parent-driven Committee on Community and Inclusion , along with our Sophrosyne Coordinators , Evan Morse and Kathryn Hunter , and Religion Chair , Jim Barbieri , lead the school in further advancing this work . Our efforts in this area address a broad definition of difference , are mission-guided , and include focus on character , socio-emotional health and well-being , and incorporate the cultural competency initiatives undertaken with Dr . Gay .
Alexei Karamazov ’ s elder brother Zosima , in The Brothers Karamazov , in trying to teach Alexei the idea of equality tells him that equality “ lies only in human moral dignity ” … and “ Let there be brothers first , then there will be brotherhood .” 4 The strong sense of brotherhood , fraternity , and belonging in our all-boy environment at Saint David ’ s allows our boys to enjoy creative expression without inhibition — while giving them an outlet to connect with their emotions rather than suppress them . Mastery in multiple arenas informs a boy ’ s confidence and helps him find his voice , define his sense of self , and connect with dignity and respect for all those he encounters . Our emphasis on manners , civility , social graces — the look in the eye , the firm handshake , the ‘ please ’ and ‘ thank you ’, the acknowledgment of someone new to the room , the offering of a seat , the warm smile — is the allimportant social lubricant that fosters respect and grounds our boys .
In The Deep , the source of my opening quote , the protagonist , Yetu , charged with remembering the history of her people and overcome by this immense burden , escapes from her home and embarks on a long journey of self-discovery . In so doing she learns the truth about herself , her people , and their future . Along the way , she encounters a unique ‘ friend ’ who begins to help her see her world and the wider world differently than she had experienced , and learns from this friend that in the end “ we must each be where we belong .” Hearing this advice , in a real attempt to understand , she asks , “ what is belonging ?” Her friend replies , “ where loneliness ends .” Ultimately , isn ’ t this what we want for every single child , every single person ? M
Notes : 1 . The Deep , Rivers Solomon , ( 2019 ). Saga Press , New York . 2 . One Man ’ s Meat , E . B . White , ( 1942 ). G . K . Hall , Boston . 3 . Lord of the Flies , William Golding , ( 1954 ). Faber and Faber , Boston . 4 . The Brothers Karamazov , Fyodor Dostoyevsky , ( p . 423 ). Translated from the Russian by Constance Garnett . The Lowell Press , New York .
Dr . O ’ Halloran is Headmaster of Saint David ’ s School .
Summer 2021 • 7