From the Headmaster
February 2012 Dear Saint David’s School Community, Saint David’s boys may want to understand or know something quickly. They may even believe that if they “get it” fast, it means they are smart. But to really learn, to understand and know something, requires its active and constant pursuit; this pursuit needs to be organized, thoughtful, deliberate, and meaningful—it must be rigorous. It requires a continuing commitment to push forward, fight on, and persevere. When the mission statement of Saint David’s School speaks of “rigorous,” it is making direct reference to the active pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and deeper meaning. The learning process is not always an easy one and it is often challenging and complex; it can also be exceptionally exciting and motivating, especially at Saint David’s. Either way, our belief is that by pursuing it rigorously, one may derive exceptional rewards. This issue of Saint David’s Magazine attempts to illustrate the manifestation of rigorous pursuit in the day-to-day learning experiences of our boys. “More Than a Dinosaur,” “Medieval Times in Third Grade,” and “Via Fiorentina” explore this kind of pursuit through the school’s growing commitment to interdisciplinary learning with examples from the beginning, middle, and end of the boys’ time with us. “Making Connections in Science,” “Rules and Creativity in a Dartboard Investigation,” and “Cape Cod, by Jove,” examine the crossroads of creativity and conformity, while “Developing the Whole Child through Athletics” explores how the athletics program rigorously pursues the physical, mental, and social/emotional development of our boys. Our teachers too are rigorously pursuing their craft. “Getting Better Each Day” provides one professional development example of many underway at Saint David’s. “In the Artist’s Studio,” “Rigorous Pursuit in Architecture,” and “The Saint
Headmaster O’Halloran with the Class of 2011 at the dedication of the Illuminated Stained Glass Windows in November 2011.
David’s Philharmonic Ensemble,” provide examples of the balance we try to achieve on the “inquire versus acquire” and “demand versus reward” continuum; and my contribution takes you to the river. Enjoy the ride, I mean read! Respectfully yours,
P. David O’Halloran
Saint David’s is an elementary school for boys of all faiths? whose parents seek a school program rooted in the moral? and theological traditions of the Catholic Church. Pupils are admitted to Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Eight. Since its founding in 1951, Saint David’s has graduated more than 1800 students. They have gone on to the most competitive New York City secondary schools, as well as 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.
2? •? Saint David’s Magazine