From the Headmaster
August 2022
Dear Saint David ’ s Community ,
In the grand continuum of life , our individual and collective destiny , at any given point , can often seem to equivocate between weal ( sound , healthy ) and woe , depending of course on the perspective we choose to take . The social-emotional health and well-being of our boys has always been a core focus at Saint David ’ s . As a learning institution , we recognize that boys learn best when they are healthy and hopeful — physically , mentally , socially , and emotionally . We are a school community that cares deeply about its members and collectively strives for our boys to be their best selves , to feel valued for who they are , and to possess tools and strategies they can utilize during times of both weal and woe .
The lead articles of this issue of Saint David ’ s Magazine explore how the school attends to our boys ’ social and emotional wellness . Upper School Assistant Head and Sophrosyne Coordinator Evan Morse , Head of Lower School Hope Lippens , and Lower School Assistant Head and Sophrosyne Coordinator Nick Imbelli ’ 99 detail aspects of our program and the Saint David ’ s way , our ethos , that constantly promote well-being ( articulated in our school ’ s mission as “ a strong sense of self-confidence ”), including our school-wide Sophrosyne program , a course that specifically addresses boys ’ social-emotional wellness within a values and mission-driven , developmentally-targeted framework .
In a stimulating article on science , teachers Sam Woolford and Bradford Hardie illustrate the empowering effect of hands-on , studentdriven inquiry that advances student agency and ownership . We also highlight our Shakespeare Collaboration with Marymount , exploring our intention to provide opportunities for our boys to meaningfully collaborate with peers from girls ’ schools . And , Strings Teacher / Ensemble Director Philip Hough reflects in a poignant piece on the depth and meaning found in the relationship between a musician and his instrument . Our issue also features an illuminating interview with alumnus and Saint David ’ s Head Coach Andrew Hahn ’ 12 , and alumni-authored pieces about literature and the arts by author Brooks Hansen ’ 78 and President of the Agency for the Performing Arts Jimmy Osborne ’ 86 .
However , we open this issue with a special tribute to five distinguished faculty and staff who always held the boys ’ overall sense of themselves at the heart of all they did and served as beacons of best practice : retirees Kim Davidson , Paul Ondreicka , Gisèle Rappaport , Miriam O ’ Regan Román , and Jorge Román . Not only did they advance the education of our boys in their respective areas of expertise , they also knew the importance of relating to them as unique and special young people .
At the end of the day , relationships , commitment , and community promote the social and emotional development of our boys no matter the times we are living through . The only way boys can achieve our mission , “ to fulfill their potential through rigorous academic pursuit , deliberate moral introspection , and critical analysis of ideas and issues ” is by always feeling a sense of hope and by being challenged , supported , accepted , and cared for . This is how boys love to learn and learn to love .
This is the work of Saint David ’ s each and every day . Ut viri boni sint . I remain ,
Respectfully
yours , P . David O ’ Halloran
Community and Inclusion
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 .
In addition to our rigorous academic program and in keeping with our spiritual 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 many traditions , creeds , and ways of life — fundamental in fulfilling the aspiration of the Founders “ that they be good men .”
2 • Saint David ’ s Magazine