The following are excerpted from Dr . O ’ Halloran ’ s letters to the community about this year ’ s retiring faculty and staff :
KIM DAVIDSON
The Golden Rule , the defining principle of our Lower School , speaks to kindness , respect , empathy , and compassion . During her 38 years of service at Saint David ’ s , Kim Davidson has exemplified this precept — as a beloved pre-primary teacher inspiring her young charges , and as a strong leader of the Lower School executing her responsibilities with wisdom , acumen , exceptional professionalism , and most notably , that big , warm smile . This June , Kim will be retiring from her full-time administrative and teaching responsibilities at the school ; she will continue her relationship with Saint David ’ s in a consulting capacity .
Ms . Davidson came to Saint David ’ s by way of Chestnut Hill , MA , in 1983 , when then-Headmaster David Hume ( R . I . P .) offered the young teacher the position of Nursery ( now Pre-K ) teacher on the spot , filling the role recently vacated by Kim ’ s sister , who had moved up to teach the second grade . Ms . Davidson “ fell in love ” with Saint David ’ s on her first visit : “ This school speaks to you . You walk in , and right away you know what the values are .” In subsequent years , Ms . Davidson taught Pre-First ( now Omega ), Kindergarten , and Lower School science . She was named Pre-Primary Director in 1995 . That same year , Kim returned to teaching boys in Pre-K , a grade that the early childhood specialist found particularly rewarding : “ Teaching at that developmental age is an incredible experience . The world is wide open and the boys are ready to take hold of it .” In 1999 , she was named a member of the Lower School Admissions team . Six years later , Ms . Davidson was appointed Head of Lower School .
Highlights among Ms . Davidson ’ s many accomplishments as Head of Lower School have included playing a major role in the schoolwide Curriculum and Faculty Initiatives ( 2007-2013 ); expanding the Armband Awards to include recognition of good sportsmanship , character , kindness , and other traits of being a “ good man ;” and developing strong bonds with the boys and Lower School families , always valuing the school-family partnership that lies at the foundation of great education . We are deeply grateful for Kim ’ s incredible leadership of the Lower School these past 18 years and her numerous and lasting contributions to Saint David ’ s . We wish her every happiness in her retirement and continued success in all her future endeavors .
PAUL ONDREICKA
On March 4 , 2003 , Paul Ondreicka , recently retired from the New York City Fire Department , received a professional tip from his friend John Murphy . “ I had known John was making an annual trip to Italy and the school was in need of security support during this time ,” Paul explained . “ I filled in part-time in his temporary absence — and I never left !” Nineteen years later , he points to the community as the key ingredient to his Saint David ’ s tenure . “ The education that these students receive is tremendous . Saint David ’ s is an incredible school . In hindsight , I wish my boys attended !” In 2008 , Paul became a full-time employee and formed a reliable duo with John for the morning and afternoon security shifts . When asked what his favorite memory of the past 19 years was , the response was immediate , “ Having the opportunity to play in the band for the Christmas concerts was the best .” As the entire community congratulates Paul on his retirement , he shares his admiration for everyone who has impacted his experience . “ My first impressions were of the community ’ s collective happiness — I will miss the energy .”
GISÈLE RAPPAPORT
In August 1998 , French and Latin teacher Gisèle Rappaport responded to an ad in The New York Times for a Spanish and French teacher . She had a “ great feeling about the culture and community ” at Saint David ’ s after meeting with then-headmaster Don Maiocco ( R . I . P .) and Head of Upper School Sara Peavy . She was hired that very day to teach French 6,7 , and 8 as well as introductory Spanish to eighth graders . Gisèle infused her teaching with creativity , passion , and dedication . She created a textbook for the introductory Spanish class , tailoring it to the needs of the boys . In her French classes , she often revised textbook chapters to make them more relevant and relatable for the boys , and incorporated fun and wildly popular crepes-making classes that celebrated French culture . Gisèle introduced the total immersion method of teaching languages to Saint David ’ s , teaching her French classes entirely in the target language . Through the years , she also taught Latin 5 and 6 . Gisèle cites the support provided to teachers as among her favorite things about Saint David ’ s , along with the people . She will miss “ the boys , my friends , this place that was like my home for 24 years . I literally loved teaching the boys and took great pleasure and pride in their efforts and achievements .”
JORGE ROMÁN
Jorge Román ’ s impact on the Saint David ’ s Athletics Program has been profound . Having started at Saint David ’ s for the 1990- 91 academic year , his 32-year run spans four decades , an incredible achievement that illustrates Mr . Román ’ s energy , endurance , and passion . “ A lot of walking to the park , many shoes tied ,” Jorge modestly summarized . Hired by then-Athletics Director Tom Ryan , Jorge came to know that he had coached a boy at Riverdale Country Day School whom Ryan had taught at Saint David ’ s . The coincidence over both having the connection with the Saint David ’ s alum became a common link for discussion . “ Missiondriven , sportsmanship at the center , we shared the same goals ,” Jorge recalled . “ It was a natural fit .” Years later , he shifted into
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