From the Headmaster
September 2023
Dear Saint David ’ s Community ,
A normally conscientious and inquisitive boy procrastinates on a culminating end-of-unit project that involves extensive research and a public presentation . The boy is late with assignments . The work he submits for review is not up to his usual standards . After being gently questioned by his teacher , the boy responds that he has recently developed a fear of presenting in public and dreads the upcoming presentation . The teacher sits beside him and reveals that she , too , developed that fear at the boy ’ s age . She shares with him some of her worries and the strategies she used to overcome them . The boy , relieved , feels seen and heard , and gains self-assurance by having a common characteristic with this teacher whom he admires . With guidance and encouragement , the teacher coaches him through his presentation ( which is successful ) and checks in with him regularly afterward .
Boys don ’ t learn subjects , they learn teachers . The research is clear : Strong , positive relationships result in strong , positive learning outcomes . This is how the flame of learning is kindled in a boy . At Saint David ’ s , we have long benefited from master teachers who see , value , and understand each boy for who he is , what drives him , and what hinders him , inspiring him to learn and grow and ultimately fulfill his potential .
This issue of Saint David ’ s Magazine explores our exciting new mission-centric professional development framework and our strategic initiatives around employing evidence-based best practices in teaching boys ; looks at some of the robust teaching and learning that occurs in various disciplines across our exciting , challenging program ; and addresses the holistic role our spiritual pillar plays in our boys ’ lives . We also pay tribute to retiring Director of Finance and Administration Jack Sproule for his 21 years of dedicated and distinguished service .
At Saint David ’ s , our raison d ’ etre is teaching boys . We ground our approach in the classical ideal of balance and use our founding faith tradition to provide a powerful common framework for our boys ’ moral and ethical development . With exceptional teachers who constantly reflect upon and grow in their profession , our boys are well prepared to meet the needs of both the present and the future with strong minds , strong bodies , and strong spirits .
Enjoy this issue of Saint David ’ s Magazine . I remain , Respectfully yours ,
P . David O ’ Halloran
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 .
Community and Inclusion
In addition to our rigorous academic program and in keeping with our founding faith ’ s 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 diverse traditions , creeds , and ways of life — fundamental in fulfilling the aspiration of the Founders “ that they be good men .”
2 • Saint David ’ s Magazine