CAMPUS LIFE
A closer look at the rarely-used and inaccessible parts of campus.
Maya Barr
The Rose Garden:
Located in the circular swell adjacent to the library facing the campus entrance, Providence Day's small yet beautiful Rose Garden is one of the school's smallest maintained outdoor spaces. In the warmer months, it's filled with roses--an homage to the Rose family. There aren't any benches or tables in this tiny garden, so the only place to sit is on the slick, flat walking stones. Yet this circular space is perfect for reflection.
Attached to the garden is a small row of pyracantha--or “firethorn”--and peonies. This small section of flowers comprises the Thompson-Jones Library Outdoor Garden. In recent years, the Rose Garden has adopted this garden, and both are cared for by the same gardener.
The Courtyard:
Located in the center of the old campus, the courtyard--ie, the place with the picnic tables--is swallowed up by the thick overhead trees lining the walkway on the path from the West Wing to the library. The courtyard used to be a highlight of campus, but it's now used infrequently, often as a last minute decision by teachers on a sunny day.
Adjacent to the highest level of the bleachers is a new addition to the space: a garden for the TK classes. While the pansies and daisies may attract more visitors in the spring, the courtyard is currently as empty as its gardens. However, on sunny days, the bleachers make for a great substitute for the foyer. There’s ample room to read, eat lunch, chat with friends, nap, and do homework.
The MAC Garden:
Dedicated to in honor of the family of Carly and Hallie Dean in 2001, the small grass plot as you turn into the MAC parking lot is almost always empty. Although the grass is neatly trimmed and the hedges smartly groomed to block out the busy parking lot, no one thinks to sit or nap here. Why not? It's the perfect spot for seniors to dig into their drive-through Chick-fil-A.
The Reading Garden:
Dedicated to honor the life of former Providence Day School student William Bock, the Reading Garden celebrates wonder, mischief, and courage. Situated behind the library, this garden is a break from the school’s usual aesthetic because it features a brightly colored mural depicting a man and a small girl riding a lion into the sunset.
Forbidden to lower schoolers, the garden is a perfect hideaway for mature students who wish to sit, study, hang out, or just relax. Beware, however, you may unwillingly find yourself in a staring contest with a third-grader through the library’s blue-tinted windows.
Dr. Cowlishaw's Hosting Area:
A more recent addition to campus, the Head of School's house is a boundary marker between campus and the adjacent residential neighbourhood. The bottom floor of the house is used as an entertainment space where Head of School Dr. Glyn Cowlishaw and his wife host a variety of events such as the senior advisee luncheons and new student welcome parties.
Cowlishaw invites any student with a topic to discuss into the space for lunch and clearly opens the entire bottom floor of the house to the PDS community. His walls are decorated with art from Providence Day’s up and coming student artists. His collection boasts everything from lower school portraits to a few prized selections from last year’s AP Studio Art class. Not only do the walls provide a great view, but at night, Dr. Cowlishaw can see the lights from the fish tank in the tech building.
The Fieldhouse:
Another recent addition to campus, the Field House impressively looks out onto the football field. The building houses another weightroom, several conference rooms, a large storage room underneath the bleachers, an announcer’s box, and a filming platform. In the Spring, the bottom floor of the Field House is filled with athletes who are using the batting cages, grabbing equipment, getting a drink, or taking ice baths.
The third floor of the Field House--which is off-limits to students and staff who are not needed for athletic events--houses the announcer’s box and two viewing boxes for football coaches. On this floor, cameramen can access a ladder which takes them to the filming platform. Most, if not all, home varsity sporting events are filmed.
Oh! The Places You Can Go!
Senior Carly Britt makes an incredible save.
Photo courtesy of Mike McCarn Photography
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