Come spend an hour or so with other parents as we gather to mingle, to listen to speakers, and to share ideas on topics that are relevant to our children, our school, and ourselves. Conversations are sponsored by the Parents’ Association and are held in the morning after drop off in the Verdile Dining Room in Founders. Coffee is served, of course, and delicious baked goods are usually provided by an attending parent. It’s casual, comfortable, informative-please stop by!

UPCOMING EVENT

Recent Topic: Mental Health and Wellness

Presented by Upper School Counselor Emily Haberman, LCSW and Lower and Middle School Counselor Jessica Robina, MS, LPC, NCC

Our recent Community Through Conversation event was well attended. Thank you to all who participated. A copy of the presentation is available for download below.

2019-20 Chair: Beth Gustafson

Previous Coffee Chats Have Included...

  • Parenting With Identity in Mind, presented by renound educator and expert in facilitating cross-cultural conversations, Rosetta Lee
  • Respecting Our Differences, presented by Tracey Barrett, Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs
  • Daniel Giovenco spoke on the use of vapor products, such as JUUL. This presentation described popular product characteristics, reasons for use, and the health effects of vapor products.
  • Effective Sports Parenting, presented by Dave Pasquale, Upper School Dean of Student Life
  • Empathy, presented by Tracey Barrett, Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs
  • Study Skills & Memory Tips, presented by GSB Learning Specialists
  • Successful Feeding Strategies for Families, by Jeanne Petrucci, MS, RDN, Living Plate Nutrition Education and Counseling Center. This workshop focused on proven strategies for feeding families with young children.
  • College Prep Experiences with Kerri Small for Grades 7-11 parents.
  • Jessica Robina, GSB School Counselor, spoke about tips to help manage student stress.
  • Kyle Armstrong presented his talk on the “3 C’s”- collaboration, conversation, and creativity; three characteristics that make up a great school. Armstrong discussed the Library and Maker Space planned for the Middle School as well as the transition of the 5th grade.

How Volunteers Help

The Parents’ Association needs volunteers interested in providing baked goods for our coffee chat dates.
Gill St. Bernard’s is a private, coeducational day school for students age three through grade 12, located in suburban New Jersey. Each of the three school divisions provides a rigorous, meaningful, and age-appropriate curriculum, and all students benefit from the environmental learning opportunities that exist on our 208-acre campus.