November 19, 2019: Thanksgiving Message
Dear Friends,
Once again, we find ourselves on the cusp of the holiday season, and it is certainly one of the most joyful times in the academic year. Furthermore, it seems quite fitting given the recent burst of cold weather that has descended upon the region. Soon enough the campus will be in the words of the poet, Robert Frost, “almost covered smooth in snow.”
As I consider the last few months, the days and weeks at Gill St. Bernard’s have been particularly fruitful. The fall production of Charley’s Aunt was a brilliant show, enjoyed by all who were able to attend one of the performances. Our girls’ tennis team once again won the State Prep Championship and boys’ soccer capped off a historic run, winning five titles, including Somerset County and the State Prep Non-Public B State Championship. Indeed, it was a successful season for all our teams. Opportunities for community service have been ongoing and on Friday, everyone may participate as we “take a turkey to school,” collecting frozen turkeys for the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. We are already off to a great start thanks to the Gateman family ’17, ’20, who donated 100 of the frozen birds!
Since August, we hosted numerous events which brought our school community together. They included Family Day, Stone Soup, and our first Comedy Night. Special kudos to Jim Breuer P ’17, ’20, ’23 for bringing so much laughter that evening to all in attendance. There have been others, of course, which brought families together on campus for many different reasons. The underlying purpose and raison d’etre of each event is that of building and sustaining community. Indeed, it is that very spirit of the GSB community which makes our school unique and provides tremendous value to all our families.
I have written to you on several occasions over the past two decades. Sadly, there have been a few times when the reason was connected to a loss of some kind. Because of this, it is even more important for us to remember to celebrate all that is good and the achievements of our children whenever we get the opportunity to do so. Thanksgiving is a very special holiday where we may be thankful for the many blessings of our lives and pause to reflect on all that is right.
I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Gill St. Bernard’s during these current times and confident in our school’s future. It is my sincerest wish that this brief holiday respite may be a time of celebration for you and your family. Thank you for all that you have done for Gill St. Bernard’s, and have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
Warm regards,
Sid Rowell
Head of School
P.S. Late this afternoon, it came to my attention that another parent is donating 200 turkeys!
Gill St. Bernard's School
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.