Dear St. Andrew's Families,

I lost a bet to a student this week. I was watching a group of IV Formers during Monday’s trip to Echo Hill Outdoor School as they prepared to climb the school’s 50ft. wood and rope tower. Duncan Covell ’16 was adjusting his harness when I offered a trip to Wawa if he made it to the top of the tower. The look he gave me told me that I’d already lost. It took him less than five minutes to shimmy up a 20ft. diagonal log, spring himself over to a rope ladder, climb over another log and pull himself onto a platform high in the forest’s canopy. He looked down at me with two thumbs up and broke his smile to yell down, “When are we going?”

Duncan (center and on top) flanked and belayed by his classmates, Cam and Lily

Two separate regrets entered my mind as I watched Duncan rappel down the tower: First, underestimating a St. Andrew’s student and second, I should have been aware enough to initially extend the offer beyond Duncan to Cam Turnbull and Lily Shao, the two belayers who made his safe ascent and descent possible.

The most important work we, students, faculty, and staff, do at St. Andrew’s is support the growth and successes of others. Assistant Head Ana Ramirez invited the staff to School Meeting yesterday and they were met with a standing ovation from the students who appreciate and succeed in the manicured fields and glistening buildings made possible by their dedication. Today’s email is made possible by, at last count, eleven faculty members who shared pictures, anecdotes, and their classes with me.

In the days ahead we will celebrate students for their work across campus and in the classroom, but I would argue it’s just as important to recognize those who made it possible. In every way, that begins with you.

Thank you and welcome to the 2013-2014 school year at St. Andrew’s.

Sincerely,
Will Robinson ‘97
Communications

Convocation 2013

Arts Department Co-Chair and longtime faculty member John McGiff delivered a the 2013 Convocation address to a packed Engelhard Hall earlier today. The varsity field hockey team, while waiting for the vans to take them to their first game this afternoon, reflected on the lecture: "I really appreciated what he said about being yourself and following your passions in the face of adversity," said Eliza Calkins '14. Asia Cadet added, "I also liked how he talked about finding yourself doesn't have to be some large, existential moment. It can happen by looking at something small in a way that opens up an entire world for you." You can make your own conclusions by watching John's talk on our livestream archive.

John's was the second beautiful talk the community heard this week. Bishop Wayne Wright provided the homily for the year's first Wednesday Night Chapel. You can listen to how he used a song by French electronic music duo Daft Punk to fire the kids up for the school year on our podcast channel.

In the Classroom — III Form English

Treava Milton's English class, which includes 12 students from 4 countries and 5 states, practices the art of argumentation as they embark on a year around the Harkness table together.

Clubs, Clubs, and More Clubs

It's still early in the year, but students are taking the initiative to gather around interests and opportunities. Some of the early clubs this year include the Science Club, the Sustainable Land Use Committee, Men's Group, the Public Speaking Club, the Debate Club, and The Cardinal.

Delaware Mud Run

Last year was the first year the School participated in the Delaware Mud Run and it ended with a sea of smiling, very muddy faces, including those belonging to Tad and Will Speers. We are are hoping to have every student (and interested parents) participate again this year. The date is September 22 and the cost is a discounted rate of $30 (scholarships are available). All students who run must submit a waiver, which you can find here.

A St. Andrew's Moment — III Form Boys Meet for the First Time

If you ask any boy over the last fifty years about an early memory from St. Andrew's there's a good chance they'll recall meeting their classmates in the 'A Dorm' or, now, Hillier Common Room for the first time.

▪ September 6 — Live music in the Garth from Food Will Win the War
▪ September 7 — Outdoor Orientation, Frosty Run XXIV
▪ September 8 — Chapel at Old St. Anne's, Advisor Dinners
▪ September 19 — Washington, D.C. reception (register)
▪ September 22 — Delaware Mud Run (waiver)
▪ September 26 — New York City reception (register)
▪ October 4 — Stewardship Dinner for all Parents
▪ October 11 — Environmental Lecture with Joel Salatin from Polyface Farms
▪ October 18-20 — Parents Weekend

Full School Calendar — Athletics Calendar