Academics
Lower School | Primary–Gr. 4
Director's Blog
Welcome Back!
Welcome back Lower School families! After weeks of preparation in which faculty and staff worked diligently to prepare their classrooms and course materials, the new school year has finally arrived.
I love the first day of school, and Tuesday did not disappoint. Boys and girls came skipping into the building—many exchanging hugs, and all of them smiling. Our new students were met with such a warm welcome from classmates, teachers and Lower School families, that they immediately seemed to fit right in, as is so often the case at GSB.
During our welcome-back assembly, the children sang the school's alma mater (beautifully, I might add) and we celebrated our fourth-graders, recognizing their position as leaders in the Lower School community. They are an amazing group, and I am excited by the joy and energy they bring. I know they will embrace their role as the oldest Lower School students with pride and a sense of purpose.
During assembly, I talked to the students about my role in the Lower School. After lots of hand-raising and discussion, we agreed that my three main responsibilities as Lower School Director are to 1) make sure they are learning, 2) make sure they are safe, and 3) make sure they are having fun. I don't think anyone could have said it better!
As we begin the 2017-18 school year, I want our Lower School families, especially those new to Gill St. Bernard's, to know that I take these responsibilities very seriously. The children are my focus. In the months ahead, I will have many opportunities to visit the classrooms, take part conversations at lunch tables, observe recess, and engage with students as they navigate
academic and social triumphs as well as challenges. Along the way, these three responsibilities will guide my work.
I look forward to all of the moments ahead and to engaging with parents and caregivers throughout the year. It is an honor and a pleasure to share this part of your child's life and growth with you. Thank you for this gift, and know that I am always available, ready and willing to work to make our partnership stronger.
As we celebrate this time in our immediate community, we also keep in our hearts those who have been impacted by the recent, and devastating, hurricanes. Many efforts are taking place across the three divisions at Gill. Lower School students will have chances to participate in several ways. First, I will place a coin jar outside of my office for spare change that children can drop into the bucket. This will be collected by Upper School Advisory groups and will be donated through their research and efforts, to help with hurricane recovery.
Fourth-grade students are going to have a chance to partner with the Middle School in hosting a bake sale to raise money as well. This is a special initiative, as we do not typically have bake sales in the Lower School. We know our fourth graders will lead this effort with spirit and compassion. In addition to these efforts, the proceeds from the class booth at this year's Homecoming / Family Day (face painting, cotton candy etc.) will also benefit hurricane relief efforts.
Every year I am grateful for the end of summer because it means that the hallways are once again filled with inquisitive minds, energetic spirits and the incredible joy for learning that elementary children embody. We are off to a great start!
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 vigorous, meaningful and age-appropriate curriculum, and all students benefit from the environmental learning opportunities that exist on our 208-acre campus.