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Good Global Citizens

Dr. Derrick Gay, internationally recognized consultant on issues of global citizenship, diversity and inclusion, returned to Saint David's this week to visit with Lower School boys and lead discussions with Sophrosyne teacher and Assistant Head of Lower School Kathryn Hunter about respecting difference.

To introduce the topic, Dr. Gay read Strictly No Elephants. The book, selected by Lower School Librarian Gretchen King, is about a Pet Club that excludes elephants because they are too different from other pets. After the reading, the boys expressed their takeaways, and how the book's theme might extend beyond animal characters to people. "You shouldn't judge a boy on being different," said one boy. "We are all different," observed another.  Boys also noted the need for empathy.

For four years, Dr. Gay has been helping us deepen a culture of inclusion and respect at the school through a series of workshops with boys, faculty and parents, organized by Director of Admissions Allison Vella. The focus this year is on integrating cultural competencies into our Sophrosyne program, which addresses our boys' character and social-emotional well-being. During this week's session, it was clear that our boys were drawing upon their learning in Sophrosyne.

Dr. Derrick Gay with Allison Vella and Kathryn Hunter at Saint David's School

Dr. Gay will return next month to meet with the older boys on respecting difference and will lead the community in continued conversations about global citizenship. We are committed to continuing this initiative to ensure that Saint David's is a place where all are welcomed, valued, and respected.

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