David O'Halloran, Headmaster - Saint David's School, New York City

Saint David's - What a night! Our school’s Advent Service of Lessons and Carols was broadcast for the first time virtually yesterday evening, enabling us to invite our extended community and friends. More than 525 devices were regularly tuned in, far exceeding the in-person capacity at St. Thomas More, and representing well over 1,000 parents, students, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty and staff and other community members who gathered together virtually for one of our school’s most treasured Christmas traditions.  For those who missed the service or would like to view it again, it is available at www.saintdavids.org/lessonsandcarols2020 Covid–19 protocols necessitated a change in format. Instead of the entire Glee Club, the evening featured soloists, small groups of singers, and instrumentalists; and of course, it needed to be virtual. However, the experience retained its impact: beautiful, moving, and demonstrative of the true spirit of the season. Heartfelt gratitude to the bo...

Our Parents Association Committee on Community and Inclusion does so much each year to nurture the strong sense of community among families. This year, with the pandemic restricting access to our school, they have devised an innovative way for our new families to get involved, while at the same time helping to broaden our boys' knowledge of other cultures and traditions.  Yesterday, Kindergarten Mom Mojoyin Onijala, launched COCI's Guest Reader/Library Initiative. Kindergarten and Omega parents are invited to read a book during their son's library period that ties to their family's heritage. Ms. Onijala virtually visited her son's class to read aloud "Femi The Fox" by Jeanette Kwakye, a book which reflects Nigerian culture. While Ms. Onijala read, our Lower School Librarian Gretchen King showed the boys a physical copy of the book, turning the pages in sync with Ms. Onijala's reading. The boys were captivated by the story of the very hungry fox's ...