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

One day. Two "Adams." Four sessions.  Recently, boys in all grades got the inside scoop on writing and illustrating books when they were visited by notable published authors Adam Auerbach and Adam Gidwitz. Mr. Auerbach, author and illustrator of The Three Vikings, Legendary Creatures: Mythical Beasts and Spirits From Around the World , Monkey Brother, and the Ezra Jack Keats Honor book Edda: A Little Valkyrie’s First Day of School met with the Lower School boys. While reading aloud The Three Vikings to boys in Grades K through One, he transported them through a "mythical tale that celebrates teamwork, acceptance, the power of music, and the art of storytelling."  He also led the boys in drawing an original character, an amalgam of diverse animals generated by the boys' imaginations, and shared the long journey a book takes through writing, editing, illustrating, and production. One third grader noted he was particularly "impressed to learn about the mult...

Visual and performing arts, two facets of our Arts pillar, have been shining with particular intensity. The recent Saint David's Winter Concert (see highlights reel, below) filled our theatre with rich and varied compositions performed by the Saint David's Philharmonic Ensemble (who were joined by Spence School's Middle Orchestra), our Percussion Ensemble, and Chamber Singers. The musical performances were captivating and all of the young musicians, at once suspended and immersed in the moment. It reminded me of a Chamber Singer's comment earlier this year following an on-site workshop with Yale's a cappella group: "This was the best day of my life!" declared the fourth grader, who clearly loves to sing and thrives when sharing his joy with an audience.  (click image to view video) We know that the arts are transformative. They offer a space where many boys discover talents and outlets for exploration and self-expression. They also enhance learning and und...

Saint David's Parents Association Benefits are many things: evenings of dining, dancing, auction bidding.  Above all, they are a celebration of our community.  And what a community we are! This year's event, held Friday evening, broke all records for attendance: more than 620 parents, faculty and staff gathered for Harmony - Joyful Balance to enjoy each other's company and to honor our school. It was an evening that will live long in our collective memories and hearts.  The benefit theme riffed off our theme for this school year. In joyful balance we celebrate the joy that comes from our boys finding the good within the balance of our four pillars: Academics, Arts, Athletics, Spirituality. Our boys' endeavors, whether in science labs, the art and music studios, gymnasiums, or Chapel, lead to their discovery and exploration of interests, passions, and beliefs. Along the way, they learn to listen to and respect others’ thoughts and opinions--the value of civil discours...