Greetings from the Dean's Office!
Dear parents and guardians,
Even with a long weekend off campus, so much has happened since my last letter on April 14. Students, faculty, and families on campus celebrated Easter two weeks ago with a chapel service and wonderful brunch together. The chapel was beautifully decorated and was full of students, families, and alumni sharing the space, celebrating, and singing together. Thank you to all the families that supported the service and the school by purchasing flowers, coming in person, and simply extending greetings and warm wishes over Easter.
The week following Holy Week and our long weekend were restful for many students and faculty. On Wednesday, April 20, we were able to celebrate our high honors students with a scholar dinner. The students enjoyed a wonderful meal prepared by SAGE and were joined by speaker Maj.Tim Berger, class of 2004. Tim, a former senior prefect, spoke about his life in the Marines and how his experience at Saint James prepared him for the world. He left both students and faculty impressed.
All students left campus for the weekend, and many spent time with local friends. It was great to hear about students hosting distance boarders for the first time ever. While many in the community went home and rested, our choir was busy visiting Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City. By all accounts the trip was a success. Our choristers had the chance to connect with a larger choir community as well as perform in front of a large audience both in person and virtually. Father Montgomery had the opportunity to preach at Saint Thomas. Additionally, the students saw a musical on Broadway, attended a concert at Carnegie Hall, saw other sites in New York, and ate at several different restaurants. Whether they were a native New Yorker or it was their first time visiting the city, all of our students enjoyed the trip and the chance to share their talents and hard work with a new audience.
As we enter the last full month of the school year, there is a lot to do. This weekend, we welcome alumni back to campus for Alumni Weekend for the first time since 2019. Three classes will officially join the Half Century Club, there will be an alumni art showcase, and former students will have many opportunities to see the campus and reconnect with friends and faculty from their time at Saint James. Following Alumni Weekend, it will be three short weeks until Prom, and from there, only two weeks until Commencement. The end of the year is fast approaching, and it will be a wonderful and busy time for the students. Please reach out with any questions about end-of-the-year events and requirements for students.
Sincerely,
David Hutchings
Dean of Students