Vol. 10, No. 2 Tappahannock, Virginia, September 2007

Dear St. Margaret's friends and families,

Whether you are a prospective student visiting our school for the first time, a senior returning after the summer, a faculty member who calls Water Lane home, or an alumna coming back after decades away, on seeing the Rappahannock River shimmer in the sun between our strong, white, historic buildings, St. Margaret's conveys an inspiring sense of place.

How quickly our students had the opportunity to experience St. Margaret's place in their lives both geographically and emotionally this month! During their first 12 days on campus, students swam and kayaked in the river, ran a mile through the streets of Tappahannock, studied art and math and French on the riverbank, walked or skateboarded the sidewalk joining our campus buildings, experienced the change of pace of a 4 period day, realized how valuable daily teacher available sessions could be, tried out for teams, and celebrated their first sports victories. Just as they were getting comfortable with the routine and with each other, each class left our spot on the Rappahannock for a different experience of this river that is our constant companion and daily source of interest and inspiration.

We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time.                                          T. S. Eliot

For years we've opened the year with River Day, but this year, we extended River Days so that each class could have 2 or 3 days together and an overnight experience. And everyone camped! With the eights at the headwaters, the nines at the fall line, the tens at a nearby steamboat wharf, juniors at Port Isabel in the middle of the bay with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and seniors ocean kayaking at Virginia Beach, girls brought back stories of kayaking under the moon, finding seahorses in their nets, squishing through marsh mud, and melting marshmallows over campfires.

Each returned with knowledge of the plants and animals that share our life on and in the water, a deeper understanding of her classmates, memories of risks taken and challenges met, and a greater appreciation for our role in preserving the resources which so richly surround us. And, yes, each returned with her own new understanding of the place she'd just begun to know. What a wonderful beginning to our new school year!

Sincerely,
Margaret R. Broad,
Head of School



 

Wonderful Beginnings -
School year is off to a great start.......

A Family Affair -
Plan now to attend Fall Family Weekend

Magical Mondays -
Residential meetings make community strong

Built on Honor -
Honor Code is the heart of SMS

THE CURRENT

The St. Margaret’s School Board of Governors and Head of School Margaret R. Broad cordially invite you to the dedication of the new Athletic Complex Friday the twelfth of October at three thirty in the afternoon Sycamore Drive Tappahannock, Virginia Check the Progress!

Spend the night... or a day at St. Margaret's School Meet students and teachers Go to classes, take a tour Visit Days: October 20, 2007, December 8, 2007 Overnight Visit: January 20-21, 2008 Prospective parents, contact the Admission Office for an invitation. Current parents, let us know if there is someone we should invite! Contact us today: (804) 443-3357 / admit@sms.org or RSVP online at www.sms.org/rsvp

Ninth Annual Rappahannock River 3-Mile Run/Walk & Crafts Festival Sprint, stroll, shop! Friday, October 12, 2007: Festival from 10 am -5 pm, featuring unique gifts, collectibles & crafts. Saturday, October 13, 2007: Run at 8 am Sponsored by the St. Margaret's School Alumnae Association