Mayor Michael Bloomberg at Saint David's School

Tuesday evening, we were fortunate to welcome Michael R. Bloomberg, the 108th Mayor of the City of New York, world-renowned business leader, public health advocate, and dedicated philanthropist, as the featured speaker for our signature Alumni Parents Council Lectures event. Taking the podium, the Mayor first encouraged the eighth graders present to always appreciate and be kind to others and to learn to work as part of a team. He then engaged in a lively conversation with the boys, who sat in a semi-circle around him at the front of a standing-room-only Hyman Hall.

Bearing in mind our school-wide theme this year of Critical Analysis, the boys had prepared several probing questions for Mayor Bloomberg that ranged from his thoughts about climate change (he stressed the need to address the effects that are measurable right now, such as pollution from coal-fired plants), to income inequality (he believes in equal opportunity, and providing access to a good education with challenging standards) to the most important qualities a leader should possess (honesty, a positive attitude, and team building).

The final question posed asked why no one in his company has a private office, to which he replied: "I believe that my job is to get people to work together; walls prevent this." Mayor Bloomberg emphasized the importance of a leader being someone accessible, who encourages the sharing of ideas among members of his or her team.

At the conclusion of the event, Student Council President Frank R. thanked the Mayor and noted that he learned from this session, "the importance of leadership, how it enables you to create a path in life; that we should always strive to be better people to benefit ourselves and those around us."

The evening was spirited, and we all thoroughly enjoyed Mayor Bloomberg's candid remarks, quick wit, and insightful responses. It was an event to remember. This night would not have been possible without the efforts of current parent Cathy Blaney-Petralia and Alumni Parents Council Co-Chairs Dorothy Faux and Linda Foran.

The Annual Lecture Series provides our eighth grade boys an opportunity to explore the school's mission and themes from the perspective of a notable person or leader.

Comments

NE Patriot Tom Brady at Saint David’s

Last night, Saint David’s was honored to have one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, four time Superbowl champion and three-time MVP winner Tom Brady, as the guest speaker for our Alumni Parents Council Lecture Series. Tom, who is the father of one of our Saint David's boys, addressed a standing-room-only audience in Hyman Hall comprised of our eighth graders, alumni, alumni parents and faculty. Friendly, introspective, witty, and wise, he directed his talk to the delighted eighth graders in the front of the room, and focused on the topic of leadership. “You are the young men and leaders of Saint David’s,” he noted. Tom debunked the perception that leaders are born not made, and credited his leadership abilities to “standing up to and facing fears” and to “cultivating a mental strength,” which he cited as “more important than being physically strong.” He also stressed the importance of working hard, honoring teamwork, believing in oneself and being a good lis

Digital Universe Unit With AMNH-Hayden Planetarium Kicks Off

The second year of our unique partnership with the American Museum of Natural History-Hayden Planetarium kicked off on Friday when the sixth grade had their first session of the Digital Universe unit. The session included a private viewing at the planetarium in which boys were able to explore the entire universe. They and their teachers were invited to view the show from the vantage point of the floor in the center of the round theater, staring up into the apex of the dome. What an amazing perspective! Museum educator and astro-visualization expert Nathan Belomy took the boys on a tour of the observable universe, allowing them to get a feel for the scale of distance and size in the universe. In a fun activity related to scale, the boys set down a volleyball (representing the sun) at 79th Street, and walked for blocks down Columbus avenue with the planets in our solar system represented by a variety of smaller objects – a cupcake sprinkle, a marble – predicting and then measu

"Lord of the Flies" Survival Game

Seventh graders are immersed in an "island survival" adventure related to their study of William Golding's 1954 classic Lord of the Flies . The novel tells the story of a group of school-age boys marooned on an uninhabited island, where they struggle to survive without a government or rules. In this creative, unique activity that spans 10 class sessions, our boys are assigned to belong to one of two "tribes." Using knowledge gained from history classes in the fall, they first determine what type of government system to adopt. During the simulations, they strategize methods to overcome obstacles and acquire resources such as wood, food, shelter, and water. The simulation requires the boys to negotiate, debate, and reflect critically on their decisions as they face challenges to their survival. In journals, they regularly write about their thinking, their decisions and consequences. Writing skills are further developed and honed. In addition to analy

Headmaster's Blog

Search This Blog