Follow-Up Workshop with Dr. Derrick Gay

Today's professional development day for Faculty and Staff featured a follow-up workshop with Dr. Derrick Gay, internationally recognized consultant on issues of global citizenship, diversity, and inclusion. The school is in our third year of its partnership with Dr. Gay, as we seek to cultivate cultural competency and build an ever increasing inclusive school community.

The session we had with Dr. Gay in the fall focused on the problematic nature of stereotyping. Today's dealt with microaggressions, on gaining awareness of the blind spots that perpetuate stereotypical thinking, and result in words and behaviors that have the potential for negative impact.

As a school community, we are all responsible for establishing an environment that builds bridges and respects and understands difference in its myriad manifestations. These are values very much in sync with Saint David's mission; to be good men and women requires an ability to see from perspectives other than our own. It is also of utmost importance in the interconnected world in which we live.

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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

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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

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