NFTH: December 4, 2019
- From the Head of School
- Parents' Association
- Upper School
- Middle School
- Lower School
- Fine Arts
- Athletics
- Chapel Corner
- Healthy at the Hall
From the Head of School
From the Head of School
Dear Saint Mary's Hall Community,
We Are Family
Friday, November 22 was the one-year anniversary of Kate Fisher’s death. Many of you didn’t know Victor or Kate, but for many of you, that day was a powerfully difficult day, as was the one year anniversary of Victor’s death. It was for me. For all the rest of my days, like many of you, I will feel forever bonded with the Class of 2019 and with the Fisher and Juarez families … and with all of you. We walked through fire together. I’ll never forget being in the living rooms of these sweet families trying to comprehend what had happened and finding a way to communicate our community’s love for their children and for them. I’ve had 13 beautiful years at Saint Mary’s Hall, but last year was unlike any other I expect and pray to have in my life. But out of such unspeakable darkness, I saw such beauty and light. I am humbled by the grace, love, and strength of the SMH community.
This semester has presented unsettling times, including my announced departure from Saint Mary’s Hall, as well as the pending departure of other long-time employees and leaders. Saint Mary’s Hall is bigger than any one individual or few individuals. The heartbeat of SMH has always been community.
I am in awe of the support and love of our community. We are family. Those three words are easy to write, but they are profoundly true. We. Are. Family.
Take care of yourselves. Our faculty, staff, and parent community gives endlessly and unselfishly to our students and your children. But we are human and hurt, too, and we need support and love as well. I want you to know that you have my unconditional love, admiration, and gratitude.
Blessings and peace to you and your families:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace that surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds.” - Philippians 4:6-7
Much love always,
Jonathan Eades
Head of School
Parents' Association
Parents' Association
The Holiday Fund Elves Will Be at Morning Carpool Wednesday, December 11
Help us thank our beloved faculty and staff with a holiday gift. Cash or check payments will be accepted at Lower, Middle, and Upper School Circles during morning carpool on Wednesday, December 11.
Want to donate with a credit or debit card? No problem! Our elves at carpool will show you how on your phone or other mobile device.
What is The Holiday Fund?
A vehicle for Saint Mary’s Hall families to show appreciation for each faculty and staff member through voluntary monetary contributions toward a “holiday gift” delivered in the form of Frost Bank Visa gift cards.
Who Benefits From The Holiday Fund?
With more than 300 employees at Saint Mary’s Hall — teachers, administrators, assistants, coaches, dining staff, housekeeping staff, security officers, and maintenance workers — each of these employees touches the lives of our children in some way each day. The Holiday Fund offers a way to show your appreciation and an alternative to individual holiday gift giving.
How Can I Give to The Holiday Fund?
- Cash or Check. Deliver your gift to any division office, with checks made payable to Saint Mary’s Hall and the notation referencing The Holiday Fund.
- Debit or Credit Card. Online contributions may be made by clicking the "Give a Gift" button.
- Holiday Fund Drive-Thru. On the morning of December 11 contributions will be collected in Lower, Middle, and Upper School carpools. Complimentary coffee and treats will be served by The Holiday Fund Elves!
Thank you in advance for your support of The Holiday Fund.
Best Regards,
Joanne Lawton
The Holiday Fund Chair
gplct@hotmail.com
Karla Phillips
The Holiday Fund Co-Chair
karlaphillips@yahoo.com
Upper School
Upper School
Form 9 and 10 Parent College Counseling Coffees
Director of College Counseling Kelly Jorgensen and Assistant Director of College Counseling Taylor Ditto hosted two coffees recently, one for Form 9 parents on November 13, and one for Form 10 parents on November 20.
Both coffees shared the theme: Bring the Joy Back to the College Process!
If you were unable to attend your coffee, or if you just want a refresher, here is a link to the Form 9 slides and here is a link to the Form 10 slides, both of which will live on the SMH Community Portal for the next several weeks on the Links & Downloads page under Upper School.
The slides only tell part of the story, of course, so please feel free to reach out via email or phone to Taylor at tditto@smhall.org or (210) 483-9179, or Kelly at kjorgensen@smhall.org or (210) 483-9250 if you have any questions.
Form 11 Writers Named National Winners
Please join Saint Mary’s Hall’s Charles Dickens Chapter of National English Honor Society (NEHS) in congratulating juniors Leah Gomez, Sophie Jaafar, and Lexi Dalrymple, winners of the National English Honor Society Intellectual Freedom Challenge essay contest. These members wrote rationale essays based on controversial texts that, due to the sophistication and style of these student writers, will be forwarded to the National Council of Teachers of English to become part of the rationale holdings for research. The students were each awarded $100, and the SMH Chapter was awarded $150.
The Week Ahead
For a look at everything that's happening in the Upper School this week (including college visits to SMH, varsity and JV games, important assemblies, meetings, and upcoming birthdays), please read The Week Ahead.
National French Week
November 4 – 8 was National French Week in the Upper School, and National French Honor Society members, Gian Avalos-Delgado (Form 10), President Annabelle Huang (Form 10), Vice-President Mafer Benavides (Form 12), Victoria Kim (Form 12), Stella Markey (Form 12), Marguerite Morgan (Form 12), Emma Tucker (Form 11), Sofia Mauri (Form 10), Camille Serot (Form 10), and Lara Weissmann (Form 10), organized various activities. Some of them made posters of different regions of France and French-speaking countries and displayed them in the hallway near the World Languages classrooms. Other members created a French cultural trivia game that was played November 5 during Assembly. On November 8, croissants were sold before school and students were able to watch the movie Ratatouille during the long lunch. Bon appétit and vive la France!
As part of National French Week celebration, Middle School French students participated in a poetry contest sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French. Students learned about Calligram poems and the famous works of Guillaume Apollinaire. Upper School students in French III and III Honors classes judged and chose the two most outstanding Calligrams and poems, which will continue on to a national competition. The Upper School students were very impressed by the quality of the Middle School student's work, especially Andres Fernandez (French IA, Form 7) and Angus McGoon (French IB, Form 8). Congratulations to them!
Faculty Spotlight
This week’s faculty spotlight features Upper School Social Studies Teacher Bret Bigelow and Upper School Chemistry Teacher Huy (Kenny) Hoang.
Bret Bigelow (Upper School Social Studies)
Upper School Social Studies Teacher Bret Bigelow (Global Studies I and II, Modern U.S. History, Ruth McLean Bowman Bowers Master Chair in History) hails from right here in the Alamo City. He attended Alamo Heights High School, where he took freshman history from his former SMH supervisor, Dr. Joanne Cox (what’s the phrase about history repeating itself?). Bret earned a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity University, double majoring in History and Political Science. His graduate degree — a Master of Arts in History — comes from The University of Texas at San Antonio, where he completed a thesis on President Truman’s policy toward Holocaust refugees and the creation of Israel. Bret joined SMH in 2008 and says that he really appreciates the seasonality at SMH: the trees changing colors, the pumpkin decorating contest in the fall, holiday displays in the winter, and the celebratory closure that comes through ending a semester once exams are completed.
Bret shared that his favorite SAGE Dining Services® meal at SMH is a tie between the London broil (how fancy) and chicken fried steak (how un-fancy). His favorite song is “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd, and his favorite movies are The Big Lebowski and No Country for Old Men. Now, for the big reveal … when describing his dream car, Mr. Bigelow lit up and gushed that he would love an Icon Bronco, silver gray with black interior. What’s an Icon Bronco? Good question. Per Mr. Big, it’s “an old ’68 or ’69 Bronco that they put a Ford Mustang Coyote V-8 engine in with 450 horsepower. They also updated all the electronics.” He loves it because, “It’s fast, you can take it off-road, and there’s such attention to detail. If you’re OCD about cars, it’s a great one.” We see your true colors, Mr. Bigelow. Be sure to put that on your Christmas list!
Kenny Hoang (Upper School Chemistry)
Upper School Chemistry Teacher Kenny Hoang, whose given name is actually Huy Hoang, claims Dallas as his hometown. He attended the University of North Texas for his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, and recently completed a master’s in the art of teaching from the University of Texas at Dallas. Kenny joined SMH just this year, and so far his favorite memory is from chaperoning the Form 4 trip to Dixie Dude Ranch (that tells you what kind of guy he is … here only a few months, and already volunteering to chaperone 10 year-olds. Brave? Crazy? Brazy?). What those who don’t work directly with Kenny or eat lunch with him might not know is that he wakes up at 4am every day in order to work out and get to school early. He’s also really into playing soccer and tennis, and sometimes volleyball.
Kenny’s family has always been into Disney movies, so it’s no surprise that his favorite movie is the Lion King. He’s talking about the animated film, not the new one. He doesn’t even know when that came out — Disney purist! The animal with which he most closely identifies is a “childish monkey,” because “they go with the flow. They’re lighthearted and happy. They’re kind of ignorant of the world around them and consider the world full of sunshine and rainbows.” If Kenny could travel anywhere with no restrictions or constraints he would see all of Asia starting with Japan and working his way West. We’re so glad Kenny postponed that trip so he could be with us here at SMH!
Middle School
Middle School
Strings Players Make Region 12 Orchestra
On November 2, Sofia Bishop (Form 8), George Braden (Form 7), and Athena Sorenson (Form 7) auditioned for chairs in the Region 12 Orchestra.
These are highly competitive auditions with instrumentalists trying out from all over the entire region. We were very proud to have three of our Middle School Strings players compete for chairs in the orchestra. Special congratulations go to George, who made 1st violin, 5th chair, and was ranked 5 out of 110 players, and to Sofia, who made 2nd violin, 5th chair, and was ranked 25 out of 72 players! George and Sofia will perform with the Region 12 Orchestra on 4pm on December 7 at Reagan High School.
Philosopher's Tea
During the week before the Thanksgiving Break, Form 6 students in Middle School Social Studies Teacher Joe Karpman’s classes participated in the annual Philosophers’ Tea. Students spent the previous weeks learning about Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism before being assigned to address several modern day questions and scenarios based on one of the philosophies. At the tea, students debated these questions and considered which answers they would actually prefer, while enjoying tea, hot chocolate, and other treats provided by SAGE Dining Services®.
Winter Dance Information
The Middle School Winter Dance is fast approaching. SMH looks forward to it being the best dance ever. All members of the Middle School Senate have been working hard since August to plan a dance that students will truly enjoy. The dance will take place on Friday, December 6 from 7pm to 9:30pm in the Peggy Pitman Mays Dining Hall. Admission to the dance is $5 and Bahama Bucks frozen ice will be available for $5. Students are to be dropped off at the Middle School Circle when they arrive.
Parents must come into the Dining Hall to pick students up at the end of the evening. Dress code for the dance is casual with a focus on sports jerseys. (No shorts or spaghetti straps are allowed.) Complete dress code information is available on the SMH Community Portal, Links & Downloads, under the Middle School section, and listed under the Dance Guest Permission Form.
The dance theme, Time Out, was announced the week before the Thanksgiving holiday to give all students an opportunity to find their special high school, college, professional, or any team sports gear.
It is going to be a night to remember. See you there!
Robotics Teams Compete in Meet
On November 16, two SMH Robotics teams participated in the first FTC league meet of this season. The team members represented SMH very well, especially during one match when SMH's two teams were randomly assigned as partners. Both robots ran their autonomous programs smoothly (captured in this video). Although the two teams did not have much time to practice together, they did communicate strategies very clearly, and the implementation was the only successfully coordinated autonomous team play in this event. The teams demonstrated effective teamwork strategies with other partners as well. This video captured the Middle School team coordinating with the Johnson High School team in the driver-controlled part of the game.
Proud team members of the Middle School team FTC13670 are Form 8 students Will Carter, Foster Hixon, Christian Moreno, and Jackson Schuleman, and they are coached by Robotics/Computer Science/STEM Teacher Dr. Hong Zhou.
New Community Service Opportunity
The Middle School Community Service Council is partnering with Upper School Community Service Council next month to offer an exciting service opportunity to students and families! They will be hosting a water stop at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon on Sunday, December 8. Many volunteers are needed to help distribute water and cheer on runners in the very last mile of the race. Two shifts are available: 7:30am – 11:15am and 11am – 2:30pm. Please visit this SignUp Genius link if you would like to join. More information will be coming next week about parking and water stop location. Email Middle School Social Studies Teacher Anne Allbritton at aallbritton@smhall.org with any questions.
Pajama Drive for Serna Elementary School
More than 80% of the students at Serna Elementary are transient, meaning they often are homeless or moving between residences and do not have a stable home environment. The SMH Middle School is collecting new pajamas, children’s two-piece pajama sets, sizes 6 through 14, boys and girls. These pajamas will be wrapped and given to the Serna students as holiday presents. Often, these warm pajamas for the winter will be the only present these students receive. The goal is to collect enough pajamas for every Serna student. Students may drop off their donations to either Middle School Form 7 Math Teacher Steve Hudson or to Middle School Spanish Teacher Lourdes Saks. Bennett and Bailey points will be awarded, and students who donate will enjoy an Out-of-Uniform Day in December. Students who donate two pajamas will also receive a coupon for a free ice cream treat at the Middle School dance. A huge thank you in advance to a very generous Saint Mary’s Hall Middle School family!
Health and Wellness Class Update
In a recent lesson, Health Educator Amelia Teodosio, took a dive with students into the world of social media!
- Form 6 discussed online safety and crafted well-written arguments to a hypothetical friend who wanted to meet a stranger online.
- Form 7 talked about avoiding digital drama, particularly cyberbullying. They created a paper chain with inspiring messages to “take a stand” against bullying.
- Form 8 talked about the concept of “self-disclosure” online, and to be aware of what you share for the world to see. With that in mind, they learned the legal aspects of sexting and its risks.
The next lesson will be the last lesson of the Middle School Health and Wellness classes for the year. Classes will be reflecting on what they learned about themselves and each others, and will celebrate a successful semester!
Results of CSC Support the Troops Drive
The Middle School Community Service Council (CSC) is pleased to report that they exceeded expectations in their recent drive to collect and send toiletry items to the troops who All-School Chaplain Rev. Dr. Cameron Gunnin is supporting during his deployment. Interim All-School Chaplain Susan Douglas (Chap Su) asked the students to try to build 25 kits, but the council set a goal of 50. They are happy to announce that they were able to build 66 kits for soldiers that contained toiletry items such as shampoo and soap, laundry detergent, and powdered drink mixes. They would like to give special recognition to the family of Athena Sorenson (Form 7) who sent in 10 completed kits! The CSC also hosted a Dia de los Muertos bake sale to raise funds to pay for shipping cost. Council members packed 11 boxes that will soon be on their way overseas, hopefully arriving just in time for Thanksgiving. Thank you, SMH Middle School, for supporting the service men and women not only on Veterans Day but all year long!
Lower School
Lower School
What Do People Think When They Hear Your Name?
When people hear your name, what comes to mind? Do they immediately think “friend,” “funny,” or perhaps “super smart?”
Head of School Emeritus Bob Windham spoke to students during Morning Moments about the importance of having a “good name,” a wonderful reputation with those in your life. He challenged students in Forms 1 - 5 to make choices during their day that would leave a lasting and positive impression on everyone around them.
The Scarecrow Teaches Kindness
Montessori students of Room 3 had a delightful time discussing ways in which to be kind to each other. Montessori Teacher Kathy Rigsby read the book, The Scarecrow, story by Beth Ferry and illustration by The Fan Brothers. It tells the tale of the sweet comforting power of friendship and the joy of helping others. Mrs. Rigsby said, “After discussing the story we wondered what it would be like to be a scarecrow. It was a joy to watch my students create projects that reinforce the children’s literature we read in class. It fosters dialogue between the students and brings their creativity to life.”
Toys for Tots Toy Collection
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys each year and distributes the toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children throughout the local community. SMH hopes you will participate in this Lower School Community Service Project by donating an unwrapped toy or game for a child who is your child’s age (If a toy requires batteries, please include them). The Baron Ambassadors will be at Montessori and Kindergarten and Forms 1 - 5 carpools each morning December 2 - 10, to receive your contributions.
Going Batty in the Collaboratory
As Form 1 wrapped up their bat unit, Form 1 Teacher Cathy Canipe crafted a true Makerspace activity for Form 1 students. Students had five challenge choices and they had to decide which product they would select to best meet that challenge. For example, if they chose the challenge of "create a new habitat for bats," they had to decide if they wanted to use Legos, the IO Blocks, the PowerClix magnets, Buddha boards, the puppets, 3D Art, or the Light Box to solve the problem. When finished, they had to write a reflection in their journals before they could select another challenge and/or product. All three Form 1 classes went “batty” in the Collaboratory to show their creativity at meeting a challenge. Not only was it challenging, but it was also engaging and fun!
Common Sense Media Articles
- Read, Yes, You Can Make TV Time Count, for new ideas for watching, bonding, and learning from TV.
- Kids who love Anna and Elsa will love these fan favorites that celebrate sisterhood: 10 Sister Stories for "Frozen" Fans.
Designing Sound Structures
In the Lower School, STEAM is a vital part of education. Saint Mary's Hall students excel in the science, art, technology, and math portions. Form 2 Teacher Rachel Moczygemba set a personal goal to engage in at least a few STEAM challenges a month with her students. In October, students were tasked with creating the tallest centerpiece they could with the materials provided (24 candy pumpkins and 20 toothpicks). Before starting, Mrs. Moczygemba helped the students build background knowledge by studying and discussing different tall structures found all over the world noticing shapes within the structures, the difference between the bases and the spires, and the materials used to build the structures. Students investigated shape and watched a video that showed triangles are the strongest shapes, and therefore used a lot in building.
Students divided into groups and were given planning time. After they created their plan, materials were passed out and students had 20 minutes to create a structure. Mrs. Moczygemba said, "The discussions occurring were amazing to listen to! The students were trying so hard to problem solve and work collaboratively. Many groups were able to initially create amazing structures. However, many structures collapsed in most cases before it was time to measure them. This led to some frustration. But then a beautiful thing happened, students channeled that frustration and made changes. In the end, the structures were mostly small, but sturdy."
Reflecting on the time building, the students came to the conclusion that the ideas were good, but materials used were more fragile than expected and in many cases there were less materials that students would have liked. Mrs. Moczygemba said, "These two factors made building a challenge. However, it was a challenge that delighted us all, gave us great insight into facing obstacles head on, and working collaboratively with people even when we don’t always agree."
News from the Lower School Library
Come one, come all to the Lower School Library Winter Book Fair held in the Eleanor Duncan Sarratt Memorial Library, December 2 - 6. There are many great books for that special someone and many little stocking stuffers. The book fair is open daily until 4pm and open until 8pm on Wednesday night for all your shopping needs.
Virtual Reality (VR) Anyone? Lower School Librarian/Instructional Technologist Linda Wells took her Form 4 and Form 5 classes flying through a massive volcano with hot lava and then back to Ancient Rome to see the Colosseum. “Standing on the edge of the Colosseum looking over feels so weird. It felt like I was going to fall,” stated one Form 5 student.
Form 3 students flew through a Virtual Reality cave. The Form 3 students have studied caves and went on a fieldtrip to Natural Bridge Caverns, so flying through a VR cave was the perfect experience. Enjoy the video above!
Fine Arts
Tobin Fine Arts School
Director's Corner
The University of Texas at Austin (UT) holds one of the largest tournaments of the year that our Speech & Debate Team attends and one of the biggest of its kind in the State of Texas throughout the year.
This coming weekend, a total of 67 Barons will board busses to Austin to compete at the 22nd Annual Longhorn Classic. Saint Mary's Hall is no stranger to the forty acres. Both Speech and Drama Teacher Joe Muller and Debate Teacher Colin Malinak graduated from UT, where they both competed for the Texas Forensic Union, as officers. Since coming to SMH, they have sent numerous students on to join the team and over the years those former Barons have hosted the team in Austin annually. This year, the Barons will be greeted by alumni Seis Steves (Class of 2015) and Saskia Reford (Class of 2019).
Junior Isabel Hackney shared, "the Longhorn Classic is a unique bonding experience because most of the team attends - it was one of the first times I remember talking to and learning from seniors - it stands out as a favorite because of the new experiences and exciting opportunities that can only be gotten in Austin."
Saint Mary’s Hall has had unparalleled success at this tournament, having won top 5 rankings for the last five years, with 74 finals and 15 championships in the same time.
With more than 120 teams from 10 states in attendance at this year's competition, the Barons are excited to see how they stack up against some of the strongest teams in the country.
Good luck to all our competitors this weekend!
Artily yours,
Bethany Bohall
Wanda Wiley Atkinson Director of Fine Arts
Tobin Fine Arts School at Saint Mary’s Hall
bbohall@smhall.org
(210) 483-9253
Music Concert Tickets On-Sale
The halls are filled with the sound of music this month and that makes December the best month of the year! This week is the always-popular double bill Winter Music Concerts on Wednesday, December 4. Middle School ensembles perform at 6pm and Upper School musical groups perform at 7pm in the Coates-Seeligson Theater/Chapel. SMH’s music ensembles will perform all your holiday classics and are sure to have you and your family members dancing in the aisles. The groups on the concert are the Middle School Concert Bands, Middle School Chorus, Upper School Vocal Integration Program (V.I.P.), Upper School Concert Band, Upper School Chamber Orchestra, and the Upper School Jazz Band. Bands and Upper School Chamber Orchestra are under the direction of Band/Chamber Orchestra Teacher Trevor Docwra, Middle School Strings & Private Violin Teacher Julie Post conducts Middle School Strings Ensemble, and Private Music Teacher Jaime Ramirez leads the vocal music groups. Tickets are available online at this link and at the door. Book bill will be accepted.
Tickets are also available for next week’s Children’s Choir and Orff Ensemble Winter Music Concert. Get your tickets early to guarantee best seating.
For a taste of the concert, check out the video of a recent rehearsal of “African Holy Night.”
Orchestra Student Wins Prestigious Award
Form 10 student Matthew Averyt recently won the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio’s (YOSA) 2019/2020 Concerto Competition. Mathew will perform as a soloist with the San Antonio Symphony on May 28. Matthew is a member of the Saint Mary’s Hall Chamber Orchestra performing at this week’s concert! Visit this link for ticket info.
Upper School Speech & Debate Results
On November 8 and 9, a total of 45 SMH Speech & Debate students competed in the South Austin "Keep Austin Swinging" TFA Invitational Qualifying Tournament. A "swing" tournament is when two schools host two tournaments in the same weekend to give students more opportunity for performance and debate. SMH is proud to share that Saint Mary's Hall earned the 1st Place Speech and Debate Sweepstakes Award for the Bowie Tournament and 2nd Place Sweepstakes at the St. Michael's Catholic Academy Tournament!
In addition, on November 15 and 16, a total of 13 members of the SMH Speech & Debate Team competed at the annual Central Texas Novice Tournament hosted at Basis - Shavano Campus. This is a unique tournament because only novices compete and they are judged by varsity students from across the city. With the number of volunteer judges present, every round had a panel of judges giving the team valuable access to feedback and ballots from "experts" in the activity. While there are no "finals" per say, there were awards given based on whether students were in the top 20% of the field in total ranks.
Fine Arts Events
Remmert Theater
Upper School Drama Production
Theater/Chapel
Lower School (F2-5) Dance Production
Theater/Chapel
Lower School (F2-5) Dance Production
Fine Arts Social Media
Check out the Fine Arts Instagram page. This account is a great way to get an up-close and personal look at the day-to-day excitement in these amazing, ever-buzzing programs. In addition, check out Saint Mary’s Hall main social media channels for more Fine Arts news
on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Athletics
Athletics
Women’s Basketball Captures Two Big Victories
Barons women’s varsity basketball had their most dominant performance of the year, capturing the lead early, and not giving BASIS any hope of coming back.
After taking a 14-point lead in the first quarter, the Barons beat BASIS by a final score of 45-29. Senior Ana Lacau (21 points) and junior Caroline Berridge (12 points) led scoring.
After a slow start against St. Anthony’s Catholic School, the Barons were able to battle back to beat the Yellow Jackets. Senior Jillian Spicer was a force on defense, as well as the leading scorer for the Barons with 15 points. Not far behind her was Lacau with 14 points of her own.
Women’s Soccer Rebounds with Two Wins
Barons women’s varsity soccer was able to rebound after a tough loss to San Antonio Christian School, with a dominating performance against St. Anthony Catholic School. The scoring started early and the team did not let up, eventually winning the game 7-0. Scoring was led by sophomore Trianne Cooper (three goals, “natural hat trick”), and junior Chelsea Huffman (two goals).
The Barons took on their second match in less then a week against cross-town rivals TMI - Episcopal. In what is always a hard fought match-up, the Barons were able to capture the 4-0 victory over the Panthers. Scoring was led again by Cooper.
Middle School Spotlight
Middle School Athletics with a Busy Week
The Barons jumped out to an early lead against Great Hearts Monte Vista for what seemed like 57 of the 60-minute game. However, the Lions scored two late in the game resulting in the subsequent tie, 2-2. Scoring for the Barons was led by Form 8 student Max Dabbous and Form 7 student Justus Kleberg.
Boys’ Soccer Coach BJ Pyrc said, “Soccer is a beautifully frustrating game. This is the lesson we learned tonight.”
Girls’ basketball won a huge victory against Boerne Geneva in the final minutes of the game. In what was a back-and-forth game, the girls were able to pull out the victory against a very strong Geneva School, 22-17. Head Coach Stephanie Treadwell-Wittman said, “I’m so proud of the way the girls played and the team taking on the challenge of implementing the focus and urgency we've been going over in practice.”
Other Scores from the Week:
- Middle School B Boys’ Basketball: SMH 26 - Boerne Geneva 30 (Loss in overtime).
- Middle School Boys’ Soccer: SMH 0 - St. Andrew’s Episcopal 1
- Middle School Girls’ Soccer: SMH 5 - St. Andrew’s Episcopal 3
Ava Myers Wins at Nationals
Saint Mary’s Hall is proud to announce its newest National Champion, Form 7 student Ava Myers! Ava recently took the trip to Las Vegas for the AON/USHJA National Championships, where she and her horse Chimaira S competed in the 1.25-meter jumping competition. Jumping against the best riders in the Nation, Ava was to capture the $10,000 Grand Prix and Reserve Champion for the entire show.
Congratulations Ava for such an amazing accomplishment!
Men’s Basketball Dominates Austin Royals
The men’s varsity basketball team put on a commanding performance against the Austin Royals, winning 101 - 29. This was a true team effort with five players in double digits in terms of scoring, and almost the entire team scoring a point.
Why Athletics Are an Important Part of Your Children’s Education
Not everyone remembers their school's physical education very fondly. Some people didn’t enjoy many of the activities or the fact that they had to get sweaty in the middle of the school day. Other students really enjoyed gym class and school sports.
Read the article, Why Athletics Are an Important Part of Your Children’s Education, to explore a list of the advantages that come with a curriculum that features athletics. Together, these advantages will help children grow into more well-rounded adults.
Athletics Livestream Channel
Can't make it to the game? Tune in from home or while on the go via any device to watch SMH sports events live as they unfold. You can also relive the glory again and again, as all events are archived for future access. When you follow us on Livestream, you'll get updates anytime we add or update an athletic event.
It's easy! Join Livestream today:
1. Go to Livestream.com/smhathletics
2. Click the black "Follow" button on our page.
3. Create an account using your email or connect with Facebook.
4. Sit back and enjoy the game!
Follow @SMH_Barons on Twitter
Chapel Corner
Chapel Corner
Chapel – November 18
As is our tradition, all division Chapels begin with a call from Psalm 118, “This is the day that the Lord has made.” To which students respond, “Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Lower School Chapel
The topic at the November 18 Chapel encouraged students to consider six practices to improve their spiritual health. Interim All-School Chaplain Susan Douglas (ChapSu) began by asking students why they are asked to participate in the many sports and games offered in Lower School, students immediately said that exercise helps them keep their bodies well. Speaking about mental health, ChapSu connected this to the social-emotional learning lessons provided by their teachers and Lower School Counselor Susan Moore-Sickmann that support mental health. She then suggested that taking care of the heart, soul, and spirit, is as important as caring for the mind and body. ChapSu asked students to consider the following attributes of spiritual health and pick one to think about or practice in the week ahead.
- Peace – Noticing and cultivating places where you most feel like all is well. This is more than just a place to relax. It is where you have a sense that all is right with the world and that you are okay.
- Awe – Noticing and finding experiences where you are stopped in your tracks by the awesomeness, beauty, or magnificence of the world, people, or your environment. Prompted by ChapSu’s awe of hummingbirds, students threw out their own suggestions. You could see the awe in their faces as they described their experiences, especially in that of the Form 2 student who takes great joy in caterpillars.
- Solitude and Contemplation – Taking the time to be alone and think as a way to recharge your batteries, mull over the bigger things in life and, perhaps, find the quiet intuition, inspiration, or voice that moves one forward.
- Connection – Building relationships with God, family, other people, and the environment that will make one stronger and feed one's need to live in community with others.
- Helping Others – Studies show that giving our time, talent, and treasure to help others is known to have a positive effect. ChapSu noted that in some traditions, it is thought that what one gives, in the giving, returns to them as a blessing.
- Purpose – Showing a photo of a little boy waking up with a smile on his face, ChapSu asked students how many of them looked like that when they got up each morning. Most responses were loudly in the negative. While admitting that she likes to sleep in, ChapSu told students that being with them on Mondays was a great way to start her day, giving her the best reason to get moving in the morning. She suggested that everyone needs a reason to get out of bed. Having a purpose in coming to school makes the day go by easier and brings joy to one’s work. One’s purposes may include many things, from wanting to learn, to play sports, to be with friends, or to check out a new library book, but it is good to have something that animates life and makes one feel like they are a part of things.
Students recited the Lower School prayer to end Chapel time and prepare for classes.
SMH hopes this reflection sparked some dining table conversations at home. Parents might find the following article useful for continuing the conversation: The Benefits of Solitude for Kids and Parents Alike.
Upper School Chapel
Chapel on November 18 opened with the induction of the new Bishops Chapel Society members by the group’s elected officers. Treasurer, Catalina Barrera (Form 12) began the Chapel. President Molly Byrd (Form 12) explained to students that this student leadership group works on their behalf to plan meaningful Chapels based on students’ interests, needs, and input. Each new member of Bishops Chapel Society completed an application, stating why they want to serve. They wrote about the diversity and unique perspective they can contribute so that SMH’s diverse student body is well represented in this group. They also wrote about their understanding of the school’s Statement of Religious Expression, which outlines SMH’s Judeo-Christian traditions, while affirming their commitment to learning about, and including in the Chapel program, the rich mosaic of religions and cultures that are part of the school and larger community. Applicants were selected by a working group of Student Council leaders and Bishops Chapel Society officers.
Vice President Annabelle Huang (Form 11) announced the new inductees, who received their Bishops Chapel Society pin from Molly and a blessing for service from ChapSu. The school is proud to welcome the following Form 11 students as members of the Bishops Chapel Society:
- Caroline Berridge
- Aspen Johnson
- Alana Michell
- Ryan Tanner
Following the induction ceremony, Upper School students received the outstanding presentation by Prentice Huntington Miller & Reid Huntington Miller Endowed Chair in World Languages and Cultures Laura Renard as described previously for Middle School Chapel.
Middle School Chapel
In support of World Languages and Cultures week, Chapels on November 18 were blessed to include both student and faculty input from that department.
Form 8 student, Henry Viccellio, opened with a beautiful performance of the piano piece, "Clair de Lune," by French composer Claude Debussy, written in 1890. According to author Elizabeth Davis, the piece “… takes its title from an atmospheric poem by the French poet Paul Verlaine which depicts the soul as somewhere full of music ‘in a minor key’ where birds are inspired to sing by the ‘sad and beautiful’ light of the moon.”
Prentice Huntington Miller & Reid Huntington Miller Endowed Chair in World Languages and Cultures Laura Renard presented an inspiring talk entitled Japan 2019 – A Lesson in Trust, Cultural Sensitivity and Humility. She began by posing the following question to students: where do you find your meaning and your purpose? Speaking about the many family moves in her childhood, she told students that one of the ways she finds her meaning and purpose is through travel. Thanks to the generosity of our Peggy Pitman Mays Fund for Teacher Excellence program, Mrs. Renard had the opportunity to visit SMH’s sister school, Keimei Gakuen, last summer and travel around Japan. However, what started as a business trip and tourist adventure quickly turned into a series of life lessons and spiritual experiences.
The wisdom conveyed as Mrs. Renard described how she worked through the challenges of being in a country where her many language skills were of no use to her and what it taught her hit home with the students as they imagined having to trust people to help them with everything. They related to Mrs. Renard’s comments on the importance of being open and looking past the surface in order to better understand and be sensitive to other cultures; as she shared, this allowed her to be able to recognize the shrines she passed or respect the tradition of the Torrii gates, which mark the movement from the mundane to the sacred in Shintoism. As she described being on the summit of Mount Fuji at 4am as the sun rose in the Land of the Rising Sun, students could feel the awe of the moment as people from all over the world gathered to witness this amazing event.
Students are blessed indeed that SMH has faculty members who are willing to share their personal stories at Chapel, demonstrating that if one approach their experiences with an open heart and mind, and just enough humility, they may learn many new things that touch them in unexpected ways.
A Look Ahead
- December 9
- All divisions will learn about the Christian season of Advent. Father Ram Lopez, Rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church and School, will speak at Middle and Upper School Chapels.
- December 16
- In Lower School, students will hear a traditional Christmas story, scripture and song. In Middle and Upper School Chapels, Interim All-School Chaplain Susan (ChapSu) Douglas will lead a traditional Christian Lessons and Carols service. All students are welcome to attend. However, we will offer alternative Chapels on the subjects of hope and giving, led by faculty members, for those children whose parents request they be excused from regular Chapel. Further information will be provided in December.
Please contact ChapSu if you have any questions at sdouglas@smhall.org.
Healthy at the Hall
Healthy at the Hall
Wellness Wednesday in the Lower School
The Lower School’s fun energy is contagious.
Director of Wellness Dr. Lopez-Morales addressed the Lower School students regarding gratitude on November 20 in anticipation of Thanksgiving. She presented the two quotations below and asked the students to reflect on these words.
- “Gratitude and attitude are not challenges; they are choices.” – Robert Braathe
- “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward
The students had so much to say regarding their own appreciation of people in their lives, fun at Saint Mary’s Hall, and simple everyday moments. They were able to recognize that they can choose joy and that it is up to them to share their gratitude with others in the service of improving their relationships to the important people in their lives. They discussed the fun they have on campus including social and healthy activities like the Star Party, Fiesta, and the Hula Hoop activity this fall. They were challenged with expressing appreciation to others to demonstrate gratitude and improve their moods and relationships.
Happy People
As mentioned above, fun abounds in the Lower School. Following the Lower School Wellness Wednesday discussion on gratitude, Form 5 Teacher Claire Damarodas, shared the lyrics with the Lower School faculty from “Happy People,” performed by Little Big Town. There are infinite messages imbedded within the lyrics, but perhaps the most profound are the statements below about failure (“Happy people don’t fail. Happy people just learn.”) Failure as a construct ceases to exist if individuals learn from their experiences. It is imperative that parents reframe “failures” as opportunities to grow with and for their children. Please enjoy the lyrics to the song below:
“Happy people don't cheat
Happy people don't lie
They don't judge, or hold a grudge, don't criticize
Happy people don't hate
Happy people don't steal
'Cause all the hurt sure ain't worth all the guilt they feel
If you wanna know the secret
Can't buy it, gotta make it
You ain't ever gonna be it
By takin' someone else's away
Never take it for granted
You don't have to understand it
Here's to whatever puts a smile on your face
Whatever makes you happy people
Happy people don't fail
Happy people just learn
Don't think that we're above the push and shove
They just wait their turn
They always got a hand, or a dollar to spare
Know the golden rule, what you're goin' through
Even if they never been there
If you wanna know the secret
Can't buy it, gotta make it
You ain't ever gonna be it
By takin' someone else's away
Never take it for granted
You don't have to understand it
Here's to whatever puts a smile on your face
Whatever makes you happy people
These days ain't always easy to find
They're the ones that you want standing by your side
No time for greed, if they need some, give them some slack
And we'll all be happy people
Well life is short
And love is rare
And we all deserve to be happy while we're here”
Songwriters: Brandy Lynn Clark / Lori McKenna
Health and Wellness Class Update
In a recent lesson, Health Educator Amelia Teodosio took a dive with students into the world of social media!
- Form 6 discussed online safety and crafted well-written arguments to a hypothetical friend who wanted to meet a stranger online.
- Form 7 talked about avoiding digital drama, particularly cyberbullying. They created a paper chain with inspiring messages to “take a stand” against bullying.
- Form 8 talked about the concept of “self-disclosure” online, and to be aware of what you share for the world to see. With that in mind, they learned the legal aspects of sexting and its risks.
The next lesson will be the last lesson of the Middle School Health and Wellness classes for the year. The class will be reflecting on what they learned about themselves and each other, and will celebrate a successful semester!