News November 2012
The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
Inside 2
Parents-Admission Network Breakfast
2
Trustee-Former Trustee Dinner
3
International Student Program
4
Stone Soup Day
5
Headmaster for a Day -
5
Upper School Foreign Language Honor Society Induction Ceremony
6
V.O.T.E.S. Program
7
Student Life Recap:
Christopher Lake ’21
Upper School Orientation/ Spirit Day
8
Lending a Helping Hand with Homework
8
EnviroScape Used in 6th Grade Science Lab
8
Leaf Painting & T-Shirt Making in Lower School
9
Lower School “Being a Writer” Program
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Anja Kroon ’19 – Dancer Attends Major Ballet School in N.Y.C.
10 Catelyn Woelfle ’19 – Garden Renovation at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center
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Faculty News Feature – Middle School Math Teacher Kristina Lasher Named NJ Finalist in PAEMST Contest
12 Athletics –
Great Pumpkin Run Varsity Girls Tennis
13 Varsity Sports Roundup 15 New Varsity Girls Basketball Coach John Slackman
15 Dates to Remember 16 Blood Drive Reminder
A scene from Old Chester Road the day after Superstorm Sandy.
At the beginning of this year, I shared my thoughts about the sense of optimism that surrounds the start of a new school year. That “spirit” was clearly evident at GSB as teachers and students alike approached each day – days full of various academic responsibilities, school events and sports – with enthusiasm despite various demands.
However, that momentum came to an abrupt halt on October 29 as Superstorm Sandy raged its way across our area, downing trees and power lines and leaving more than two-thirds of N.J. in the cold and dark. The storm was unprecedented. More than 900-miles-wide, the largest ever recorded in the Atlantic, Sandy destroyed many parts of the N.J. shoreline and flooded tunnels, bridges and airports to the north, literally bringing much of the region to a standstill. While our campus withstood most of the winds from the hurricane with only lost power, a few downed trees and little damage to our buildings, the same could not be said for the towns surrounding GSB. In the aftermath of the storm, the majority were left without heat and electricity and many direct routes to the school were impassible. While power outages were anticipated, the magnitude of Sandy’s wrath was apparent only after the storm – in N.J. alone more than 2.4 million households had lost power—making the return to our daily routine impossible for days and even weeks to come. Thanks to the efforts of our local utility companies in coordination with our own trustees, operations, and technology teams, I am happy to say that GSB resumed a regular schedule as quickly as possible considering all the obstacles. A 77-acre campus with 28 buildings, GSB cannot simply be opened up when electricity is restored.
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
Each building has to be brought online and then reheated all under close supervision to ensure there are no safety hazards. In addition, phone lines, data servers and all other systems used to run the school on a daily basis have to be restored before students can return to campus. This week marks the first full week post-Sandy and from the many smiles and the laughter heard around campus, the resilience of our community is self-evident. I am confident that GSB will quickly regain the momentum established at the onset of the school year. While all are happy to return to “normal” this week, the unfortunate loss of time caused by the storm has resulted in some significant changes in our school calendar. If you have not already, I encourage you to read my recent update to the school community which provides important information about the revised GSB school calendar as well as important key dates for major events and activities. While I recognize that changes to the calendar will cause inconveniences for some families, making up the time lost. In addition, while changes in school events and activities can be disappointing, I expect that everyone will do their best to participate in and support other events and community causes – this year especially. Overall, the GSB community has been very fortunate to “weather” this storm. We have much to be thankful for. Our hearts and prayers are with those whose lives have been forever changed and those who continue to suffer in the aftermath of this storm. Kind Regards,
Sid Rowell 1.
The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
November 2012
ADMISSION OFFICE HOSTS KICK-OFF BREAKFAST FOR PAN The GSB Admission Office kicked-off its new cycle of admission activity with a breakfast for the ParentsAdmission Network (PAN) in Founders Hall on October 5. GSB’s PAN organization is made up of parent-volunteers who work to support the efforts of the Admission Office and assist with Open House programs.
KICK-OFF BREAKFAST FOR PAN
top row: (L. to r.) Laura Henderlong P ’19, ’23 and Richard Avery P ’14.; (L. to r.) Maria Leonhard P ’13, ’16, Board of Trustees Member and Chair of PAN Liz Fucci P ’17 and Board of Trustees Member Marianne Saladino P ’14, ’16.
Aside from enjoying breakfast in the Alumni Room on Friday morning, those in attendance also heard from Middle School Technology Teacher Carrie Petkiewich, who explained a program known as Common Sense Media used by all divisions campus wide at Gill St. Bernard’s. Additional presentations were made by various PAN representatives including Margy Coscia P ’15, ’20, ’22 on Lower School Tuesday Morning Tours, Susan Petrilli P ’15 who spoke about Open House programs and the role of parent-volunteers, and Stephen Tafaro P ’15 who provided helpful advice to parent-volunteers on the art of the phone call to prospective parents. To close, Director of Admission and Financial Aid Karen Loder shared metrics on last year’s admission performance, data on where the school draws from geographically, information on the composition of the student body and facts about the school’s financial aid process. Thank you to all parent-volunteers who continue to uphold the school’s core value of compassion each year. Those interested in learning about GSB’s Parents-Admission Network or becoming a member of the program, please contact the Admission Office at extension 245.
Trustee-Former Trustee Dinner Reception Held in October GSB’s current, former and Honorary Trustee members celebrated the success of the school as well as honored the Board’s 2012 Lindabury-Thomas Trustee Award recipient at an annual dinner reception held Friday, October 12 in Founders Hall.
2012 Lindabury-Thomas Award Granted to Honorary Trustee Richard “Dick” Emmitt P ’02 Gill St. Bernard’s would like to recognize Honorary Trustee Member Richard “Dick” Emmitt P ’02 as the recipient of GSB’s third annual Lindabury-Thomas Trustee Award. According to Headmaster Sid Rowell, Emmitt has become a profound and permanent figure within the GSB community over the past 10 years, dedicating his time, talent and personal funds to improving the school and its programs. With his main focus being on the growth and advancement of GSB’s athletics program in particular, Emmitt not only established and spearheaded an Athletic Booster Club aimed at supporting and promoting all Gill St. Bernard’s teams, but also funded the initial creation of a Sports Information Director position within the Athletic Department. In addition, Emmitt was responsible for encouraging GSB to join the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), and helped identify as well as find solutions to those scheduling and budgetary concerns raised during the introductory period of his new athletic initiatives. “What truly amazes me is that Dick did all of these things long after his youngest child, Meg, graduated in 2002,” said Rowell. As current President of the Athletic Booster Club Committee, Dick Emmitt and his wife Judy still play an active role in supporting the GSB community. Aside from their continued interest in athletics, the Emmitts also support the Friends of the Arts program and remain committed to raising endowment for needbased financial aid. “I don’t feel that the school owes me anything,” said Emmitt in his acceptance speech. “Rather I feel that myself and my family still owe the school for all that it has given us.”
Honorary Trustee Richard “Dick” Emmitt P ’02 (l.) receives the third annual Lindabury-Thomas Trustee Award from Board of Trustees Chairman John Howard P ’17, ’21.
The evening began with a cocktail party in the Chapel, where Headmaster Sid Rowell not only premiered a short video highlighting the school, but also introduced several members from a newly formed Board of Visitors, which will be instrumental in positioning Gill St. Bernard’s at the forefront of all independent schools throughout the region. The following individuals will serve as members on the school’s new Board of Visitors: Honorary Trustee Member Miguel Brito, David Farris, former NJ Governor the Honorable Thomas H. Kean, Blair MacInnes, Edward Matthews, Virginia Moriarty and John Reeves. Afterward, all guests relocated to the school’s newly renovated Founders Hall, which was completed this October thanks in large part to Board of Trustee members Donald Fuentes P ’14, ’16, ’24 and Harry Chowansky III P ’13, ’15, ’22. Once there, Board of Trustees Chairman John Howard P ’17, ’21 then presented the third annual Lindabury-Thomas Trustee Award to Honorary Trustee Member Richard “Dick” Emmitt P ’02 (see article right).
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
top row: (L. to r.) Parents’ Association President and Board of Trustee Member Lori Taylor P ’14, Jill Moriarty P ’14, ’16, ’22, Maria Fuentes P ’14, ’16, ’24 and Lisa Chowansky P ’13, ’15, ’22; (L. to r.) Michael Nametz P ’03, ’09, Board of Trustee Member Ebie Nametz P ’03, ’09, Ann Matthews P ’16, ’18, ’24 and Board of Trustee Member Douglas Matthews P ’16, ’18, ’24; (L. to r.) Board of Trustee Member Gia Dunn P ’14, ’16, Honorary Trustee Member and one of GSB’s new Board of Visitor Members Miguel Brito, and Amy Ziebarth; bottom row: Board of Trustee Member Edmond Moriarty III P ’14, ’16, ’22 with his mother and one of GSB’s new Board of Visitor Members Virginia Moriarty; (L. to r.) Sandra Torgovnik P ’16, ’21, ’26, Board of Trustee Member Janine Udoff P ’16, ’17, ’21, ’23 and Olivia O’Connor P ’21; (L. to r.) Kris Emmitt, SBS alumnus and Board of Trustee Member Robert Hemm ’46 and one of GSB’s new Board of Visitor Members David Farris.
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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
New International Student Program Promotes Campus Wide Diversity In alignment with its new Strategic Plan – Delivering the Future – which focuses on diversity as a key element to success, Gill St. Bernard’s welcomed six students from Beijing to fully experience its academic and extracurricular offerings this school year. While Gill St. Bernard’s has seen international students from South Korea, Germany, Italy, Spain and the Ukraine join its campus community over the past several years, 2012-13 also marked the introduction of the school’s first-ever International Student Program (ISP). Led by Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs Amy Tierny and International Students Coordinator and ESL Teacher Linda Park, the ISP offers foreign students the opportunity to participate in a number of Upper School classes, with additional coursework in English literature, grammar and vocabulary. “In their ESL classes, especially, Sunny Haozhen Liu ’15 receives help from ISP I put an emphasis on all the Coordinator and ESL Teacher Linda Park. things I also had trouble with when I first came to America,” said Park who emigrated from South Korea to the United States as a high school student. Along with providing these six students with lifelong lessons on American culture and customs, GSB’s International Student Program is also responsible for offering opportunities f or improved diversity, multicultural growth and exposure to the entire community. “By their very presence, the lives of our own students, faculty, staff and parents are enriched, and we have much to learn from them,” Headmaster Sid Rowell recently wrote in his October, 2012 GSB Newsletter.
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
November 2012
Among those culturally enlightening experiences encountered by American students and families within the GSB community thus far was a lesson on the Chinese tradition known as Mid-Autumn Day or “Moon Festival.” “Before coming to America, I had a dream that I could one day show Chinese culture to the people here,” said ISP member Sunny Haozhen Liu ’15, who shared this special holiday – very similar to Thanksgiving – by providing Chinese treats, creating educational posters, setting up decorations and participating in such games as jump rope with her classmates at the 2012 Homecoming/ Family Day. When not spending their weekends at Homecoming/Family Day on the GSB campus or in their dormitory at The American Boychoir School of Princeton, the girls can also be found exploring the American way of life with numerous GSB faculty and administrative members. “I am hopeful that these students will continue to enjoy their experiences as they benefit from the American educational system and learn firsthand about American culture,” added Rowell. “At GSB, our motto is ‘Schola Mundus Est;’ The World is Our Classroom — and I’m pleased to say that the development and continued growth of the ISP will hold us true to that motto.”
WEEKEND FUN WITH FACULTY AND STAFF International Program Students Attend Canoeing Trip
(L. to r.) GSB’s ISP students with US Librarian Randell Schmidt; Sabrina Jinchun Li ’16 and Carla Ruoyu Tian ’16.
Gill St. Bernard’s six ISP students joined long-standing employees Peter and Randell Schmidt for a day of canoeing on Saturday, October 6. After several hours of boating in the Delaware and Raritan Canal, the group later took a stroll through downtown Princeton where they ate lunch and indulged in ice cream from the famed Thomas Sweet bakeshop.
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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
November 2012
STUDENT NEWS Stone Soup Day Promotes Service to the Community
from top row: (L. to r.) GSB’s youngest member Ariana Isusi ’27 meets senior Alexis Molnar, who was also responsible for placing the soup stone in the cauldron as a Pre-K student; (L. to r.) Headmaster Sid Rowell with former Kindergarten teacher and co-founder of Stone Soup Day Jan Hays; (L. to r.) Katherine Scott ’22 and Liliana Micera ’22 ready to throw their carrots into the cauldron on Stone Soup Day; Bijan Eizadkhah ’13 helps the Lower School sing along to the Stone Soup Song; Drew Vollrath ’23 adds some onion to the stone soup cauldron.
The Gill St. Bernard’s community celebrated the 30th anniversary of a time-honored tradition known as Stone Soup Day in the Athletic Center on October 3. Established by former Lower School Librarian Pauline Lurie and Kindergarten Teacher Jan Hays in 1982, Stone Soup Day serves to remind each division that even the seemingly impossible can be accomplished when everyone makes a contribution. Hays, who retired from the GSB community in 1995, returned to celebrate this long-standing event with the Upper, Middle and Lower School. In her opening remarks, Hays explained that the original idea behind Stone Soup Day came from a fable about a traveler looking for food during a great famine. “Stone Soup is a wonderful story about sharing and being good neighbors,” said Hays. In alignment with the tale of Stone Soup, GSB’s youngest member of the community is chosen to place a soup stone in the cauldron each fall. Beginning with now senior Alexis
Molnar, who was responsible for placing a soup stone in the cauldron as a Pre-Kindergartener in 1998, several other Upper and Middle School students also passed the stone on to this year’s youngest member of the community – Primary 3 student Ariana Isusi ’27. Once the soup stone, along with other ingredients including corn, celery and peppers had been added by Lower School students Pre-K through grade four, GSB’s soup was then sent to the Dining Hall where it was cooked and donated to the Plainfield Senior Citizen’s Center, along with monetary donations. Aside from receiving Stone Soup donations from Gill St. Bernard’s for more than 20 years, the Plainfield Senior Citizen’s Center also meets with GSB’s Lower and Middle School divisions on numerous occasions throughout the school year. Additional activities include monthly soup and sandwich handouts, as well as a luncheon and Middle School play performance for all senior citizens in the spring.
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
The Fable of… Stone Soup A kindly, old stranger was walking through the land when he came upon a village. As he entered, the villagers moved towards their homes locking doors and windows. The stranger smiled and asked, “Why are you all so frightened? I am a simple traveler, looking for a soft place to stay for the night and a warm place for a meal.” “There’s not a bite to eat in the whole province,” he was told. “We are weak and our children are starving. Better keep moving on.” “Oh, I have everything I need,” he said. “In fact, I was thinking of making some stone soup to share with all of you.” He pulled an iron cauldron from his cloak, filled it with water, and began to build a fire under it. Then, with great ceremony, he drew an ordinary-looking stone from a silken bag and dropped it into the water. By now, hearing the rumor of food, most of the villagers had come out of their homes or watched from their windows. As the stranger sniffed the “broth” and licked his lips in anticipation, hunger began to overcome their fear. “Ahh,” the stranger said to himself rather loudly, “I do like a tasty stone soup. Of course, stone soup with cabbage – that’s hard to beat.” Soon a villager approached hesitantly, holding a small cabbage he’d retrieved from its hiding place, and added it to the pot. “Wonderful!” cried the stranger. “You know, I once had stone soup with cabbage and a bit of salt beef as well, and it was fit for a king.” The village butcher managed to find some salt beef... and so it went, through potatoes, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and so on, until there was indeed a delicious meal for everyone in the village to share. The villager elder offered the stranger a great deal of money for the magic stone, but he refused to sell it and traveled on the next day. As he left, the stranger came upon a group of village children standing near the road. He gave the silken bag containing the stone to the youngest child, whispering to a group, “It was not the stone, but the villagers that had performed the magic.”
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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
November 2012
STUDENT NEWS A Look Into Everyday Life at GSB Christopher Lake ’21 Serves as GSB Headmaster for the Day Gill St. Bernard’s Headmaster Sid Rowell swapped places with this year’s “Headmaster for the Day” winner Christopher Lake ’21 on October 26. Lake earned this temporary title thanks to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony T. Lake, who won GSB’s “Headmaster for the Day” silent auction at the school’s 30th Anniversary Oyster Club Gala last April. For just one day, Lake relocated from Janet MacDonald’s fourth grade classroom to the Headmaster’s Office along with his fellow assistant Liam Jones ’21. When not in his office, complete with a large wooden desk, comfy leather chair and, best of all, a candy dispenser, Lake could be found attending school events, meeting new people, making big decisions and creating memories to last a lifetime around the GSB campus. Meanwhile, daily activities participated in by Rowell from behind his new desk in Ms. MacDonald’s classroom included the completion of a multiplication facts quiz and mental math test, and a lesson on Viking warriors and weapons.
“Headmaster for the Day” winner Christopher Lake ’21 in the Headmaster’s Office.
GSB Congratulates New Foreign Language Honor Society Inductees Congratulations to the following Upper School students who were accepted into GSB’s chapter of the Spanish, French or Latin Honor Society during a Foreign Language Honor Society Induction Ceremony held in Brueckner Hall on Friday, October 26, 2012:
Current and new members from GSB’s chapter of the Latin Honor Society (l. to r.) Harrison Loomis ’13, Caitlin Stefanick ’13, Kelly Stefanick ’13, Andrew Devine ’13, Sarangi Patel ’13, Katherine Giordano ’14, Caitlyn Raia ’14 and Emilie Dizdarevic ’14.
Spanish Carlson Brown ’14, Kasey Collins ’14, Stephanie Fuentes ’14, Carly Meyers ’14, Dylan Polachi ’14, Charlotte Reid ’14, Rebecca Richardson ’14, Jasmine Sina ’14, Natalia Sachs ’13, Mariana Weber ’14, Kyle Williams ’14; French Jenna Arasim ’13; Latin Andrew Devine ’13, Emilie Dizdarevic ’14, Katherine Giordano ’14, Caitlyn Raia ’14.
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
November 2012
STUDENT NEWS
Mock Election Teaches Students to Broaden View on World Issues election year, Jill Stein of the Green Party — as portrayed by Dylan Rowell ’14 — stated her beliefs in social justice, non-violence, decentralization and diversity. Lastly, the Socialist Party, represented by students Jenna Arasim ’13 and Laura Wood ’13, promised to focus on public need rather than private profits by demanding a complete economic transformation. With each student-candidate required to address at least one of six agreed upon issues, all also voiced their opinions at a presidential/vice presidential debate in the Athletic Center on October 16. Following a two-minute discussion on various topics concerning campaign finance (Libertarians), energy (Green Party), foreign policy (Republicans), the economy (Democrats) and personal liberties (Socialists), each party was then given one minute to voice a response. All parties also had the opportunity to present a two-minute closing statement at the conclusion of the debate. The election continued with a press conference held in the Athletic Center on Friday, October 26. Armed and ready with information on each party, more than 100 high schools nationwide headed to the polls to place their vote on Tuesday, October 30 (see results below).
RESULTS ARE IN!
top row: (L. to r.) Katherine McLellan ’13 and Caitlin Stefanick ’13; Green Party Representatives (l. to r.) Kasey Collins ’14 as VP Cheri Honkala and Dylan Rowell ’14 as President-elect Jill Stein; middle row: Iman Jebara ’13; Jenna Arasim ’13 as President-elect Stewart Alexander of the Socialist Party; bottom row: Presidential candidates (l. to r.) Ryan LaPre’ ’13 as Barack Obama and Stark Kirby ’13 as Mitt Romney; Shane Burchard ’15.
For the seventh consecutive presidential election year, Gill St. Bernard’s joined in a mock election process known as V.O.T.E.S. or Voting Opportunities for Teenagers in Every State. Over the past 24 years, V.O.T.E.S. has taught thousands of students grades nine through 12 about the democratic process, has tested their political savvy and has prepared them to perform one of the nation’s most important duties and freedoms; voting. The Upper School kicked-off its 2012 mock presidential election process with an early-morning campaign rally on the porch of Founders Hall this October 11. While addressing crowd members present at the rally, GSB’s mock Democratic Party consisting of students Ryan LaPre’ ’13 and Maxwell Lieblich ’14 discussed the various ways in which to create jobs on U.S. soil yet not stifle small business practices in the process. After a brief introduction from First Lady-in-Waiting Ann Romney (Kelly Stefanick ’13), the Republican Party made up of Stark Kirby ’13 and Craig Pilla ’14 then introduced a five-step plan aimed at bettering the nation’s economic infrastructure. The Libertarian Party, containing students Katherine Giordano ’14 and Scoey Young ’13, next discussed strategies for maximizing freedom and minimizing government interference. Following Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson’s vow to evoke real change this
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
Congratulations to the Democratic Party, winner of the 2012 V.O.T.E.S. competition. With the mock election process known as V.O.T.E.S. accurately predicting five of the past six presidential elections, this year proved no different as Barack Obama was re-elected President of the United States on November 6. Despite inclement weather across the east coast, this year’s mock election still saw more than 54,000 adolescents from participating schools cast their ballots on October 30. Among the results, Obama received 316 electoral votes and Republican challenger Mitt Romney received 208. Obama also received 50.2% of the popular vote (27,107). Meanwhile, Romney earned 41.2% (22,252). At least two schools from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia participated in this year’s V.O.T.E.S. program. Other participating New Jersey high schools included both Princeton High School and Watchung Hills Regional High School. Representing all five parties throughout Gill St. Bernard’s October election process were the following student-candidates: Democrats: Ryan LaPre’ ’13 (Barack Obama), Maxwell Lieblich ’14 (Joe Biden) Republicans: Stark Kirby ’13 (Mitt Romney), Craig Pilla ’14 (Paul Ryan) Libertarians: Katherine Giordano ’14 (Gary Johnson), Scoey Young ’13 (Jim Gray) Green Party: Dylan Rowell ’14 (Jill Stein), Kasey Collins ’14 (Cheri Honkala) Socialists: Jenna Arasim ’13 (Stewart Alexander), Laura Wood ’13 (Alejandro Mendoza)
Democratic Party Representatives and winners of the 2012 V.O.T.E.S. election process: (l. to r.) Maxwell Lieblich ’14 as VP Joe Biden & Ryan LaPre’ ’13 as President Barack Obama.
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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
November 2012
STUDENT LIFE RECAP
Upperclassmen Show School Spirit at Series of Competitions The Upper School kicked-off its 2012 Spirit Cup contest with a series of competitions on October 5. Beginning in Todd Quad, students grades nine through 12 separated into various groups depicting the team colors blue, gray, white, green, orange, yellow, purple and black. After participating in a Knight Hunt for 200 foam Knights hidden around the track in the morning — with GSB’s largest-ever freshman class earning the most points — students later spent the afternoon testing both their athletic and critical thinking skills. Following volleyball, kickball and football games on the athletic fields and a jeopardy tournament, drama class and art
competition in Hockenbury and Founders Hall, the day then culminated with a round robin tournament hosted by numerous teachers back on the track. With each session lasting approximately six minutes, all groups took part in a total of 12 different activities — rotating from golf putting to cup stacking to musical chairs. In the end, it was the blue team that garnered the most points (31) following each event, to receive a pizza party and dress-down day.
top row: (L. to r.) Elizabeth Prins ’13, Amanda Greenberg ’13, Kimberly Lindquist ’13, Bethany Valentine ’13, Tim DiBisceglie ’13, Bijan Eizadkhah ’13 and Michael Renna ’13; (L. to r.) Claire Todd ’16, Luke Fischer ’16, Casey Saladino ’14 and Kristin Murtha ’14; (L. to r.) Kara Stevens ’14, Dana Klein ’14 and Emily Quinn ’13; (L. to r.) Emilia Williams ’14, Kaitlyn Avery ’14 and Nicholas Bilynsky ’13; 2nd row: Andrew Noll ’16 breaks past Austin Scott ’16 for a touchdown in flag football; Emily Western ’15 adds some finishing touches to junior Bryce Neville’s hand-made outfit; Haley Miller ’13 sprints to home plate during a kickball tournament; Kendall Dunn ’14 completes a serve in volleyball; bottom row: Nicholas Blackman ’13 finds a Knight for the senior class.
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
Lending a Helping Hand with Homework
November 2012
numerous steps that can be taken to actively conserve water and reviewed the names of those macroinvertebrates they discovered in the Peapack Brook this September.
Ryan Fucci ’17 helps Tyler Merna ’19 with his work during an October 3 “Homework Help” session.
A true example of students helping students, such Middle School veterans as Ryan Fucci ’17 (pictured above) dedicate various Wednesdays throughout the school year to providing academic assistance for their fifth and sixth grade peers. Aside from assisting with homework in any subject area, offering tips for organization, and helping students prepare for upcoming quizzes and tests, the after-school program known as “Homework Help” also allows individuals from various grade levels to interact, form friendships and strengthen the overall bond held between each student in the Middle School community at GSB. While four sessions of “Homework Help” were held from 3:004:15 p.m. on numerous Wednesdays throughout the months of September and October, additional sessions will be held in Conover 108 on the following dates: November 28, December 12 and December 19. “Homework Help” sessions spanning January to May will also be announced prior to winter recess.
Middle School Science Update
(L. to r.) Brian Neville ’19 and William Henderlong ’19 demonstrate the negative effects of using pesticides on farmland; Surbhi Srinivas ’19 points out an example of how run-off occurs using her group’s EnviroScape.
First Graders Create Fall Sweatshirts Using leaves collected in their yards and around their local communities over the weekend, first grade students created colorful sweatshirts depicting brown, green, purple, pink, red, orange and yellow painted leaves on Monday, October 22. This fun activity, which has remained a cherished tradition for many years in the Lower School, was completed through the help of numerous parent-volunteers.
Alexandra Watson ’24 shows-off the leaf sweatshirt she’s made.
Teri Cosentino’s 6C science class received a visit from two AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors from the Upper Raritan Watershed Association on Tuesday, October 16. Using tools known as EnviroScapes to show various types of environmental contaminants as well as their many causes, such focuses of this lesson included properly identifying and finding solutions to point and non point source pollution. Students also learned
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
Lower School Launches “Being a Writer” Program
(F. to b.) Sara Pakka ’23 and Nicholas Parlavecchio ’23.
A program available to all students in Kindergarten through grade two, “Being a Writer” will be offered this year. The program is led by teachers Susan O’Brian, Debora Miller and Mary Tuohy, and allows Gill St. Bernard’s younger children to channel their creativity on paper. In one lesson, second grade students learned that authors often use sketches as inspiration for their writing. With this in mind, the group explored the GSB campus and created drawings of the various things they found interesting. Their sketches were then used to write a story. “They loved it and were highly motivated to write when we returned to the classroom,” commented O’Brian.
November 2012
then dance at a second round of tryouts several months later. Following her tryouts, Kroon advanced to the New York Young Dancer 2 Summer Intensive program, in which she spent a total of two weeks attending classical ballet training for three hours each morning and specialty classes for three hours each day after lunch. Such genres covered during those specialty classes offered to 100 level-two students spanning ages 10 to 12 included modern hip hop, Spanish Flamenco and African Horton — all variations of modern dance. According to Kroon, her favorite forms of dance are both modern and ballet. “Modern is fun and includes all different types of movement, and ballet is very disciplined, focused and organized,” said Kroon. Although Kroon’s busy schedule prohibited her from participating in the Joffrey Ballet School’s year-round program this school year, she does hope to attend Joffrey’s more advanced trainee program for at least one month this upcoming summer. Should she qualify, her course curriculum will feature two hours of ballet technical classes, two hours of point and two hours of pas de deux, or partnering. “My favorite thing about dancing is that it provides good stimulation for the brain, it is fun to do and it requires a lot of discipline and focus,” added Kroon, who would like to continue this hobby throughout high school and, perhaps, pursue a dance minor when in college.
Anja Kroon ’19 Attends World Renowned Ballet Training Center in N.Y.C. Long before her days as a Middle School cross country team member beginning in 2011, Gill St. Bernard’s sixth grade student-athlete Anja Kroon also took up dancing at the early age of two.
Anja Kroon ’19.
While dance schools attended by Kroon over the past nine years have included Dance Express in Warren, N.J., this summer 2012 also marked Kroon’s second year participating with the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. In order to be eligible for the Joffrey program, all dancers must submit a DVD and resume, as well as a picture of themselves in arabesque. Those who qualify
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
November 2012
Middle School Students Earn Unexpected Acclaim While Helping Local Animal Shelter
Gill St. Bernard’s would like to recognize three Middle School students – Catelyn Woelfle ’19, Susanne Mundt ’19 and Emma Malian ’19 – who not only donated to, but also volunteered at the St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, N.J., this summer. Below is a reprinted article, which appeared in a July, 2012 posting on the Long Valley Patch website and details how several good deeds done by the girls led to unexpected acclaim. Aside from receiving honorable mention in this news article written by Jason Koestenblatt, the girls were also included in a taping of the TLC network’s hit reality show “Cake Boss.”
Catelyn Woelfle went the extra mile in helping St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center. What began as a simple drop-off of supplies to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison ended in some hard work and a cleaning venture for Long Valley’s Catelyn Woelfle.
Woelfle and her mother, Catherine, headed to the Country Nursery in Chester and asked if they would donate mulch, gardening tools and other supplies needed to complete the project. Without hesitation, Mrs. Woelfle said, the business handed over whatever was asked for.
The 11-year-old Gill St. Bernard’s pupil and student council member took part in the school’s annual pet drive to benefit local animal shelters, a major part of the institution’s community service programs.
With that, the four-sport-playing, Washington Township Girl Scout and soon-to-be sixth grader grabbed two friends from Long Valley and went to complete the project.
What happened next was unexpected, but resulted in some much needed help for the shelter.
Those friends, Susanne Mundt and Emma Malian, both Gill St. Bernard’s students, spent upwards of three hours – with some parental help – cleaning up the garden.
When Woelfle and five other classmates dropped off the supplies, they were asked if they would be interested in helping clean up the shelter’s garden, which was overgrown with weeds. The group of girls obliged, and began pulling the weeds and working on the garden. Woelfle then realized more supplies would be needed to beautify the area. Rather than stopping there, Woelfle took the next step in completing the task.
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
“At first, when we dropped off the (pet) supplies, it didn’t look so bad,” Woelfle said. “We started and used our bare hands. And we realized we would need more than that to finish the project.” The project, conducted by three pre-adolescent girls during their summer break, didn’t go without acclaim. Once they finished weeding, planting and mulching, St. Hubert’s asked if the girls would like to join
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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
November 2012
PetFinder’s event celebrating 20 million animal adoptions in Madison. PetFinder is an online database of animals in need of homes. The event wasn’t just for the dogs, though, as TLC network star Buddy Valastro of “Cake Boss” was on hand to present a custom-made cake for those in attendance, and film one of his television shows. Woelfle, the owner of two dogs herself – Maisy, a Black Lab, and Louie, a Jack Russel – said the experience was great and it was fun to meet the star of a show she watches regularly.
(L. to r.) Susanne Mundt ’19, Emma Malian ’19 and Catelyn Woelfle ’19 at a PetFinder event.
From collecting pet supplies to rubbing elbows with reality TV stars and every weed-pulling minute in between, it’s been an exciting couple of weeks for Catelyn Woelfle.
“We had to do a bunch of takes for the show,” Woelfle When teachers ask what she did over the summer, said, “but it was still all about the pets and PetFinder.” Woelfle will have plenty to share.
FACULTY NEWS FEATURE Middle School Teacher Kristina Lasher Named Finalist in PAEMST Contest GSB’s Middle School Math and Algebra 1 Teacher Kristina Lasher was named one of two New Jersey finalists eligible to receive a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) this upcoming spring. As a key Middle School faculty member at Gill St. Bernard’s for the past eight years, Lasher – also a K-6 Math Coordinator – was responsible for facilitating and adopting the school’s Lower School Singapore Math program at the Middle School level. “Kristina has remained professional and forward-looking through all of these duties, always in pursuit of the best way to engage students in mathematical instruction,” said Middle School Director Matthew Huber. As the highest honor that a Kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science teacher can
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
receive for outstanding teaching in America, recipients of the 2012 PAEMST Award will be given a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a paid trip for two to attend a series of recognition events and professional development workshops in Washington, D.C., and a $10,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
GSB Middle School Math Teacher Kristina Lasher.
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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
November 2012
ATHLETICS GSB Great Pumpkin Run Leads to New Course Record and Several Fine Finishes Gill St. Bernard’s Middle School cross country program hosted its annual Pumpkin Run on Friday, October 26. While the boys’ squad secured an overall fifth place team finish over opponents from Peck and Rutgers Prep, also garnering individual top-10 finishes throughout the race were teammates Felix Andersen ’17 (first/9:31), Sean Foster ’17 (second/10:32) and Ryan Turse ’18 (10th/10:56). Aside from posting a first place finish, Andersen also earned a new course record over his older brother, Patrik ’15, who obtained the school’s previous course record — 9:39 — in 2010. Rounding out GSB’s top-five runners were Theodore Lazar ’20 and Daniel Heo ’20 as well.
(L. to r.) Sean Foster ’17 and Ryan Turse ’18 take second and 10th in GSB’s 2012 Great Pumpkin Run.
From the girls’ squad, which took an overall third place team finish just behind Kent Place and Central Middle School, fine times were had by Lily Fischer ’19 (13th), Kennedy Hayes ’18 (17th), Kierstyn Brown ’20 (19th), Nicole Johnson ’18 (29th) and Samantha Bittman ’17 (32nd). All in all, it was a great day for Gill St. Bernard’s which saw a total of 20 GSB cross country team members earn personal records at this year’s Great Pumpkin Run.
Varsity Girls Tennis Team Named Non Public B South Sectional Champion Congratulations to GSB’s varsity girls’ tennis team, which secured its first Non Public B South Sectional Championship since 2007 this season. As the #3 seed in this fall’s NJSIAA Non Public B South Tournament, the girls received a first round bye and later competed against the tournament’s #6 seed — Our Lady of Mercy — in a quarterfinal match on Tuesday, October 9. Following a 5-0 victory over Our Lady of Mercy, the girls then traveled to the #2-seeded Wardlaw-Hartridge School for a semifinal match on Monday, October 11. Despite holding an undefeated 8-0 regular-season record, the Wardlaw-Hartridge Rams were unable to overcome the Gill St. Bernard’s Knights as they garnered a 4-1 victory. Leading the girls against Wardlaw-Hartridge were both Krishna Patel ’16 and Bethany Valentine ’13 at singles. Meanwhile, Kendall Dunn ’14 and Carolyn Najarian ’16, as well as Jacqueline Fuentes ’16 and Laura Wood ’13, won two close matches at doubles.
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
GSB’s Non Public B South Sectional Champions.
Gill St. Bernard’s varsity girls’ tennis team next hosted Moorestown Friends School in the NJSIAA Non Public B South State Tournament finals on Monday, October 15. Leading the girls in their sectional final match against the #4-seeded Moorestown Friends School were both Patel and Lydia Dey ’13 who saw wins at first and third singles. Meanwhile, Kendall Dunn and Wood defeated Moorestown 6-1, 6-2 at first doubles. Also rounding out scoring for the Knights throughout this match-up were freshmen Najarian and Jacqueline Fuentes at second doubles. Aside from garnering a 4-1 victory over its talented opponent, Gill St. Bernard’s also earned the title of a Non Public B South Sectional Champion. This fine achievement joins another sectional title obtained by the varsity boys’ tennis team this spring 2012.
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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
Additional contributors to the varsity girls’ tennis team’s success this season include student-athletes Stephanie Fuentes ’14, Emma Clayton ’14 and Lucille Dunn ’16.
Varsity Sports Round-Up *RESULTS AS OF 10/28/2012 Varsity Boys Soccer: Record: 15-2-1 Season at a Glance: Gill St. Bernard’s fifth seeded varsity boys soccer team met Rutgers Prep in the second round of the Somerset County Tournament on Saturday, October 6. With both teams off to a slow start on the field, it was VARSITY BOYS SOCCER: Tim DiBisceglie ’13 of GSB who Danny Sivolella ’16. shattered the game’s scoreless tie 57 minutes into the match. His was followed by a second goal from Tyler Kwaak ’16 shortly after. Both were assisted by fellow teammates Bijan Eizadkhah ’13 and Justin Durcan ’14. Goalkeeper Mike Renna ’13 also made three saves in the 2-0 shutout over Rutgers Prep, which secured a quarterfinal match-up with the SCT’s fourth seeded contender — Bridgewater-Raritan — on Saturday, October 13. Despite great effort, the boys were unable to continue their five-game winning streak and fell — for just the second time this season — to Bridgewater in the SCT quarterfinals. This 1-0 loss came off a goal scored by the opposition midway through the first half. While still undefeated in conference play, the boys did secure a 5-0 win over Manville on Tuesday, October 9, as well as a 4-0 victory over North Plainfield on Thursday, October 11. Leading the boys with two goals each in the contest at Manville were DiBisceglie and Eizadkhah. JaeChiang Wong ’13 also converted a cross from Durcan to begin the rally in the 21st minute. Not only did Eizadkhah add one goal and two assists in the win over Plainfield, but it was student-athletes Renna, James Reiner ’14 and Durcan who scored one goal apiece for the Knights as well. The winning continued with a 3-0 victory over Bernard’s High School on Thursday, October 18. Goals were scored by Reiner, Wong and Durcan. Theophilus Timothy ’13 and DiBisceglie added assists as well. In addition, defenders Stark Kirby ’13, Matthew Decker ’16 and Ryan Osterman ’13 also helped keep the Bernard’s offense at bay while Renna made five saves to preserve the shutout. With an overall season record of 13-2-1, the varsity boys soccer team also went 11-0-1 in the Skyland Conference to earn this year’s Valley Division crown (the boys second crown since joining the Skyland Conference in 2009). This fine accomplishment came as a result of a 5-2 win over Bound Brook High School — with goals from DiBisceglie
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
November 2012
(two goals, two assists), Eizadkhah, Reiner and Jordan Schreer ’15 — on October 23 and later a 5-0 victory over Belvidere High School on October 26. While at Belvidere, Eizadkhah and Reiner scored two goals apiece, and Durcan scored one goal to finish off the game. This fine win also marked Renna’s 12th shutout of the season on net. After defeating Golda Och Academy 3-2 in the quarterfinals of the Prep B Tournament on October 25, the boys are now looking forward to post-season tournament play in the weeks ahead. Varsity Girls Soccer: Record: 8-6-1 Season at a Glance: The varsity girls soccer team advanced to round two of the Somerset County Tournament following a 2-1 win over Rutgers Prep at GSB’s Homecoming/Family Day on September 29. Despite sincere effort from each Knight on the playing field during the next round of the SCT, the girls fell to Hillsborough High School on October 6. The team quickly recovered with back-to-back wins the following week, when they not only defeated Manville High School 4-0 on Tuesday afternoon — following two goals and an assist from Kathryn Bednarsky ’14 as well as one goal apiece from Andrea Jablonskyj ’14 and Margot Chowansky ’13 — but also saw a 2-0 victory over North VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER: Plainfield just two days later on Jessica Ferrando ’13. October 11. While Renee Turner ’16 garnered the first goal of her varsity career at North Plainfield, additional points were also scored by Brianne Adornetto ’13. Adornetto, along with Kelly Staples ’14, Kelly Stefanick ’13 and Kim Lindquist ’13 also played stellar defense to help goalkeeper Jessica Ferrando ’13 earn her second shutout victory in one week. The winning continued as the girls finished off their regular season with an 8-0 victory over Bound Brook High School on Tuesday, October 23. While Bednarsky and Jablonskyj netted two goals apiece, Kelly Stefanick, Carly Meyers ’14, Jane O’Connor ’16 and Lindquist also found the back of the net once. Assists came from Amanda Greenberg ’13 and Chowansky as well throughout the game. Varsity Girls Tennis: Record: 12-5 Season at a Glance: Following several postponed matches due to inclement weather, the varsity girls tennis team returned to the courts — at Mountain Lakes High School — on Friday, October 5. Despite wins from Krishna Patel ’16 and Lydia Dey ’13 at singles, the girls were unable to maintain their 5-0 winning streak and fell 3-2 to Mountain Lakes. Attending the NJSIAA State Singles Tournament at Mercer County Park just two days later, Patel garnered wins over Maddie Graziani of Woodbury (7-6, 6-2) and Chloma Gabriel of Piscataway (6-3, 6-0) to advance to the NJSIAA State Singles Championships. She then faced a top-seeded Lexi Borr of Westfield in the round of 16 on Saturday, October 13.
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The Monthly Newsletter for Gill St. Bernard’s School
With a first round bye going into this year’s Non Public B South Sectional Tournament, GSB next swept Our Lady of Mercy 5-0 in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, October 9. The Knights then earned a 4-1 victory over the undefeated Wardlaw-Hartridge VARSITY GIRLS TENNIS: Stephanie Fuentes ’14. Rams in the semifinals on October 11. Up next was Moorestown Friends School, which the varsity girls tennis team defeated 4-1 to earn the Non Public B South title — its first sectional championship since 2007. Carolyn Najarian ’16 and Jacqueline Fuentes ’16, along with Patel, Dey and Bethany Valentine ’13, all advanced to the semifinal round in their respective flights of a Prep B Tournament at Wardlaw-Hartridge School on Sunday, October 21 as well. Patel won two matches to get to the final round at first singles, which was played at the Garden State Tennis Center in Edison on Monday, October 22. With a final record of 12-5, the varsity girls tennis team earned 10 wins over its Skyland Conference rivals this season. Among these was a 5-0 victory over Franklin High School on October 23 — the final match of the season. Leading the girls to their second consecutive Raritan Division Championship since 2011 during this match were Patel, Valentine and Dey, who swept the singles positions. Kendall Dunn ’14 with Laura Wood ’13 and Jacqueline Fuentes with Najarian also won at first and second doubles. Varsity Boys Cross Country: Record: 6-3 Season at a Glance: Shortly after securing a dual-meet victory over Belvidere High School on October 3, the varsity boys cross country team attended a Shore Coaches’ Invitational at Holmdel Park on Saturday, October 6. Taking sixth overall for Gill St. Bernard’s on the 5k course was Patrik Andersen ’15 with a time of 17:35. He was followed by teammates Alec Johnson ’15 (19:21), Jacob Kruger ’15 (19:49), Edward Fischer ’15 (20:40), Andrew Provines ’13 (20:49) and Andrew VARSITY BOYS CROSS Wible ’15 (21:21). Meanwhile, COUNTRY: Brian Steck ’13. competing in the freshman 3200-meter event were Sam Zimmer (13:29), Mycroft Zimmerman (15:03), Michael Iannaconi (15:07), Paul Kruger (17:24) and Sebastian Pampalone (17:54). Once again leading the boys’ team — this time to an overall fourth place finish — at a GSB Cross Country Invite on October 10 was Andersen, who crossed the line fourth in 17:15. Also earning top-10 finishes for the Knights at the Invite were Brian Steck ’13 (17:32), Jacob Kruger (18:54), Provines (19:51) and Fischer (20:22).
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
November 2012
The boys continued their season with a Somerset County Boys Cross Country Championship in Pleasant Valley Park on Wednesday, October 17. Leading the boys to an overall 10th place finish — the fastest combined time ever acquired by any GSB boys team at this event — were Andersen (16:51), Steck (18:06), Johnson (18:43), Jacob Kruger (18:45), Provines (19:54), Wible (20:16) and Fischer (20:39). The team’s freshmen runners also did well, as they earned an overall eighth place finish; their first-ever finish at this event. Conquering the two-mile course were Iannaconi (13:39), William Metzler ’16 (13:41), Zimmerman (13:45), Paul Kruger (13:57) and Pampalone (14:31). Continuing their season at the Skyland Conference Boys Cross Country Championships in Natirar Park on October 25, Steck (16:50) was the first to cross the line for GSB, as he finished 32nd out of a field of 135 male contenders. Jacob Kruger (18:31), Provines (19:25) and Wible (19:55) also posted fine finishes for the boys. Varsity Girls Cross Country: Record: 7-3 Season at a Glance: Just three days after defeating Belvidere High School during a dual-meet at Voorhees High School, GSB’s varsity girls cross country team shined at this year’s Shore Coaches’ Invitational held in Holmdel Park on October 6. Garnering top-20 finishes in the day’s 5k race were Dana Klein ’14 who took fourth place in 19:57, Alex Benoit ’14 who placed seventh in 20:20, and Emily Quinn ’13 who crossed the line 10th in 21:20. VARSITY GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY: Dana Klein ’14, Emily These fine performances, along with Quinn ’13 and Alex Benoit ’14. strong finishes by Madeline Quinn ’15 (21:55), Natalia Sachs ’13 (25:10) and Emily Iannaconi ’13 (25:49) led the girls to an overall third place team finish in the 5k “Varsity F” race. Leading the girls in the freshmen 3200-meter race were Morgan Margolis (15:03) and Sahara Ensley (15:04), who took fifth and sixth place, respectively. Additional participants included Lillie Wilson (17:59) and Zoe Quan-Shau (18:13) as well. The girls next hosted nine rival schools at a Gill St. Bernard’s Invitational on Wednesday, October 10. Taking first amongst a field of 53 female participants was Klein who crossed the line in 18:49 to defend last year’s overall first place team finish. Blair Academy finished second overall and Lawrenceville Prep took third. Meanwhile, rounding out GSB’s top-five female runners were Emily Quinn with a fifth place finish in 20:15, Benoit who placed seventh in 20:39, Madeline Quinn taking 11th place in 21:23, and Ensley crossing the line 19th in 22:09. The fastest time (19:16) ever had by any GSB girl while running in Pleasant Valley Park, Klein finished ninth out of a field of 92 female runners at the Somerset County Girls Cross Country Championship on Wednesday, October 17. Along with Klein, runners Emily Quinn (20:30), Benoit (20:33), Madeline Quinn (20:58), Ensley (21:54) and Sachs (23:40) also contributed to an overall sixth place team finish and the
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fastest total time had by any GSB girls team at this event. Meanwhile posting a top-10 finish in the freshman girls race was Margolis who placed second in a time of 13:55 — just seven seconds short of breaking the all-time course record — and Amanda Leonhard ’18 who took ninth in 15:18, respectively. The season continued with the Skyland Conference Girls Cross Country Championships held at Natirar Park on Thursday, October 25. Taking 14th against a field of 141 runners was Klein with a time of 18:54. Also finishing among the top third of all runners in the race were Benoit (28th/19:41) and Emily Quinn (45th/20:28). Sachs completed scoring for the girls as she crossed the line in 22:54. Meanwhile, leading the Knights to an overall team championship in the freshman girls race were Ensley (21:13) and Margolis (21:34) who took first and second. They were followed by Leonhard (19th/24:56), Wilson (20th/24:56) and Quan-Shau (25th/26:54).
November 2012
Dates to Remember Thursday, November 15 Pie Sale Pick-Up Thursday-Saturday, November 15, 16, 17 Upper School Production of Plaza Suite
GSB Girls Basketball Announcement
Friday, November 16 Turkey Day (Don’t forget to bring your turkeys!)
John Slackman Named New Head Varsity Coach
Sunday, November 18 MS & US Admission Open House
Gill St. Bernard’s newly named head varsity girls basketball coach, John Slackman, holds valuable experience both playing and coaching at a very high level. Although new to the girls’ team, Slackman is no stranger to the GSB athletic program. As top assistant coach to the school’s boys basketball program since 2010, Slackman’s leadership has played an instrumental role in helping the boys achieve national success. A solid coach and mentor, his former duties with the boys team ranged from managing day-to-day operations to developing strong relationships with each player. Aside from serving as manager and head coach of a girls AAU basketball clinic in Whippany, N.J., additional experience held by Slackman — beyond the high school level — includes assistant coach at the University of Pittsburgh (Bradford), where his everyday responsibilities involved designing and implementing practice routines, developing game strategies and coordinating recruitment efforts. Slackman holds a Master in Sports Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh (Bradford), where he was also a member of its Division III men’s basketball team. Using this college basketball experience, Slackman is able to provide advice and assistance to those GSB alumni currently participating on college-level teams.
Gill St. Bernard’s School • St. Bernard’s Road • Gladstone, NJ 07934
Wednesday, November 21 No School Thursday, November 22 No School – Thanksgiving Friday, November 23 No School Friday, November 30 Community Blood Drive Tuesday, December 4 GSB Parents’ Association Fashion Show – Destination Fashion Wednesday, December 5 Lower School Production – Annie, Jr. Jazz Band Concert
To view more school events, or information on the above, please see GSB’s online calendar.
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GILL ST. BERNARD’S SCHOOL St. Bernard’s Road P.O. Box 604 Gladstone, NJ 07934 908-234-1611 www.gsbschool.org
COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Register Online Today! Time slots are still available for anyone, ages 16 or older, who would like to sign up for Gill St. Bernard’s community blood drive, which will be held in Brueckner Hall on Friday, November 30. Hosted by the student-run organization known as H.O.P.E., or Helping Other People and the Environment, GSB’s annual blood drive allows members from both inside and outside of the Gill St. Bernard’s community to help save the one out of every three people who will need blood at least once throughout their lifetime.
are encouraged to make a donation, they must fall within the New York Blood Center ’s height and weight requirements. Regardless of age, all donors must weigh a minimum of 110 lbs. as well. Among those other requirements, participants should not have donated blood within the past 56 days nor should they have any of the various medical conditions listed at www.nybloodcenter.org. Additional questions about medical conditions can also be directed to the New York Blood Center ’s medical eligibility department at 1-800-688-0900.
Aside from filling out a few forms on the day of the blood drive (including a parental consent form for any 16-year-old child), all participants are also expected to present some form of identification such as a passport or driver ’s license containing a signature or photo. While children ages 16 to 18
Interested donors can pre-register at: https://www.gsbschool.org/blood-drive. Walk-ins are also welcome between noon and 6:00 p.m. on the day of the event. We hope to see you there!