The Lamp
VOLUME 3, NUMBER 5 Fall 2011
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O l df i e l ds
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Dear Alumnae, Parents, and Friends:
T
he year is off to a fantastic start. We welcomed 62 new girls to the Oldfields community in August, as the School builds towards a full enrollment of 180 next year. While the enrollment of most other schools is shrinking, Oldfields has grown by 50 students in the last three years. We are one of only two NAIS schools in the entire country who have grown by over 10% in each of the last three years. The key to our growth is our commitment to maximizing the potential of each student in a challenging, but nurturing environment. In trying to describe the success of Oldfields in the 1980s and 1990s, one educational consultant said, “Oldfields is successful because it is mission-driven. They know who they are and do what they say.” It is to this mission that we have successfully returned.
We have adopted a theme for each year during my four-year tenure. This year the theme is “Honoring Traditions and Embracing Change.” Much of our focus is aimed towards introducing our students to the rich, vibrant history of the School. During the summer, each student and faculty member read Mary McPherson’s history of the School, A Feeling of Family. In addition, the first senior presentation, given by Student Head of School Alexandra “Ali” Towne ’12, was about the legacy of Miss Herky and its influence on her as a student at Oldfields. We are also blessed to have several new legacies, including one new freshman whose great-great-grandmother graduated from Oldfields in 1895! You will discover that much of what we are doing this year focuses on the School theme, including our Annual Giving solicitations and the focus of April’s Alumnae Weekend. We are even working on an update of the Oldfields history by collecting a series of interviews and letters from alumnae, past parents, and former teachers. I couldn’t be more proud of the progress we have made during the last four years. It is all due to the foundation established by 145 years of alumnae and faculty. I urge you all to share your favorite memories of Oldfields with me. Keep our beloved School in your hearts!! Sincerely, Taylor Smith Head of School
Inside
Fall Family Weekend • Oldfields Welcomes New Faculty and Staff Members• Oldfields Races for the Cure • Development Office Update