THE LAMP
VOLUME 4, NUMBER 1 Fall 2012
A
N e w s l e t t e r
f r o m
O l d f i e l d s
S c h o o l
Dear Alumnae, Parents, and Friends:
T
here are many markers that indicate the extraordinary progress the School has made in the last four years. Some are quantitative, such as the fact that we have almost doubled our enrollment and moved from a huge projected deficit to a break-even budget. Some are captured in phrases like, “We are now raising annual funds in order to thrive; not simply to survive.” However, what I believe is the most significant marker reflecting our success is the time and creative energy that we can now put into programs that will make the School one of excellence. I became an educator because I love working with young people and enjoy seeing our students grow from Oldfields girls into successful young woman of whom we are all proud. My travels to visit alumnae all over the world have assured me that we have done our job well! We have also produced young women who are passionate about their time at their alma mater. I just returned from a trip to Bogota, Colombia and hosted a dinner of alumnae from the 1980s. I asked each to speak of what they remember about their Oldfields years and one literally could not get anything out because each time she tried to speak, she dissolved into tears of joy. Although I understand that development is a major part of my job and that my Board will partly judge my performance by my success in fundraising, what has always given me my kicks is the “day to day.” What has made Oldfields so successful over the years is its adherence to the mission. We are committed to maximizing the potential of each girl. I know that when I say this most people think of academic success. However, we seek to help our students achieve excellence in all areas of school life, including the arts, athletics, and riding. We also seek to enable students to become leaders at Oldfields and beyond. We have made one major change this year that has helped to facilitate that and at the same time has contributed to the feeling of family for which the School is known. When I was assistant head at Oldfields in the 1980s, seniors were given responsibilities as well as privileges. However, this commitment has faded over the years. This year, we are asking even more of the senior class as they are working in tandem with the dorm parents in order to run the dorms. The seniors meet regularly with the dorm parents to share their concerns and joys about the younger students in the dorm. The younger girls see the seniors as their “moms,” helping to tuck them in at night and being there when they are homesick or frustrated by a bad grade. Not only did we anoint the seniors as dorm leaders, we brought them back two days early and put them through a leadership training program. They have contributed a great deal to make this one of the best starts of School that I can remember. Their contributions as leaders have made School life better while simultaneously developing the leadership skills that will help them be successful in life. Sincerely,
Taylor Smith Head of School
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