Trying New Things in Tasmania

Caroline Vanderloo ’22 (pictured far left) also spent time at The Friends’ School in Hobart, Tasmania in the summer. Here is a blog post she wrote about her experience:

This summer I had the opportunity to travel to Hobart, Tasmania for a month-long exchange trip. The program included classes at The Friends’ School (TFS), a fellow Quaker school in Hobart, as well as weekend excursions throughout the island.

I traveled with three other sophomores from Abington Friends in Philadelphia. The trip began with 24 hours on a SODQHWRˊ\IURP1HZ<RUNWR+REDUWZLWKOD\RYHUVLQ/RV$QJHOHVDQG0HOERXUQH8SRQODQGLQJZHPHWRXUKRVW families and started settling into the laid-back Australian lifestyle.

6FKRRODW7)6ZDVVLJQLˉFDQWO\GLIIHUHQWWKDQ:)67KHUHZHUHPRUHRSWLRQVLQHOHFWLYHFRXUVHVVXFKDVVSRUWVVFLHQFHGDQFH DQGFRRNLQJZKLFKJDYHPH the ability to try new classes. Classes there were slightly larger in comparison to those here, which took a little bit of getting used to, but eventually, I came to enjoy having so many opinions in one room. They also didn’t have homework which was surprising to me. One of the major differences was that the school was split into four “houses.” The houses competed against each other in various competitions including drama, athletics, and more. The winner of each event earned points for their house. This was really interesting because the students were all very devoted to their house and wanted to earn as many points as possible. They also offered other sports, such as Aussie rules football, netball, and crew, that aren’t available at WFS. I took advantage of the fact that they only practiced once a week and tried them all. While I don’t think that I’ll be taking up any of these sports in the near future, I appreciated being able to try things that I would not have the opportunity to try here. It was really interesting to me that sports were a lot more low-key and relaxed.

Each weekend I was able to take trips to see some of the most memorable parts of the island. Some of these included hiking through Shipstern Bluff, visitLQJWKH021$PXVHXPDQGH[SORULQJWKHWRSRI0W:HOOLQJWRQ:HDOVRWRRNDGD\WULSWRDORFDODQLPDOFRQVHUYDWRU\VR,FRXOGVHHDOOWKHQDWLYHZLOGOLIH including kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and echidnas. All of these places were very different from each other, but I noticed that they all value nature a lot. During these trips, I also noticed some cultural differences, including a lot of colloquial language and a relatively relaxed way of life in comparison to the constant busyness many of us experience daily.

This winter, I will have the opportunity to reconnect with a member of my host family, Eloise, who will stay with us for a month. She will be involved in the :)6FXOWXUHERWKDFDGHPLFDOO\DQGDWKOHWLFDOO\:HDOVRH[SHFW WRWDNHWULSVWR3KLODGHOSKLD1HZ<RUNDQG:DVKLQJWRQ'&WRVKRZKHUVRPHRIWKHKLJKOLJKWVRIWKH(DVW&RDVW,ȠPGHˉQLWHO\ORRNLQJIRUZDUGWRUHFRQQHFWLQJZLWKERWKP\KRVWIDPLO\DQGWKHRWKHUH[FKDQJHVWXGHQWV

Saturday, March 7, 2020 6:30 to 10:00 pm

PLEASE JOIN US!

Wilmington Friends School West Gym •

TRIVIA - FUN - PRIZES - BONUS BASKETS - FOOD & DRINKS •

Open to all adult Friends community members • Visit wilmingtonfriends.org for more information

and to purchase tickets today!

What’s new?

The Friends Café, the Java Nook, and the lower school food contracts are now being managed by Culinart Inc. DQGVSHFLˉFDOO\&KHI5LFK3XUˉHOG who has over 25 years of experience in the food service industry. Students, faculty, and staff have been excited about new menu offerings in the Café and hot food in the Java Nook. After WFS food service manager Amy Ferris announced that she would be leaving WFS to move on to new endeavors last spring, an internal school committee explored several different food service organizations. For many reasons, Culinart was the clear choice!

And right next to the cafeteria is our new School Store, which carries all kinds of WFS gear and accessories, as well as school supplies. To check store hours and see the wide range of items available, please visit our web page under “About Friends.” An online store is in the works with a target opening date of summer 2020.

Health Science Career Panel Thanks to all who joined us for the Health Science Career Panel. Special thanks to the Delaware Health Sciences Alliance and the Delaware Academy of Medicine Delaware Public Health Association, as well as WFS alumni Omar Khan ’90 and Tim Gibbs ’76, who organized the event. Attendees learned a lot about valuable programs for aspiring med students in Delaware including the Delaware Institute of Medical Education and Research (DIMER) as well as Mini-Medical School. Climate Strike As part of this school year’s theme of the Quaker Testimony of Stewardship, WFS upper school students took part in the WFS Climate Strike, a rally (where they were joined by middle school students) and a march to Salesianum School, where students participated in a teach-in about the climate crisis. Fridays for Future WFS, a coalition of student clubs, organized this event as part of the worldwide planned Global Climate Strike, a campaign of youth activism to highlight the Climate Emergency. Parents and WFS faculty and staff, along with students from Charter, Salesianum, Tatnall, and Ursuline joined in.

The “Dela-bear” Stirs up Excitement In early December, a black bear decided to take a tour of parts of Wilmington, crossing I-95 at Route 202 and visiting several homes in the Trolley Square area. The bear then walked along the Brandywine and crossed the river to see what was happening in Alapocas. Law enforcement thought it would be best if WFS issued a “Stay in Place” at school, meaning all students, faculty and staff would remain inside until the bear was captured or left the area. The thought of this “fuzzy friend” hanging out so close to school got many students excited. As an outlet for some antsy third graders, they took some time for a little “bear yoga.” It helped a lot! With no more sightings of the bear later that afternoon, the School was able to resume normal operations. As for where the bear is now? No one is really sure if it moved on or hunkered down in a cozy den to hibernate in Alapocas Woods! First Grade Elder Buddy Program For over 20 years, first graders have been paired with a WFS “elder” in a buddy program aimed at bringing together two generations for conversation, fun, and fellowship. The program is once again underway for this year’s first grade.

WFS Junior Helps Launch Multi-School Investment Club Wilmington Friends student Kyle Nisbet ’21 collaborated with two students from Archmere Academy and Tower Hill School to launch the Delaware Stock Market Club. The club will bring students together for hands-on learning experiences, including talks and workshops, and will create a new statewide investment competition where the best-performing portfolio wins.

Stone Soup! In December, the Kangas preschool class learned about food, including where it comes from and simple ways to prepare it. They also explored the social component, how food brings us together and helps us build community. To that end, they made "stone soup," with each friend contributing a vegetable to add to the dish, and they invited other members of the Friends community to gather with them for the meal.

BSU/SOC Dinner The upper school Black Student Union and the PLGGOHVFKRRODIˉQLW\JURXS6LVWHUVRI&RORU JDWKHUHGIRUWKHˉUVWDQQXDO%6862&3RWOXFN Dinner. The gathering was a big success, as students connected to share fun, food, and advice.

Home and School Update Under the leadership of clerks Danielle Pierre-Belleroche, Rossana Arteaga-Lopenza, and our newest clerk, Amy Blake, the WFS Home and School Association (H&S) has been very busy doing what they do best, raising money and building community. The Parents for Multiculturalism committee hosted a powerful movie night that focused on the worldwide refugee crisis. The class reps organized delicious Faculty/Staff Appreciation events, and the Tuttleman Family worked with H&S to provide chair massages for faculty and staff. Sarah Singleton Turick ’95 and Karen Legum co-clerked a successful fall mum sale, and Olivia Montejo took the lead on the lower school Scholastic Book Fair. This fall, H&S entered into a new partnership with Delaware Theatre Company and, thanks to Bree Wellons and Julie Levenson (pictured below), expanded the annual Gifts and Greens Sale to include a local vendor fair. We are grateful to all of our H&S volunteers who give of their time to enrich our school.

A Focus on Ableism: MS International Day of Peace

The middle school celebrated the International Day of Peace with a halfday program focused on understanding “ableism” or the assumptions and biases we may hold regarding those with disabilities both seen and unseen.

Dr. Megan Pell, WFS parent and part of the University of Delaware’s Center for Disabilities Studies, opened the morning with an introduction to the concept of ableism, statistics showing how pervasive disabilities are among the world’s population, and as a result, how disabilities are or will be a natural part of our human experience. Dr. Pell challenged the students to lay down assumptions about differently-abled individuals and learn more about people’s experience of WKHZRUOGWKURXJKWKHXVHRIˉUVWSHUVRQ language and seeking to understand another’s perspective and experience in life. In their advisories, students then engaged in a series of activities designed to further understand ableism and generate questions about it. Students participated in activities entitled “Left Out” and “Labeled” to emphasize inclusion and generate empathy with those who are marginalized for any reason, not just one’s disability.

The programmed portion of the day concluded with a presentation by Emmanuel Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins is the founder of “We Stand 4 Something,” a QRQSURˉWIRUPHGȢWRKHOSSHRSOHZKR have disabilities pursue their goals, whatever those goals might be.” The focus of his conversation with middle school students was on understanding those with disabilities not by or WKURXJKWKHLUGLVDELOLWLHVEXWˉUVWDVD person, someone who happen to have a disability.

Delaware Senator Tizzy Lockman visited with the middle school student club Sisters of Color, sharing her journey to becoming a legislator as well as explaining how she serves students in her role. Senator Lockman also described the steps needed to become a Senator, and the group engaged in a meaningful discussion about disparities in education.

Middle School Speakers Share Different Perspectives In her presentation to the 7th grade, Holocaust survivor Ann Jaffe told her story of survival and delivered a very compelling, three-fold message: hatred is something that is learned; kindness and giving to others are also learned; one of the most important principles we can follow is forgiveness.

New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer ’90 spoke to 8th grade students about the work of local government and how it has an impact on individual lives and on the county as a whole. The students also got a chance to read opposing perspectives–and offer their own–on a specific local issue.

Author and parent Jim Zug spoke to a section of 8th grade students about his recent work on a project that focused upon Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War. Jim spoke about understanding the main narrative of a story but then diving deeper, uncovering facts and ideas that could turn or alter the entire interpretation of a historical event.

22 Winter 2020 • QuakerMatters The WFS upper school Female Athlete Advocacy Club started its speaker series by hosting Alice Miller, an LPGA tour player and winner of 9 major titles. Alice spoke to over thirty students about overcoming challenges in the pursuit of dreams and about how far women have come in sports. New Upper School Club Speaker Series

Visit from Saudi Teachers Ten Saudi teachers participating in the Khbrat Delaware Program at the University of Delaware recently visited Friends School classrooms as part of their professional learning. Goals of the Khbrat Delaware Program include: developing a mindset of professional inquiry; exploring and evaluating new approaches to teaching; and developing a plan to improve Saudi education.

MUSIC NEWS

Two WFS Musicians Perform at University of Delaware In November 2019, the Delaware Youth Wind Ensemble presented a challenging program of music for concert band DW3XJOLHVH+DOODW8'-LPP\%XWWHUˉHOGȠWHQRUVD[RSKRQHDQGMXQLRU7HGG\'H9ROOȠFODULQHWDUHUHJXODU members of this ensemble, which brings together outstanding high school musicians from the greater Delaware area. DWYE is directed by UD professor and Wind Ensemble conductor Dr. Lauren Reynolds, pictured here with Teddy and Jimmy after their concert.

ACDA Eastern Division Senior High Honor Choir Gianna Martinelli ’22 and Isaiah Gaines ’21 were accepted into the ACDA Eastern Division Senior High Honor Choir for 2020. The ensemble will perform at the division conference in Rochester, NY in March. The choir, selected by audition, includes students from all over the Northeast, from Washington, D.C. to Maine.

Junior Wins NSO Competition At the Newark Symphony Orchestra’s Betsy L. Kent Youth Concerto Competition, Maxine Chou ’21 was the High School Division Winner for Cello. Maxine performed “Cello Concerto in e minor” by Elgar and will play with the NSO in their spring concerts.

All-State Choir Results All-State Choir auditions were held in November 2019 and the performance will take place this February at Dover High School. Junior All-State Choir: soprano, Isabelle Bohner ’24, and three tenors, Maxwell Brown ’24, Drew Clothier ’24, and Aiden Gonzalez ’24. Senior All-State Choir: Gianna Martinelli ’22 and Juliana Melnik ’22 (sopranos) and Brandon Williams ’21 (tenor) and Isaiah Gaines ’21 (bass) were accepted into the Mixed Choir.

At the upper school World Affairs Club lunchtime debate, Craig Lyttleton ’20 and Sophie Mullen ’21 engaged in a lively debate on the intersection of privilege and college admissions. Sophie argued that the recent incidents of wealthy parents breaking the law to assure their children’s spot at elite colleges are the main problem, while Craig argued that the true scandal is the way the entire application process institutionally favors those with money and power.

Student Clubs Focusing on Stewardship

Fridays for the Future WFS is a coalition of clubs working to address the climate crisis. This group organized the Climate Strike and teach-in (see page 19) at the beginning of the year. They are also helping to organize Lunch and Learns throughout the year on specific climate change issues.

Right before Thanksgiving break they held a lunchtime event, the “Cranky Uncle Thanksgiving Dinner Dramatization.” Six students and Head of Upper School Rebecca Zug play-acted scenarios of dinnertime conflict as members of the Doright family clashed over political differences related to climate change. After a bell ring, students learned techniques developed by psychologists to defuse controversial discussions, and make them productive.

Fridays for the Future WFS members met with representatives from the Sierra Club about a project called the Clean Schools project to learn more about participation, and they also ran several workshops on MLK Day.

The Eco-Action Team is a cross-divisional group of students, teachers, and staff that completed the steps for WFS to be recognized as an Eco-School by the National Wildlife Federation. The project began two years ago and has included the installation of a native plant meadow last year and milkweed plants around the Jones House this year. The team is looking for projects to achieve an even higher level of the award.

The Stewardship Committee supports stewardship initiatives at WFS. They provide support for student clubs such as the Eco team, Environmental Club, and Fridays for the Future. The committee is also organizing a special day for the upper school in April to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Several members of the committee are science teachers, and this year the IB Group 4 project focused on carbon sources and sinks. At the start of the day, WFS Director of Facilities Ray Carbone took the students on a tour of the building and explained the solar panels and geothermal system, along with the traditional heating and cooling system.

The Environmental Club wrote queries for advisory Meeting for Worship. Students were asked to submit some of their responses in a survey and for the club to use for future activities. Queries included:

1) Do you find that thoughts of the effects of global warming intrude on your peace of mind? If so, how often does this happen? 2) How do you handle climate change related stress? What is something you suggest that others try (or remember) in times of stress? 3) A new report by 11,258 scientists in 153 countries from a broad range of disciplines warned that the planet 'clearly and unequivocally faces a climate emergency.’ What does this suggest to you that we (broadly speaking) should consider doing differently? 4) How have you taken action? What action do you want to see taken? 5) Do you think the WFS community does a good job of keeping its student body informed about the climate crisis

WFS Earns Designation as a Certified National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Eco-School

NWF’s Eco-Schools USA program is a nationwide initiative for PK-12 students that fosters environmental awareness and promotes stewardship as an intrinsic part of the life and culture of a school. The Friends School “Eco-Action Team” -- consisting of students, teachers, administrators, and staff -- organized and implemented the VWHSVQHHGHGIRUFHUWLˉFDWLRQ+HDGRI8SSHU School Rebecca Zug recently recognized Austin Sarker-Young ’22 for his vision and coordination of Eco-Action Team activities, including installation of a native plant meadow and a milkweed JDUGHQIRUPRQDUFKEXWWHUˊLHV

and general environmental issues? What could WFS do better? 6) Are there times where you feel as though you cannot participate in environmental discussions due to a lack of knowledge in the area? Do you think knowledge about the climate crisis is necessary in order to make a difference?