<p>@creative1 & wickedcrazy: I thought my references to Lester Lanin and “Like a G6” (have they ever been mentioned in the same room?) would be enough to make folks laugh. I guess not. ;-P</p>
<p>THough I don’t have HS kids yet, I’m pretty sure that ops has an HS and college age children. I have, however, chaperoned a few MS dances already and know exactly what you are talking about.</p>
<p>No worries (at least on my end).</p>
<p>Brave one, Sevendad, doing the MS dance chaperoning stint! 
Is that where you learned your lyrics so well? </p>
<p>Not solely SPS related, but I think its good for teens to be able to get a little crazy and let off some steam in a structured way. They need a some stress release sometimes and its important to look at what activities schools provide to keep kids occupied, entertained and provide some much needed down time.</p>
<p>quick update:
To the SPS Community,</p>
<p>This morning in Chapel I had the great pleasure of announcing the name of the Thirteenth Rector of
St. Pauls School: Michael Gifford Hirschfeld ´85.</p>
<p>Mikes selection was the result of literally hundreds of hours of intensive work by the Rector Search Committee, chaired by Jim Frates ´85, with vice chairs Peter Cheney and James Houghton ´82. After we released the announcement of the opening in March, hundreds of professional educators were nominated or put forth their names for this appointment, and the Committee tirelessly interviewed references and other acquaintances to arrive at a group of twenty semifinalists including eight sitting heads of schools before inviting to campus the three candidates we thought would best embrace the distinctive culture of St. Pauls School and move us forward in an exciting direction.</p>
<p>Since my election as President of the Board of Trustees in 2007, I have worked closely with Mike in many capacities, not only as leader of the Schools efforts in external affairs, but also as someone with an extremely clear insight into the SPS mission and culture. What I have come to know most clearly, perhaps, is that Mike loves the students of St. Pauls School.</p>
<p>During the Search Committees work, emeritus faculty member Rich Davis contacted us to comment on Mikes wide range of capabilities, good judgment, and concern for others. Rich summed up some of Mikes qualities in a couple of sentences: Most importantly, he understands adolescents and can bring forth their best. As an example, it took me 12 years to bring a crew to the level of winning the Princess Elizabeth Cup at Henley. Mike did it in his first year as varsity coach!</p>
<p>The central characteristic of Bill Matthewss tenure as Rector, and indeed of his forty-six years of service to his alma mater, has been to put student interests above all else. Bills accessibility to students, as well as to faculty and staff, has been the source of unceasing admiration by all at the School, by alumni, and, especially by parents, who know they can trust this man to be fair, kind, and respectful of their children.</p>
<p>We will see no less from Mike Hirschfeld. His accomplishments for St. Pauls have been many and significant. When this gifted teacher (and, Im proud to say, Princeton alumnus) assumed directorship of admissions, that process grew in strength and sophistication, and he oversaw development of the distinctive motto Freedom with Responsibility. As vice rector for external affairs, he led the effort to increase transparency of School communications and, in a dramatic demonstration of his skills in development, managed that departments operation in securing funds for the Lindsay Center for Mathematics and Science. In his international travels, he has persevered in recruiting alumni and other friends to the Campaign for St. Pauls School, which now stands at over $100 million.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, as a key adviser to Bill Matthews, Mike has been a strong voice in helping guide the School, chairing the strategic planning process in 2006 and, more recently, introducing the current core competencies effort. Working with the Schools extraordinary faculty, he will embrace positive change while still holding close to the rich body of School tradition.</p>
<p>During her decade as director of athletics, Liesbeth Hirschfeld has led the Schools sports and wellness programs as a consummate professional. Liesbeth, who holds the George F. Baker Master Chair in Physical Education, has coached the girls squash team since her arrival at St. Pauls seventeen years ago. In a school that values and nurtures the health and athleticism of all its students, Liesbeth has served as a role model for SPS girls. And, just as Marcia Matthews has embodied the best nature of in loco parentis, Liesbeth Hirschfeld will be a warm and welcoming partner, host, and adviser.</p>
<p>Mike will assume his duties next July, when Bill steps down from his years of accomplishment. This transition is a historic moment for St. Pauls School. I and the entire Board of Trustees could not be more pleased and confident about the appointment of our new Rector. Congratulations, Mike Hirschfeld</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Douglas Schloss ´77
President, Board of Trustees</p>
<p>Wow, I guess they’ve finally found a new rector. Hope he does okay. He seems like he’ll do well.</p>
<p>bump 10 char</p>
<p>ColdWind- Out of curiosity, do you know where the NYC schools would place using your methodology? I noticed that for 2010, Trinity and Spence (pulled date from schools’ lists not NY Times) were extraordinarily successful, and more so than top BS.
Also, have you seen any trend in the college results recently?</p>
<p>@texaschica: Thanks for bumping. Winterset leaves big shoes to fill!</p>
<p>For current students/parents: How is the Rector selection decision being received? In a previous post, it seemed like the outside parties were perhaps seen as preferable to the internal candidate. Are people somewhat deflated or rallying behind “their guy” now that the decision is final?</p>
<p>I realize this may be a touchy subject so feel free to PM me with your POV.</p>
<p>Also: How crazy freezing is it up in Concord already?</p>
<p>Sevendad - I asked that question re: new Rector of my child during Thanksgiving break and was told that the students were happy about Mr. Hirschfeld. They feel he knows the school and won’t make too many changes that would mess with the school’s character and traditions. </p>
<p>Weather - It’s been in the low 40s/high 30s during the day. Just a dusting of snow so far - usually more snowfall by now.</p>
<p>As Mark Twain said “Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated”.
I am definitely around, and check here regularly. I just don’t want to dominate the thread. Ironically my son predicted in 4th form that Mike Hirshfeld would be the next Rector. As he said then,* “Dad he has served in every position on campus AND he’s an alum!” * While we will all miss Bill (& Marcia), and change is uncertain, Mike understands the unique and warm culture of SPS and he will preserve it. And I’ll bet Adam will still make poppy-seed bread!
Now in the Christmas spirit……
** *<:-)**</p>
<p>The Boars Head Banquet is this Thursday night. I understand bare chested boys will not be carrying in the boar. It will be a coed team. Always an amazing dinner of Hogwarts proportions. </p>
<p> [url=<a href=“https://www.sps.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=6183”>https://www.sps.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=6183</a>] Lessons and Carols at St. Paul’s School<a href=“Calendar”>/url</a>12/12/2010 5:00 PM
Alumni, Parents, and Friends are invited to attend a Festival of Lessons and Carols in the Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul, followed by a holiday reception at the Rectory with Rector Bill Matthews '61 and his wife, Marcia. Doors open at 4:20 p.m.</p>
<p>Lessons and Carols in New York City
12/16/2010 6:00 PM Sung by the St. Paul’s School Choir. St. James’ Church, 865 Madison Avenue (at 71st Street), New York, NY.</p>
<p> [url=<a href=“https://www.sps.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=6183]Hockey”>https://www.sps.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=6183]Hockey</a> Tournament:<a href=“Athletics%20news”>/url</a> Avon Old Farms Christmas Hockey, December 16th, 17th and maybe the 18th. </p>
<p> [url=<a href=“https://www.sps.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=6183]SPS”>https://www.sps.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=6183]SPS</a> Ballet Company<a href=“School%20or%20art%20news”>/url</a> in the Nutcracker in Concord: Friday, December 17, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 18, at 2 and 7 p.m. </p>
<p> Girls Basketball Holiday Tournament Schedule at Northfield Mount Hermon School on December 17 and 18</p>
<p>I probably missed something… like there is a chance of snow this Friday and Saturday. Anything more** Christmas** related?</p>
<p>The Theatre Program at SPS IS TOP NOTCH. There latest production was incredible.</p>
<p>An SPS choir’s version of the 12 days of Christmas. A recorded song and a slide show. Sorry to say it ends with a request for donations to the annual fund, but don’t let that stop you from playing it! The fund is crucial and it is a VERY well done way of asking!<br>
Play it here: [SPS</a> Annual Fund Holiday Greeting](<a href=“http://www.sps.edu/ftpimages/36/misc/misc_67900.html]SPS”>http://www.sps.edu/ftpimages/36/misc/misc_67900.html)</p>
<p>Sounds like a wonderful opportunity for folks without prior dance experience.</p>
<p>[St</a>. Paul’s School ~ Adding Modern Dance](<a href=“http://www.sps.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=204&nid=578693]St”>http://www.sps.edu/podium/default.aspx?t=204&nid=578693)</p>
<p>Where on earth as Winterset gone ?</p>
<p>I have gone to Wyoming</p>
<p>A quote from the SPS Admissions page. Might be of interest to a few of you:
</p>
<p>Oh my goodness I am so happy I found this thread!! SPS is my number one choice!! When I think of myself at boarding school, without meaning I imagine myself at Saint Paul’s. Even when I try to imagine myself at other places it just doesn’t seem right. Also, once when I was looking at clothes that would be good for boarding school subconsciously I imagined myself wearing them at Saint Paul’s, it was just a natural reaction. 
As a result, I am very happy for this thread. </p>
<p>Oh, and one of my friends currently is at SPS. She is in the dance company and she danced in the Nutcracker. ^_^</p>
<p>SPS - SEE YOU IN 2011 :)</p>
<p>[YouTube</a> - A Look Inside St. Paul’s School: A student’s perspective](<a href=“- YouTube”>- YouTube)</p>
<p>@swissbrit: I think his child graduated last year…so, understandably, he’s less involved with the forum.</p>
<p>@Winterset: You’re missing out on the storm that just hit the east. We were spared the worst of it, but I think some people nearer to the coast got upwards of 30+ inches.</p>
<p>Glad the thread is helpful. Feel free to ask anything. The group here is pretty open, honest and helpful. But participants rotate a bit, so PM’s work too. </p>
<p>Currently I have 4 SPS grads sitting in my living room. All on college vacation, but the SPS group is pretty tight. Suppose that says something. Christmas eve we ran into 2 other SPS grads, yesterday we went to a party and ran into another from the '50’s and one from the '80’s, so they seem to be everywhere.</p>
<p>Hey everybody. Its been a long time since I posted and I apologize sincerely for that. However in an attempt to transcend the stereotypical behavior of posting, getting in, going and then not posting, I am here to answer questions and share my experience thus far. </p>
<p>So my experience… My generic response to anybody asking me about school has been, since the day I got there, “I couldn’t be happier”. Sometimes I feel like I end up sounding cliche or trite with that response (and I’ve always hated the idea of myself coming across as either of those) but somehow I haven’t ever stopped using that phrase. I can honestly say however that its not because I’m too lazy to come up with something more meaningful, but rather because I honestly think that that phrase is the best way to encompass the bulk of how I feel about SPS and my experience there in a sentence that my friends and family wont mind hearing. But I’d like to share a bit about where that phrase stems from. At the baseline (and I admit that I’m biased) I think I couldn’t have found a better secondary school in the world for me to attend. But even beyond that my experience at SPS has brought me (and I’m sure will continue to bring far beyond my highschool years) more joy and growth than I could have hoped for anywhere else in the world. I want to expand on the growth part however because I feel that prospective parents and applicants/students need to hear this. St. Paul’s and being away from home has allowed me to grow into the person that I really am and have always wanted to be. </p>
<p>I would however like to add that my message should not be confused as praise for some magic utopian school. St. Paul’s, like every other high school, has its own issues and the experience of the student there is certainly not a cake walk. It is, as I’m sure most of you know, one of the most academically rigorous experiences a teenager can find and I can personally tell you that I am staying up later and working harder than I ever have in my entire life. However what I’ve traded in temporary discomfort I have seen come back to me ten fold in the form of this strange rewarding/empowering feeling that would be worth working for even if the ratio of returns was on the scale of 10:1 and not 1:10. </p>
<p>So ultimately what I want to leave you with is this:</p>
<p>Saint Paul’s is not a perfect school and definitely not for everybody but if you are willing to put in the work and open your eyes wide enough to appreciate the rewards it offers it will easily be one of the best experiences of your life. It has actually been the best of mine with my only two regrets about the school being that I didn’t come earlier and that more people can’t experience what I have been so fortunate to be afforded. </p>
<p>If anybody has any specific questions please feel free to PM me. I will do my best to answer questions as completely and as promptly as I can. </p>
<p>Oh and thank you to everybody on this forum and this thread, you were all such a great help to me during my application process. </p>
<p>Happy New Year!</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I go to Hogwarts and you ain’t seen nothing yet. :D</p>