This past Tuesday, St. Thomas’s opened the doors for the school year welcoming new students and families, as well as the incoming fifth and sixth-graders, back to campus. Our kindergarteners and new students got acclimated with their teachers and classrooms, while their parents met with Head of School Gina Panza and faculty members to discuss the year ahead. The fifth and sixth-graders joined together at lunch time to share summer stories with their new teachers and classmates.
Wednesday marked the first official day of school and although the weather was gloomy, there was no shortage of sunshine inside the school buildings. Group hugs and smiles filled the hallways as our students reunited with their classmates and teachers. The day began with a short meeting in the classroom before the bell rang signaling the first Chapel service of the year. A bagpiper lead the students and faculty in a formal procession into the Chapel.
The first Chapel of the year was special as the sixth-graders took their place as the leaders of the School and the kindergartners were welcomed into the community. Chaplain Eric led the service with song and prayer, birthdays were celebrated, and the excitement became palpable as Mrs. Panza introduced new students and faculty and invited participation from the students. Lastly, the sixth-graders led a cheer as they revealed the school-wide theme for the year, Global Explorers.
Thanks to the PTO, parents were given the opportunity to gather twice during the week for coffee and conversation. On Friday, the week culminated with a much anticipated visit from the ice cream truck. St. T’s would like to thank all of our students and families who helped make this such a successful first week of school. We wish you all health and happiness as the year commences!
For pictures of the first days of school, please visit our SmugMug page on the Parent Portal.
