Nothing says it’s almost summer like the return of the goats to the hills surrounding the San Domenico campus, tussling, munching on grass, and taking naps under the shade of a tree. As Panthers unwind from AP tests, a few students have made the trip to the edge of the goat fence to say hello and admire our adorable, sustainable lawn mowers.
This week was full of preparation and celebration, rehearsing for the dance concert, tech week for the Middle School musical helpers, and lots of studying for those end-of-year tests, as well as academic and athletic awards and recognition for our Panthers. We want to give a special shout-out this week to Jennie T. ’27 and Mazalit G. ’27 on their awards garnered at the California State Finals for National History Day in Sacramento. These stellar students represented San Domenico’s ethics and values skillfully, and not only took home two blue ribbons, they also earned a competition-wide Social Justice in History award for their project about the War on Drugs. We couldn’t be more proud of this dynamic duo and of their research and contribution to a deeper and more contextually layered understanding of history.
On Saturday afternoon, we celebrated the opening of the Sister Gervaise Valpey, OP Community Center and Aquatic Complex with a gathering of alumni, faculty, and students. We enjoyed a lovely live band, snacks, and cake, and mingled in honor of the living legacy that is Sister Gervaise, and her service, leadership, and steadfast love for San Domenico. “Sister Gervaise has led by example: in the classroom, on retreats, and in countless quiet moments of encouragement, reflection, and grace,” reflected Director of Alumni Engagement and Resident Faculty Charis Adams. “She reminds us that true strength is rooted in kindness, and that in our community, every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated.”
Everyone is excited to enjoy our beautiful new building, and our resident faculty members have a fun end-of-year festivity in the works. Stay tuned!
On Thursday, SD’s solar panel upgrade resulted in a brief planned power outage, and we made the most of it! We brought everyone together for a screen-free dinner, many rounds of four square and soccer while watching the evening sunset, and the mischievous joy of bending the routine of study hall. Sometimes no WiFi brings us back to the simple joys in life. With our last few sunny weeks in boarding, the students are taking study breaks by trying the slack line, tapping away at a piano, going on a hike, or setting up a spike on the beach volleyball court. After all, as Albert Einstein once said, “Play is one of the highest forms of research.”
– Rachel Greenmyer, Resident Faculty