Dear SPSG Community,
A little more than a year ago, I shared my decision to make this school year my last at St. Paul's School for Girls. Now the time has come to say goodbye to this beloved community, and it is bittersweet.
For the last six years, this school has been a home to me and my family. Many mornings, as Ansley and I have set off from Ivywood on our pre-dawn runs, I have looked out at this campus and marveled at what a privilege it is to be part of The St. Paul's Schools.
In my first Prayers talk at SPSG, I talked about the importance of taking healthy risks. Of course, those words were directed at the girls, but by leaving SPSG now, I am taking my own advice. The truth is, I am not quite ready to go. Fortunately, those feelings of sadness and uncertainty surrounding the change are tempered by a deep pride in what we, collectively, have accomplished over the past six years.
I'm proud of the real-world experiences we are delivering to our girls, who visit our partner schools around the globe, shadow professionals in countless industries, and create breathtaking works of art alongside our world-class visiting artists.
I am proud that we are emerging as a leader in interdisciplinary, project-based learning, from our Middle School Minimester to the deep, exploratory research that happens in our SPIRITUS Scholars program.
I'm proud of how we have intentionally and consistently grown our enrollment, from 404 students when I arrived to our highest enrollment in a decade—456 so far for next year.
I'm proud that we have raised $7.8 million in that time, enabling us to convert our library to a 21st-century Learning Commons, among other projects that will have lasting impact.
Most of all, I am proud of the people of this glorious community: the hard-working, ethical colleagues who make up Team SPSG and are driven by the mission and a passion for their craft; and of course, our bold and courageous girls—past and present—who learn from each other, care for one another, express their ideas, and work to improve their world. Theirs truly is a joyful sisterhood.
As I contemplate our progress, I am indebted to our highly committed group of trustees, who six years ago charged me to implement bold change and supported me all along the way. And of course, none of this could have happened without our parents, alumnae, volunteers, donors, and so many others who believe in this school and helped make it the magical place it is today.
In the words of our school song, I am "grateful and glad." Grateful for how this community is thriving, and glad to be leaving it in the highly capable hands of Ereni Gleason Malfa '89. We are so fortunate to be welcoming her, an alumna, back to this school, and I look forward to seeing how she partners with President Jeff Huang and SP Headmaster Dave Faus to create a vibrant future for the Schools, guided by their strategic vision and their genuine care for people. After all, the people are what distinguish St. Paul's—a school community known for its warmth and generosity. As Sam, Sam VI, June Friend, Ansley, and I prepare to leave, please know that we will carry you with us. We collectively thank you for educating our hearts and minds, and I assure you that we will continue to serve in the world—wiser from the gifts you have given us and the lessons you have taught us. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. Penny B. Evins Head of School St. Paul's School for Girls P.O. Box 8000, Brooklandville, Maryland 21022 TEL: 410-823-6323 | FAX: 410-828-7238 SPSFG.ORG
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