The Daily Thistle, St. Margaret's School

Kendall ends our year with a final Sisters' Pride with some reflections...

Outside Opinions. Those not in your close circle. Think about it.

Report from our Spring Sports Banquet!

This is an abbreviated edition of the Daily Thistle

Kendall on Meditation!

Getting to know glass! Reflecting on the Chrysler Museum's Mobile Glass Studio.

Today we welcome the Chrysler Museum’s cleverly-crafted mobile studio to our campus.  Our students will be exposed to the captivating nature of glass art and can see the molten magic live and in person. The mobile glass studio includes a furnace, annealer, blowpipes, punties, hand tools, glass rods, and other materials and equipment needed for glassblowing and other glass art techniques.

Words that surround us...

St. Margaret's School is saddened by the passing of alumna and former English faculty member Ann Brooke (Jody) Perkins Lewis, born September 2, 1948 and passed away May 3, 2023. A memorial service will be held on May 13 at 11 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal, and following the service will be a reception at the Brockenbrough House.

Speaking on how to recharge!

On the River today the sun will rise at 6:04 and set at 8:04 tonight

It will be a waning gibbous moon with 92% illumination

Low tide will be at 11:08   and high tide at 4:30 low tide will return tonight at 11:01 pm.

There is a slight chance of rain after 4:00 pm - we might see thunderstorms tonight.

Winds will be from the southwest from 6 to 8 miles per hour

Lucretia Hart Clay and an abbreviated edition of The Daily Thistle.

Hey, y'all welcome to today's sisters' pride; today we are talking about what study method can work for you. Exams are just around the corner, and if you're in AP classes, they are in the next couple of days. It's essential to start planning how you will approach your studying now so that when the time comes, you are not feeling overwhelmed with the impending doom of forgetting the material and being tasked with retaining it all in a short period.

The first thing to recognize is your learning style. Some people are visual learners meaning they learn best from seeing images or watching summary youtube videos. Others are auditory learners and learn best through lectures or podcasts. And last point is that being a Kinesthetic learner means you take a more hands-on approach. Making flashcards or drawing out the material can help you study.

Sometimes you can be a mix of all three types of learning styles. For success during the exams, figure out the best way you can learn so you can study and use your time the most effectively.

Today we are talking about routines!

Close to 200 alumnae came to campus to celebrate the school's Centennial. The Bells hosted a Friday party in the B-House as students gathered for the Lantern Ceremony. Alumnae later joined in the Lantern Ceremony and encircled the Seniors and Juniors in what became a special moment of our Sisterhood. 

On Saturday morning, Alumnae joined in some strategic planning sessions as St. Margaret's looks to a future where grace and artificial intelligence must coexist.  

On Saturday night, we celebrated our May Ball under the tent as Alums gathered by the new dock classroom to begin an evening of Centennial Festivities on the river. We were heartened when alums appeared later at May Ball to join in dancing the night away.

Sunday Morning, the traditional Charms Chapel included the blessing of the Senior's charms by Bishop Susan Goff. It was followed by a luncheon with alumnae awards highlighting the work of Janie Sellers, Class of 1971 - and the long-standing work and support of Mary Crowther, of the Class of 1948. That's right, this year, she celebrated her 75th Reunion.

Centennial Weekend, May Ball, Lantern Ceremony, Alumnae Reunion and more!

Speaking to Burnout!

Although under the weather, Kendall speaks to what does it even mean to be smart?

TikToc - some advice. . .

"What are social media aesthetics? Essentially, it’s everything that makes your brand unique and original. It’s in how often you post and what colors you choose for your visuals. It’s about your fonts and policy for working with comments. It’s in the essence and mood of your brand."

Kendall speaks about S.T.R.E.A.M. Days

Kendall speaks about being among supporting people.

Being among supporting people!

Kendall speaks about Taylor Swift and changes in music over time.

Getting involved with your community.

Join us for a final talk with Rev. Candine Johnson.

Those were some of the sounds from last night’s International Festival. We have over 12 nations represented in our Sisterhood and the festivities includes international cuisine and a program following dinner.

On the River today, the sun will rise at 6:47 a.m. and set at 7:34 p.m. It will be a waxing gibbous moon with 99% illumination.

On Sister's Pride, Kendall speaks about Fast Fashion.

That was part of Rev. Dr. Candine Johnson's Farewell to our Sisterhood at yesterday's Chapel. While Rev.  Johnson serves as our Chaplain, her real job is serving as Rector at St. John's Church, located across the street from St. Margaret's School. Unfortunately in her decision to leave St. John’s, its impact is a loss for us, too.

This Easter Sunday, she will serve her last service in the Tappahannock Church. On May 1st, she begins her new calling to St. Bartholomew's Church in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. 

The role of the Chaplain at St. Margaret's is not about directing announcements or speakers leading moral assemblies under the guise of "Chapel" like other schools. As an Episcopal School, Rev. Johnson's approach adheres to the liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer - this remains and will remain the St. Margaret's way.

Our Head of School noted, "As we will deeply miss her sermons, rich in scholarship and an inviting theology, we will come round right to welcome a new chaplain. Remember, we go to church in the communion as a community, bound by our liturgy - life goes on, the words shall echo in our hearts and minds - as shall the voice of Rev. Johnson."

We shared a conversation among some students discussing our motto, “As we grow in age may we grow in Grace.”  It comes from a prayer in the 1928 edition of The Book of Common Prayer. While the school’s mission includes the words, Belong, Believe, Become - it is really the motto that speaks to, and binds the Sisterhood.  Here are some excerpts from a Friday conversation in our religion class.

Kendall shares some thoughts on body dysmorphic disorder.

A conversation with the softball team!

Kendall speaks about the opening softball game and working as a team.

TEAM! In this season of the Final Four, Kendall looks at what it is to be a member of an athletic team.

Speaking of homework, put down that mobile device and prepare for your next day.

Happy Ramadan! Kendall's Sister's Pride looks at living outside the White Picket Fence.

Kendall speaks about rumors versus venting.

Kendall speaks about getting swept up in following the life of an online influencer.

"An online influencer is a person who has established credibility and a significant following on social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter, among others. They use their online presence to influence their followers' opinions, behaviors, and purchasing decisions through their content, whether through product endorsements, reviews, or lifestyle posts.

Online influencers can range from celebrities to regular people who have gained a large following through their unique content, style, or expertise in a particular niche. They often collaborate with brands and companies to promote products and services to their followers, and their recommendations can significantly impact consumer behavior.

In recent years, online influencing has become increasingly competitive, with many aspiring to become successful online influencers and earn a living from their social media presence."

Welcoming Spring and news from the BBC.

Today the Sisterhood returns from their Spring Break as we set our sights on the best time of the year, spring at Saint Margaret’s School.

As we began spring break you might remember that our basketball team was headed off to the Final Four in the state playoffs. The team played Roanoke Catholic and for much of the game the teams traded off leads in what was a tight game. C.C. Wright put the Scotties on top 42 to 40 with 2:43 minutes left in the game. However, Roanoke Catholic made an impressive run in the final two minutes to lift them over the Scotty's 52 to 43.  Roanoke Catholic fell to Walsingham 45-41 in the finals.

Kendall wants us to reflect on the 3rd Quarter and our work in the community.

Tonight basketball heads to Richmond to play in the State Tournament's Final Four.  The number three Scottie's faces number two Roanoke Catholic at a neutral court.  A fan bus will be headed to the game for our dedicated fans.

We are going on Spring Break - hear from us in two weeks.

Last night the Scotties defeated Richmond Christian 52-37 which places the Scotties in the Final Four in Richmond on Friday.

The game's live stream will be published next week following the state playoffs.

Happy first day of March today we are hearing two pieces from the second-place winner of our I have a dream Reading/poetry contest. Rachel very is a freshman here at Saint Margaret’s, and she recorded her poems to share with all of the sisterhood. I am so excited to share with you all as I think it’s very moving.

Kendall shares an "Express Yourself" essay on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We open today’s Daily Thistle with some sounds from the weekend's performance of The Wizard of Oz.  On Friday afternoon, the cast hosted students from Aylett Country Day School and Rappahannock Middle School.  On Friday evening, parents and friends packed the gym for the troupe’s second performance.  By Saturday afternoon, the gym had almost reached the standing room only as our reservation board was overwhelmed.  Needless to say, the Cast did a fantastic job in delivering three beautiful performances.  As promised, here are some sounds of the performance.

Sisters' Pride speaks to Pop Culture and how it affects our lives.

Meet some of the cast from the Wizard of Oz!

Sisters' Pride considers Confrontation, whether you love it or you don't, it is something that causes riptides, sometimes for the worst and sometimes for the better. The most important thing to realize when dealing with confrontation is to ask yourself if this is a beneficial thing to do. Is this healthy for both parties involved

Kendall speaks about Parables.

Kendall speaks about Envy in The Sisters' Pride.

Students seeking extra help in math can visit Dr. Ni in the Latane Parlor from 7:15 to 8:15 pm.

Students are reminded to take advantage of the extra help sessions during the weekdays, it is the SMS advantage.

Spanish I & II are testing today.

Students who would like help with their writing should take advantage of Dr Wilbur who will be in the library on Thursdays from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

The cast and crew of The Wizard of Oz are putting the final touches on their dress rehearsals.   performances will be this Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in the St. Margaret's Auditorium.

Today I had the opportunity to sit down with Ella Gould, our student government president and current senior at st. Margaret’s. We got to talk about Ella’s ISP, which stands for Independent Student Project. Ella was a student who was passionate about history and took interest in finding a project that would dive deeper into that subject. She explored the nearby area and found the Essex County Museum, where she scheduled an interview and received a position as a student intern. Today we had a conversation about what it was like being in that experience and how it affects her life as a student today and in the future

Hey, ya’ll, and welcome to today's sister's pride. Today we are discussing the importance of keeping your backpack, binder, and life organized. We were all taught some organizational skills when we were growing up. We must recognize the importance of keeping ourselves organized. Dr. Cook, one of the English Teachers here at St. Margaret’s, said that organization is one of the best skills to have in life. It's so true! Organization can relate to how you order your clothes in your closet or color-coordinate your binder. It can also be how you manage your day, organizing it into parts for each subject, using your homework time wisely, and organizing the priorities in your life.

Today I had the opportunity to talk to two girls on the basketball team. Cece and Adanna are both high level athletes who are passionate about SMS basketball. As a team, the players have worked to many wins, and have learned life lessons along the way.

During our conversation we not only talked about statistics and the sport itself but what it’s like being on a team, and how having supportive friends and coaches can shape your experience in a sport.

Today we speak about cultivating a good and constructive relationship with your teacher.

On the River today, the sun will rise at 6:56 a.m. and set at 5:47 p.m. it will be a winning crescent moon with a 21% illumination. High tide will be at 9:48 a.m., and low tide at 502 p.m. high tide will return at 10:10 p.m.

Today there will be a chance of rain between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. It will be mostly cloudy with a high near 72° winds of 5 to 14 miles per hour from the south. The chance of precipitation is 40%.

Hey guys welcome to today's sisters pride. Today we are going to have a compilation of stories that a couple of students, including myself, have noticed around campus. They are small acts of kindness or even big ones. Everyone will remain anonymous, but the silent heroes' acts of kindness should be shared.

Happy Valentine’s Day from St. Margaret’s School

On the River today, the sun will rise at 6:59 a.m. and set at 5:45 p.m.

High tide will be at 7:22 a.m., and low tide at 2:43 p.m. High tide returns at 7:43 p.m.

It will be a waning crescent moon with 42% illumination.

Last night our basketball team defeated Fredericksburg Academy 47-22.   The win extends the Scotties' overall record to 11-8 and 6-2 in the region.  Next up is at St. Catherine’s on Wednesday.

Today's episode is on the Superbowl; As a country, Football tends to be the center of our culture. Based on the city you grew up in determines the colors you wear on Superbowl day. Families travel together, joined by a bag of potato chips and a diet coke. A sense of kinsmanship can be rare to find on any other day.

Today is Friday, and it's a great time to reflect on the week you’ve had. It's essential to check in with yourself and remember on your stress levels or lack thereof concerning your academic and social life. As students who are academically challenged and motivated, it can be hard to find the right balance of spending time doing your homework and spending time with friends and family.

It's important to know where your priorities lie if you feel like school needs to become a priority, you have to almost make a pact with yourself saying that you will put homework over hanging out with friends.

On the contrary, if you feel like school has encompassed your whole being and taking a step back for the weekend is something that will benefit you emotionally and in the classroom then it is just as essential to make that a priority as well.

Today I want to talk about living in a small town. The town of Tappahannock holds 2,241 people. For some people that might be the exact hallmark-town charm they are looking for, for others it might not be as appealing. So we're gonna dive into the benefits and other factors that weigh in when living in a small town.

So today, I wanted to share with you a journal entry assignment I had in my American literature class. The prompt was to explain your relationship with social media.

My relationship with social media can be described in one word: toxic. I was exposed to the media at age fourteen. Being surrounded by peers who had it years before me, I felt behind. As a child, social media felt like a “secret club.” Parents warned you from becoming too invested and tried to prevent the exposure of influencers from their innocent-minded children for as long as possible. Then society got in the way.

Anything from fashion trends, makeup hacks, and cat videos, the algorithm caters to each video, each comment, and each post to you. It targets your insecurities, your interests, and your passions. When you download the app, there is no cost. But is it truly free if you're selling your information to an algorithm that gets closer and closer to your inner thoughts and ideas? Yet we go about our day knowing what's happening but not genuinely caring.

Hey, y'all welcome back and I hope the community is up on its feet again. As many of you have experienced over the past few days my sister and I have had covid and it brought me back to our first time experiencing this pandemic and how much we have individually changed since the pandemic but also how our society has changed.

Do yall remember the time before covid? Before TikTok became the lifeline of our daily routine. Before the pandemic was a word we just heard in history books. There were times when I missed pre-pandemic life, but then I remembered the silver lining of the pandemic. For one- I got to spend quality time with my sister, who was also in quarantine. We spent time doing Walmart crafts together and catching up on our favorite Netflix shows. In between afternoon naps, we even started cooking.

On April 28th, we are calling on the Saint Margaret’s Sisterhood, near and far, young and old, to return to the river for our Centennial Gala.  This is one of those “once in a lifetime” gatherings marking our 100th year.   While the school did open in 1921, it was not until 1923 that the first graduation took place - so we decided to celebrate our Centennial with our Centennial Class, the Class of 2023.  This will be both our Reunion Weekend, May Ball and Centennial Gala all rolled up into one.  So, in the week before the Kentucky Derby - we hope you will return to Tappahannock and the campus of your youth.

Yesterday, Mr. Foulk brought an opportunity to the table for his AP US History class. We were going to be student representatives of the Garden club of the middle peninsula and learn about their positions on government laws and bills concerning climate change, environmental education, and clean water and energy. The week before our big trip we prepared by doing research on a topic of interest that fell into the categories that the Garden club would represent.

Today we are talking about a concept I recently came across when I was reading a book called “What drives Winning '' It talks about this basketball team. They had this player who was a very goal driven person, constantly checking things off his goal bucket list and always adding to it. They talked about how you can get lost in the accomplishment and lose yourself in the process. That is a confusing concept so let’s dive into that a little bit.

Happy Monday everyone. Today we are talking about three ways you can set your week off right. Monday marks the beginning of new topics in your classes, new homework assignments and new challenges throughout your week.

Today we welcome to campus the Saint Margaret's School Board of Governors for their Winter Meeting.

Tonight our basketball team will host Fredericksburg Christian Academy at 5:00 p.m. A live stream of the game will be available on our YouTube channel.

Today we are talking about Seasonal depression. Here is a quick dictionary definition for those who have never heard this term before.is a type of. depression that's related to changes in seasons

It could cause us to stay inside for most of our day or even become anti-social and removed from our friends and family.  The science behind it is that less sunlight and shorter days are thought to be linked to a chemical change in the brain and may cause SAD. There are more than 3 million cases of Seasonal Depression in the US each year.

The best way to combat this is to go outside. Even if the weather isn’t to your liking, try to find something you enjoy and go to the river; even in the winter, there is so much beauty at the waterfront. Exposure to sunlight helps you feel more at peace and happier in cold winter when there might not be as much sunlight.

This is an abbreviated edition of the Daily Thistle for Wednesday, January 25th, Two Thousand Twenty-Three.

On the river today, the sun will rise at 7:17 this morning and set at 5:23 this afternoon.  Low tide will be at 10:54 and high tide at 4:32.  It will be a waxing crescent moon with an 18% illumination.

There is a 90% chance of rain after 10:00 am today, cloudy with a high near 56 degrees.

Last night the Scotties were defeated by the Christchurch team after defeating them on their home floor earlier in the season.

Congratulations to our students who made the Honor and Merit Rolls.  Students were recognized yesterday at our Morning Meeting.

In today’s Sister’s Pride episode, we are touching on speaking in shorthand. By shorthand, I mean saying things like “lol” or “Brb” “ttyl” which we usually say in the text we then speak.

This is something that I have just become aware of recently. Over the winter break, my siblings were joking around with me as I would use “bro” or say “brb” if I had to go grab something. It wasn’t until this joke that I realized how much I use acronyms to speak. Then, I thought about how disappointed William Shakespeare would be if he heard me.

Today I wanted to share a story about our community. One of the members in  our school had a family member go through an accident. As soon as this news reached the ears of our community we rallied around our friend in need and a senior and faculty member worked together on giving our member a gift basket that they had created for this specific event.

An expanded version of The Daily Thistle includes a 15-minute round table conversation about social media among the Sisterhood at St. Margaret's School.

Today we are talking about investing in our education as students. As someone who is new to the St. Margaret's community I realize the quality of our education with fresh eyes. As students, we need to invest and deep dive into what we truly love.

We all have a class that we dread going to. Everyone experiences it. On the other hand, we all have a class we look forward to, maybe it's because of the teacher or maybe its the subject matter. Either way, it is our responsibility as good students to invest in the classes that we love, and learn to grow from the classes we don’t.

This is an abbreviated version of The Daily Thistle.

Remember, Scotties, ADD DROP ends this Friday.  See Mrs. Foulk for more information.

It’s been an active week for the cast and crew of the Wizard of Oz.  At yesterday’s rehearsal there was much fanfare as the munchkins, in the form of elementary students, were on campus.

Plans are underway for our Sunday trip to Washington, DC during Winter Weekend.

School Chapel celebrates the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today we are going to talk about society's perception of women. As a girls’ school, we are preparing to enter a world where society has put us into two molds. A stay at home wife or a career-driven woman. Each of these topics come to its own sets of stereotypes. Whether we follow what we truly want out of life or not we will, unfortunately, be under the disapproving eye of society at all times.

If we want to be more focused on a career, society will tell us we aren’t focused enough on being a mother, even if motherhood isn't the path we want to follow in life. On the other hand if we are more focused on being a mother we are not driven enough or lack the will to make a difference in the business world.

No matter which path we choose in life we are always surrounded by the judgments of others, so I came to a conclusion. Do what makes you happy. Don’t worry about whether some people think you are too career focused or if others think that you're not driven enough. So do what makes you the happiest, and stick to it. Don’t let outside influences affect your thinking.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an American Baptist minister who led the struggle against racial discrimination in the 1960s. He was a provocative preacher and passionately advocated the principle of non-violent protest, affirming that one’s opponents should be met with compassion rather than aggression. He was born on the 15th of January 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, and in 1968 he was assassinated.  The Episcopal Church recognizes Dr. King as a Saint, and we celebrate the Feast of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4th, commemorating his martyrdom.

In today’s episode, I wanted to talk about setting a good example and what that looks like. Everyone at our school can be a positive influence on others. It doesn’t always have to revolve around age or grade level. We can all learn from each other.

Kendall speaks to TikTok and learns how it can overtake your daily pursuits in life. 

We visited Mr. Bell's Religion class where an open mic captures students leading a discussion on religion in our contemporary times. While we study the old and new Testament and our Anglican Heritage as an Episcopal School, students often lead discussions in various areas. 

Body dysmorphia is something that surrounds us in our schools, social media accounts, and social outings in general. Maybe you have struggled with body dysmorphia, or maybe you're not even sure what it is. Here's a quick definition: Body dysmorphia is when you obsess or critique a certain part about your physical appearance. It can be a minor or even an imaginary flaw you see in yourself. But it affects your mental state heavily and can cause you to see yourself differently.

Today, we are talking about burnout. It's that feeling where your brain feels absolutely fried and you are overwhelmed with the growing to-do list and you have no motivation to do. Everyone has experienced burnout. It’s a natural emotion to feel so today we are going to talk about what can cause burnout and how to get out of it.

I see burnout in two different ways. In social situations and in school

When we experience burnout with friends and family you might start to ignore some texts, or feel like it’s a chore to hangout with them.

At school, we feel burnout when we see the homework assignments start to pile up, and we have no motivation to finish them.  With friendships and family, it might prove to be useful to spend alone time to recharge. We all have social batteries, and it is important to spend time to recharge.

The best way to heal a case of burnout is to slow down. Find time where you can reconnect with yourself and realign your priorities.At school, the worst thing to do is let your homework slip. Put aside some time, even if it’s just 30 minutes, to get some of your homework pile done. The more you procrastinate and neglect the work, the worse you will feel in the long run.

Kendall speaks about New Year's Resolutions.

Yesterday we welcomed Dr. Jonathan Cook who joined our English Department. Dr. Cook has taught at the secondary school and college levels. His enormous scholarship compliments his teaching of American literature. He is a literary scholar, educator, and musician born in Washington, DC, raised in the Hudson Valley of New York.

He has a B.A. from Harvard College and a Ph.D. from Columbia University. His primary field of concentration as a literary scholar is nineteenth-century American literature, and he is a specialist in the writings of Herman Melville. He has published an extensive roster of books, articles, and reviews and recorded numerous one-hour podcasts on selected American and English literary works, available on YouTube and SoundCloud. A long-time guitar and mandolin player, he has composed several original works for the steel-string acoustic guitar. But what the students thought was really interesting today is that he actually attended Woodstock in 1969 as a young teenager.

On this first Day of Christmas, we share some sounds of the students and faculty at St. Margaret's as they celebrated a Christmas service entirely in Latin.  

On this Christmas Eve, we share the sounds of The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College at Cambridge University.

King's College's Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was first held on Christmas Eve 1918. The service was first broadcast in1928 and, with the exception of 1930, it has been broadcast annually, even during the Second World War. Sometime in the early 1930s the BBC began broadcasting the service on overseas programmes and it continues today across the BBC.

From King's College in Cambridge, England

Here at St. Margarets we start our day early. If you are anything like me you are not a morning person. No matter how much sleep you get it still seems like an impossible task to get up with the sun not out yet. So today I want to talk to you about how I found my morning routine, and how that affected my day and maybe you can pull a couple of tips from what I’ve learned and apply it to your own life.

Join us Monday, December 19th as Kendall returns with a special edition Sisters’ Pride.  Kendall will be joined with some classmates for a roundtable discussion of the Sisterhood.

Basketball has entered regular season play among their division and defeated Fredericksburg Christian last night 58 to 42.  The Scotties also defeated Christchurch School 40 to 26 earlier this week.  Their season record is now even at 3 and 3, ranking #7 in Division three.

Next week students begin their fall finals examinations. Both English and Modern and Classical Languages will be sitting for exams in the morning and afternoon.

Social media has provided a perfect false reality of what our future is supposed to look like.

Now I know you are stressing over exams, just like me. But I had a conversation with a mentor and they gave me a really good piece of advice that I wanted to share with you: you can’t control the outcome, just the process. There is no way to determine the exact grade you will get on your exams, but you are in control of how you prepare yourself and how you study for it. Remember what you can control,

Over the past couple of generations, there has been this obsessive need to get the newest materialistic item that’s caught the goldfish like the public's attention span. As tempting as it might be to wish for the newest items on the shelf, I challenge you to take the time to focus on the things that maybe can’t fit in a box.

Maybe I sound cliche, but it’s a classic saying for a reason. During this time of year, we lose sight of what is truly important. Instead of focusing on a materialistic wishlist, think if something that fits into the larger picture. What’s something that can last even after it's out of trend? Find something that’s timeless.

Today’s topic is something that everyone has gone through, yet no one can master the feeling of accepting it. That is Failure. Nobody likes to fail. But it seems to be an inedible thing that we will have to experience now and in the future.

This is an abbreviated episode of the Daily Thistle with this week’s updates.

Basketball will be at the Trinity Tournament today through Saturday. Students will be excused from class at 11:15 this morning.

The weekend includes some fun events. On Saturday the BSSAC trip to Tyson’s Corner will leave at 10:30 Saturday morning

Later that day the BSSAC Fork Union semi-formal dance will depart campus at 4:30

This week St. Margaret's was on the road and found Mrs. Lucy Corwin in North Carolina.  The sisterhood knows Lucy as the former Lucy Lane when she arrived at St. Margaret's in 1968 and graduated in 1972.  She was one of Viola's girls when she recalled being called into Miss Woolfolk's office.  We had the opportunity to hear the stories of a girl who was in the same shoes we are in years ago. This is Lucy Corwin . . .

After listening to that conversation with Ms. Lane about Miss Woofolk, it’s clear the impression she had on students and how her effect lasted them even after they graduated from the school. She made a long-lasting effect by keeping our school motto in her heart to the very last days of her life.

This is Pearl Harbor Day!

Kendall speaks about pressure in Sisters' Pride

This is an abbreviated episode of the Daily Thistle with this week’s updates.

Basketball will be at the Trinity Tournament from Friday through Saturday. Students will be excused from class at 11:15 on Friday morning.

Saturday:

BSSAC trip to Tyson’s Corner Saturday morning at 10:30.

BSSAC Fork Union semi-formal dance on Saturday 4:30

Faculty will be doing a door decorating contest. The theme is traditional/well-known Christmas movies such as Elf, The Bishop’s Wife, Charlie Brown Christnas, Frosty, and A Christnas Carol. The door must be done by next Monday, December 12. It will be judged by the students on Tuesday, December 13 and the winner will be announced on Wednesday at lunch. You may do it yourself or pair up in teams. It is optional, please let Ms. Plumb know if you would like to participate.

Those were some sounds from last night’s Tappahannock Christmas Parade and Tree lighting. It included the St. Margaret’s Treble choir who led the community with some of the Christmas favorites.

Today I wanted to talk about the importance of reading. It’s something that we tend to only associate with school. Whether it be reading a textbook or an article for an assignment, sometimes we forget the importance of reading just for fun, with no correlation to a grade with it.

With the SAT in all of our futures, reading can be a purposeful tool with things like reading comprehension and vocabulary. When you read, you are learning new words contextually, and subconsciously understanding the definition, instead of making flashcards and simply memorizing.

If we go into the science of it, reading strengthens the neurons in your brain contributing to a longer attention span, concentration, and can even help reduce stress levels. For some, reading can be a form of meditation.

Now you might be thinking, after a long day of intense study and concentration, the last thing I want to do is pick up a book and read. I completely understand that it’s easier to turn to Netflix and Tiktok as a way to relax and end the day. But I challenge you to find a book that has nothing to do with school. Something fun, maybe a murder mystery, or fantasy book. Find something that you can read purely for pleasure.

Below are some of my favorite book recommendations, so if you have the interest to start your reading, suggest starting with these modern-day classics.

Hey all, My name is Kendall Quinn, Creator of Sister’s Pride a podcast that is an extension of the daily thistle. We work to have conversations on anything from life at st. Margaret's daily challenges high schoolers manage. If you are interested in being in one of the Sister Pride episodes or have any questions you would want the podcast to address feel free to contact me at my school email and I would be happy to listen to feedback, questions, or comments.

The last couple episodes I have talked about education and the process of learning as a student. One of the biggest challenges I think our generation faces when dealing with our academic success is placing a value on a grade. We tend to think that a letter not only determines our worth as a student but our intelligence level in all areas of our lives.  I am guilty in falling into this mindset as well. I have found myself thinking that if I didn’t have an A on my assignment I wasn’t smart. Not only do we internally create this mindset, but society places the same expectation on our growth and progression as a student. Grades, do in fact hold a lot of weight in our society today, weather that be a gpa or in the college application process, it is important to show the effort you have put into your classes and the value you put into doing well for not only your teachers but yourself. It is important to remember something that we tend to forget l: I t’s even more important to truly understand the material. When you truly have a deep knowledge of what you are studying the grades follow. When we are stuck in this fixed mindset of the grade is the only thing that matters it changes from learning the material to memorizing the facts.

It’s been a great thanksgiving break, and we're all back preparing for upcoming exams and tests. On a past Sisters’ pride episode, we talked about the nagging question that every high-schooler ponders about at some point in their academic career and that is: What makes a good student. We talked to some girl’s on campus and had great input from them. But as we continue this process of understanding how to thrive in an academic environment, I came to a conclusion that my education is a partnership. It is not solely in the hands of the student, as we work with teachers every day. So in today’s episode I wanted to ask the same question but in reference to teachers. What makes a good teacher?

Everyone has experienced a bad teacher and a good teacher. It takes one person to utilize a student’s interest and turn that into passions and a career path, as well as cultivating a love for school.

It’s been a great thanksgiving break, and we're all back preparing for upcoming exams and tests. On a past Sisters’ pride episode, we talked about the nagging question that every high schooler ponders about at some point in their academic career and that is: What makes a good student. We talked to some girl’s on campus and had great input from them. But as we continue this process of understanding how to thrive in an academic environment, I came to a conclusion that my education is a partnership. It is not solely in the hands of the student, as we work with teachers every day. So in today’s episode I wanted to ask the same question but in reference to teachers. What makes a good teacher?

This is an abbreviated edition of the Daily Thistle for Monday, November 28th, Two Thousand Twenty-Two.

We welcome the return of the students from their Thanksgiving Break. Over the break new digital signage was placed in St. Margaret’s Hall and the Dining Hall.

The new dock is being refitted with two new floating docks for easy access into the water for our kayaks and crew shells.  The central dock also received the Christmas Tree that can be seen from the Queen Street Bridge.

On the River today the sun will rise at 7:02 this morning and set at 4:49. High tide will be at 4:33 this morning and low tide at 11:11. High tide will return at 5:06 later today. It will be mostly clear with a high of 57 degrees and a low of 43 degrees. Winds will be from the Northwest around 9 miles per hour. There is only a 5% chance of precipitation.

Think of ways you can better improve your academic performance in the next part of the semester as well as reflect on the things you felt you did really well. Things like study habits or practice techniques are things that can constantly be revising and improving.

I hope you all have an amazing and. Look forward to seeing you all in. Couple days

In news from the BBC

Wednesday was a day St. Margaret’s celebrated Tradition. Alumni visiting their past campus celebrated a woman they admired, Viola Woolfolk- their headmistress. As we walked around campus, commuting from class to class, we noticed women gathered in the same spots we gathered. Laughing,talking, and retelling stories- just like us. They had name tags on their shirts with the year they had graduated at St. Margaret’s. As a current student, somewhat new to the sisterhood,  it was moving to see how many women showed up to support the place they had once called home.

In chapel services and announcements we hear the word sisterhood being used, but it was a moment like St. Margaret’s Day, which showed the power that word holds. Women from all different class years and from all different places in the world showed up to support the school they loved while attending, and still had a place in their heart 50 years later.

As the sounds of the bagpiper led us to the church, there was a moment of silence where the students of St. Margaret’s took in the scene before them. Generations of St. Margaret’s girls lined up on the property for a single purpose: Tradition. As we took the time to remember Viola Woolfolk and St. Margaret a feeling of pride set in among the scotties. Honoring those in our community who, as the Reverend mentioned in the Chapel Service, “Were agents of Change.”

IT was at moments like these where the sisterhood was strong as generation of St. Margaret’s girls gathered for our school and for the people in our community. It’s because of the traditions St. Margaret’s day prioritizes that days like Wednesday are so special. It is because of the support in tradition from alumni, faculty, and students that makes St. Margaret’s the school it is today.

Those were some reflections about Viola Woolfolk at last night’s celebration of Viola in our chapel.  Following the gathering of alumnae they joined the sisterhood in the march over to St. John’s for our annual St. Margaret’s Day service.

Never really fearful of death, Viola dreaded losing control and panicking. She longed for peaceful release. When asked about heaven, she told Tom, "I am not concerned about it. The thing that makes me believe in heaven and hell is there must be a place for my mother. If there is a heaven, she'll be there, and if there isn't, she won't know it."

Those last ten months of her life were busy. Not defensive or maudlin about having cancer, she went about preparing for the end so that others wouldn't have a mess to deal with when she was gone. Meticulously she cleaned out her house, categorized her personal papers, and disposed of all pictures. According to Bebe, during this period she bought a tombs tone, rewrote her will for the fourth time, and planned her memorial service with Don Raby Edwards, rector of St. Stephen's Church.

One day at the end of May, unable to live independently and carry on without being a burden to her friends, she left Tappahannock. Bebe came to take her to Richmond where she would spend the last weeks of her life. This trip was her last.

This edition of the Sisters' Pride reflects on our noble Rappahannock River.

Daily Thistle for Tuesday, November 15th, Two Thousand Twenty-Two.On the River today the sun will rise at 6:48 a.m. and set at 4:56 p.m. It will be a waning gibbous moon with a 61% illumination. High tide will be at 6 a.m. and low tide at 12:26 p.m. High tide will return at 6:12 p.m. We will see rain after 1 p.m. It will be mostly cloudy with a high near 51 degrees. Winds will be from the Northeast at 3 to 8 mph. The chance of precipitation is 90%.

It’s Veterans Day.

Today I share a poem written by World War I Colonel John McCrae, a surgeon with Canada's First Brigade Artillery. It expressed McCrae's grief over the "row on row" of graves of soldiers who had died on Flanders' battlefields, located in a region of western Belgium and northern France. The poem presented a striking image of the bright red flowers blooming among the rows of white crosses and became a rallying cry to all who fought in the First World War. The first printed version of it reportedly was in December 1915, in the British magazine Punch.

Kendall begins her podcast, Sisters' Pride on today's Daily Thistle!

Today I wanted to take the opportunity to talk about something that surrounds us everyday of our lives: community. What really is community? It seems to take on different meanings in our lives. It can be our friend group, our grade, our entire student body, and even our whole school faculty included. As a student at St. Margaret’s I hear this word being used in our honor code, chapel services, and in the classroom. By coming to St. Margaret;s I learned to  truly appreciate the value of having a community-oriented school. Not only is community a priority, it is a necessity for students to thrive.  Having a strong sense of community in our environment contributes to three areas of our lives: Our Academic lives, social lives, and emotional being.

Kendall Quinn makes her debut on The Daily Thistle to announce the addition of Sisters' Pride Podcast. 

As we share the news of the day from St. Margaret’s, The Daily Thistle will be expanding its programming.  In the coming days and weeks, we are reaching further into the alumnae as well as the student body.

As we share the news of the day from St. Margaret's School, The Daily Thistle is expanding its programming.  In the coming days and weeks, we will reach further into the alumnae and the student body to enrich our daily program.  In case you're counting, The Daily Thistle has produced over 210 episodes, and well over 5,000 hours have been played among our listeners.

Our expanded programming will begin to focus more on the experiences of our times - especially among the students of St. Margaret's School.  So stay tuned for our new programming.

It will be an unseasonably warm day today with a high of 79 degrees and a low of 58.

Last night, our faculty had their monthly in-the-round meeting on the new river classroom under a gorgeous moon.

Geometry is being tested today.

Happy Birthday to our Ms. Beverly who has been a fixture in our dining hall for over 34 years.

Yearbook staff will have a planning meeting in the office of the head of school.

We continue our tenth installment about Viola Woolfolk who served as Saint Margaret’s headmistress from 1950 to 1984.

We continue our ninth installment about Viola Woolfolk who served as Saint Margaret’s headmistress from 1950 to 1984.

From the desk of Linda May Shields of the Class of 1963:

Young children really knew how to handle her even though she felt uncomfortable with them. Ellen Lewis Bane class of 1966 shares a story about the Ivy Club that gives us a glimpse into her gift of communicating with the very Young: '' Around 1959 when I was eleven years old, Jody Perkins (Lewis) class of 1966 Elizabeth Gawen (Johnson) class of 1966 and I had a club in the old ivy-covered tree next to the Brokenbrough House - the Ivy Club, of course. We got wind of a terrible rumor that the tree was going to be cut down because it was so rotten.

There are no tests scheduled for today.

On the River today the sun will rise at 7:35 this morning and set at 6:06 tonight.   High tide will be at 10:!9 and low tide at 5:09 this afternoon,  high tide will return at 10:46 tonight.

It will be a waxing gibbous moon with a 79% illumination.

It will be partly sunny with a high near 69 degrees.

The faculty will be meeting today in the Woolfolk Center.

Today the Prefects will have their weekly meeting with the head of school.

As fall athletics comes to an end, students will soon be transitioning to winter sports.

This is an abbreviated episode.

On the River today the sun will rise at 7:34 this morning and set at 6:07 tonight.   High tide will be at 9:02 and low tide at 3:58 this afternoon,  high tide will return at 9:38 tonight.

It will be a waxing gibbous moon with a 62% illumination.

Last night volleyball was defeated in the first round of state play.  Although it was a disappointing outcome, it did not overshadow the grit and determination of the team’s season.

New to the campus are two tree swings on the river lawn.  One swing is located near the graduation stage, and the other down on the river's edge.

Today Volleyball travels to Richmond in the first round of the state playoffs. Fan Vans will join them with a 4:30 departure.

On the River today the will rise at 7:33 and set at 6:08.  High tide will be at 7:46 this morning and low tide at 2:41. High tide returns at 8:25 tonight.  It will be a first quarter moon with a 50% illumination.

American Studies is testing today.

In news

Officials in South Korea have now identified all 154 victims of this weekend's tragic crowd crush at a Halloween celebration. 55 men, 99 women were killed by the surging crowd in the narrow streets of Seoul's very popular nightlife district.

On this Halloween we share that on the river today the sun will rise at 7:32 and set at 6:10 tonight. It will be a waxing crescent moon with a 40% illumination.

In weather it will be mostly cloudy with a high of 68 degrees with seind from the south from 3 to 7 miles per hour.

In news

The midterms are one week away. On November 8th, Americans will cast their votes for representatives in Congress and candidates for state and local offices. They`re called midterm elections remember because they happen two years into a U.S. president`s four-year term. Every two years, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives is up for election, while about a third of the 100-seat Senate are up for grabs.

AP Calculus is testing today, along with A.P. U.S. History and Ancient History.

Tonight volleyball plays their last home game before heading to the state playoffs next week.

Last night we caught up with some seniors before celebrating their senior night.

We asked some players about their thoughts about their feelings before the game.

So, what did you learn from this season . . .

Some underclassmen were in the stands and we asked what senior they were cheering for in particular.

We continue our eighth installment about Viola Woolfolk who served as Saint Margaret’s headmistress from 1950 to 1984.

From the desk of Linda May Shields of the Class of 1963:

This practical goal of keeping the school affordable was not always achievable. During the 1970's when church schools were struggling, she again demonstrated through her actions what it is like to be committed to accomplishing something. The board offered Viola another contract with a salary increase, nothing dramatic, just enough to keep up with inflation. When she received it, she refused to sign it. Not because she wanted more; she wanted less. She would continue at her previous salary.

Varsity volleyball celebrates Senior Night as Trinity visits Saint Margaret’s later today.

On the river today the sun will rise at 7:28 and set at 6:14

It will be a waxing crescent moon with 5% illumination.   Low tide will be at 9:51 this morning and high tide at 3:38 low tide will return at 10:42 tonight. It will be sunny with a high near 64.  Winds will be from the north at 10 to 15 mph waves will be around a foot.

News in Tappahannock

As the days turn cooler and shorter, many Virginians are using firewood to keep warm and spend quality time with friends and family.

While seemingly harmless, moving firewood can enable the easy movement of destructive forest and agricultural pests. When firewood is moved from one area to another, the invasive emerald ash borer, spongy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, and spotted lanternfly often “hitchhike” to destroy crops, infect more trees and sometimes even entire forests.

Geometry is testing today as is Algebra I.

There are no athletic competitions today.

In the news

Brittney Griner was again before a Russian court today and received no mercy. The court upholding Griner's nine year prison sentence, rejecting the NBA star's plea for leniency. She was convicted in August after Russian authorities say that they found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage at Moscow airport.

There was swift reaction from the White House after the appeal that didn't go anywhere, slamming the court proceeding as a quote, "sham," vowing the Biden administration is doing everything it can to bring her home.

In national news yesterday it was reported that alarming new details about the devastating impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on America's children. A newly released national education assessment reveals that fourth and eighth graders fell behind in reading and had the largest decline ever in math scores.

The math scores are historic, the worst decline ever recorded, with roughly 25 percent of fourth graders and 38 percent of eighth graders performing below the basic level. The lowest of the three achievement levels for the test.

Students who were already struggling in school showed the most dramatic drop off. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona calling the results appalling and unacceptable.

This was anticipated a year ago here at St. Margaret’s as the school moved to launch a S.T.R.E.A.M. program to get students in the field and return to hands-on learning.  The school is also planning a summer program where students can fortify their math and science work to regain what was lost during the pandemic.

Latin is testing today, and Spanish is completing class presentations.

Volleyball hosts Christchurch School today at 4:30.

In our nation’s news today

Just 15 days from now Americans will cast ballots in midterm elections that are becoming more about the economy with each passing day. House and Senate control are at stake as Americans deal with higher inflation and fears of a looming recession.

On the international front:

The inner workings of the Communist Chinese party are notoriously secretive and opaque. Rarely do we get a peek behind the veil. Today was one of those historic moments.

As expected, leader Xi Jinping was named to a third term as general secretary of the party, the highest and most powerful office. And it was the six men who walked in behind him, the loyalists of the loyal, whose very presence told the world everything it needed to know about who was in charge.

The global consequences could be serious. That's why governments everywhere, especially Taiwan and its allies, watched this carefully staged event with grave interest.

As the School grew, the afternoon teas gave way to hockey practice; etiquette classes were replaced by computer lab, and lipstick was permitted. In response to the demands of the job, Viola relinquished some of the direct contact she had with the girls, which by her own admission

was the part of her job that was most satisfying. In a way, Viola had to relinquish some personal power, and that was tough. In an interview for the Washington Star in 1977, she described her influence in this way: "The girls didn't wear lipstick because I decided they shouldn't. They didn't

wear uniforms because I had to wear them as a child and I despised them.  If I were 27 now I could never come into this School because the faculty, the board, the parents, the girls are not going to take that dictatorship. I hate to say dictatorship, but it practically was."

From the desk of Linda May Shields of the Class of 1963:

The teacher graded my exam early and to my surprise and his, I tied Ellen Brooks, Class of 1964 for the highest grade in the class. I will never forget the look he gave me. His head was cocked to the side and his eyes glared at me, and he asked "what happened?" To satisfy himself, he graded it again. Nothing changed and then he accused me of receiving some help. Miss Woolfolk,

in ear shot of the last remark, came to my defense in a way no one ever has. Without becoming ruffled she reduced him to spaghetti.

We continue our sixth installment about Viola Woolfolk who served as Saint Margaret’s headmistress from 1950 to 1984.

From the desk of Linda May Shields of the Class of 1963:

Perhaps it was this sense of discipline and control that made her a wizard in math. Often I think of her almost genius-like qualities when it comes to the numbers. Faster than an adding machine she could total figures, and word problems weren't even brain teasers. My nemesis at St.

Margaret's came in geometry class. From the beginning I knew I was in trouble when the teacher referenced theorems and I thought it was a foreign language. My ignorance only grew. In his thick accent he would go over several theorems in class, and I found myself trying to comprehend

but failing miserably. He had little patience with slow students and would start rubbing the back of his head when answers were not forthcoming. Birds also bothered him and often he would throw books in the direction of the windows in an attempt to silence their songs.

From the desk of Linda May Shields of the Class of 1963:

She flopped on my bed and began talking about Viola's policy of taking new girls out for a cigarette their first week at School. She explained it was just Viola's way of getting to know them and making them feel at home. You see, some of them were terribly nervous and needed a cigarette to relax. So off I went to St. Margaret's Hall. There was Miss Woolfolk sitting at that large desk with the sun streaming in behind her. I waltzed in and announced I was ready for my cigarette ride. She asked me to come in and have a seat on that sofa with which I would become quite familiar as time went on. I repeated my request. She asked who told me of the cigarette

policy; I told her. She never flinched. She told me to go back to my room and wait for her. As soon as she finished her work she would call and we could take our ride.

Today’s abbreviated version of the Daily Thistle marks a Head’s Day Off of school following our Fall Family Weekend.

Our international students spent the night in Washington D.C. as they tour our nation’s capital.

On the River today the sun will rise at 7:18  and set at 6:27 tonight.  High tide at 7:35 this morning and a low tide at 2:07 in the afternoon. We will see a high tide returning at 7:54 tonight.  It will be a last quarter moon tonight with an illumination of 50%.  Today we expect a slight chance of rain before 2 p.m. Later, we will have a light chance of showers and thunderstorms. It will be partly sunny with a high near 69 degrees with the winds from the southwest around 10 mph.

From the desk of Linda May Shields of the Class of 1963:

A story shared by Laura Taylor '58 demonstrates Viola's curious combination of toughness and motherly tenderness when tending to the needs of her flock.

"Somewhere between 1955 and 1958 I was a victim of a near school-wide epidemic of flu. I remember languishing near a hall door of the infirmary and inadvertently witnessing a behind the scenes mini-drama. There was the elderly little resident nurse, about to fall apart at the very prospect of one more adolescent patient dragging into her normally peaceful haven. ' I can't

stand it any more, I just can't go on,' she whimpered.

Yesterday, the New River classroom received its new windscreens. Three catfish were pulled from the Rappahannock River and are now in two of the 55 gallon tanks. Today, the biology class will visit the river classroom to study osmosis with the catfish. The new wind turbine was installed and is generating electricity to the river classroom’s batteries. The solar panels will be installed to also supplement our electrical power.

Yesterday our Sophomores sat for the PSAT test, as did so many across the Nation.

Last night, Mrs. Bell traveled with the Prefects to Norfolk Virginia to visit alumni for lunch and dinner and drop in on the Williams School and Norfolk Academy. Next week the Prefects will travel with Mr. Bell to Lexington, Kentucky to speak with alumni and prospective students.

From the desk of Linda May Shields of the Class of 1963:

The School Viola found in 1950 was quite different from the one she left 34 years later. In 1950 etiquette classes were held weekly, along with faculty teas every afternoon. Teachers lived in dormitories and were expected to attend meals. Hats and gloves were worn to required church services, and sit-down dinners preceded mandatory evening chapel services. Lipstick and uniforms were forbidden. In an interview conducted in 1977 she expounded on the subject, "The girls didn't wear lipstick because I decided they sho

It’s a big testing day as we come to the close of the first quarter.  Testing today is American Studies, Introduction to Literature, World Literature, Geometry, and River Studies.

Christopher Newport University will be on campus today.

Volleyball will travel to The Miller School today.

The wind turbine was installed on the River Classroom and will be operational later today.  Next comes the solar panels.

On the River today the sun will rise at 7:12 a.m. and set at 6:35 p.m..  Low tide will be at 9:45 a.m. and high tide at 3:31 p.m. Low tide will return at 10:33 p.m. It will be a waning gibbous moon with a 97% illumination

On this Columbus Day, we host an admissions open house from 8:00 am to noon.  Visitors will attend classes and forums.

We continue our third segment about Viola Woolfolk who served as Saint Margaret’s headmistress from 1950 to 1984.

From the desk of Linda May Shields of the Class of 1963:

This merging of school and home coupled with a sense of community so prevalent in small girls' schools fired Viola's ambition to become a school head. Mrs. Brackett was her role model. Viola adored her and when asked as a child about her life's ambitions Viola responded, "I'm never going to get married, I'm going to be a headmistress like Mrs. Brackett."

The old tree that fell on the river lawn has already had visitors from the science classes who will be saving huge chunks of the tree for study.  One plan is to take the largest portion of the tree and make a dugout canoe with the expertise of the local Rappahannock tribe.  Students will be studying the age and health of the tree from their chemistry and biology classes.

From the desk of Linda May Shields of the Class of 1963:

In a tangential way I kept up with Viola's battle. Inquiries resulted in disturbing reports. The person relating her progress usually had a pained look and somehow the voice and facial expressions betrayed any attempts at optimism. First, swallow­ing was a problem. Then it was her strength. Talking for any length of time was difficult. And, finally, her body racked with disease and weary from all attempts at making it whole, she asked not to see anyone.

Hearing about her death was like hearing about John Kennedy's. I  remember vividly where I was and what I was doing. The passing of great people seems to have the effect of galvanizing time and place so that we remember down to the songs on the radio all the details of the moment and our reactions to the loss. Carefully, I put my memories of her away in a special file drawer of my mind. Her life and suffering joined others I have known who have tested my faith and pointed up my limited understanding of what life was about.

Tomorrow we will continue the story of Viola Woolfolk as part of a series we will be doing on Monday, Wednesdays, and Friday.

Today we share some of the sounds from yesterday’s morning Chapel.

On the River today the sun will rise at 7:06 am and set at 6:46 pm.  Low tide will be at 4:02 a.m. and high tide at 9:05 a.m. Low tide returns at 3:59 pm. followed by a high tide at 9:51 p.m..

It will be a waxing gibbous moon with 65% illumination.

Rain will be likely with a high near 52 degrees - there is a 70% chance of rain.  Winds will be 20 to 25 knots with the gusts as much as 35 knots. We can expect to see waves between 2 and 3 ft.  Visibility will be 1- 3 nautical miles.

To every man there openeth

A Way, and Ways, and a Way,

The High Soul climbs the High Way,

the Low Soul gropes the Low,

And in between, on the Misty Flats,

The rest drift to and fro

But to every man there openeth

A High Way and a Low

And every man decideth

The way his soul shall go.

That was a favorite poem of Miss Woolfolk by John Oxenham and was often shared with girls in the days of Viola Woolfolk. She served as perennial Headmistress of St. Margaret’s School from 1950 to 1984 - and this month we will be remembering her on The Daily Thistle.  This is part of St. Margaret’s honoring Miss Woolfolk's 100th birthday.  Born in August 1922, the school decided to celebrate Miss Woolfolk this fall that will culminate on St. Margaret’s Day, Wednesday, November 16.

There is a small craft advisory in effect until this afternoon. Gail warning effect this afternoon until late tonight.  We are expecting to see waves at 3 feet.

American Literature is testing today as well as Ancient and Medieval History.

In Essex County there has been an increase in Covid cases.  Because of this we are only allowing Walmart pickups - so please complete your online orders for tonight’s pickup.

The Prefects addressed the Board of Governors with the head of school about the school year, as our new student leadership assumes more responsibilities in maintaining “a good and gracious community.”

The campus is preparing for the effects of Hurricane Ian as it is predicted to move into South Carolina, North Carolina and western Virginia. Be sure to check our live river webcam on our website for conditions on the river.

I am Lucretia Hart Clay.

And this is the Daily Thistle for Thursday, September 29th, Two Thousand Twenty-Two

On the River today the sun will rise at 7:01 a.m. and set at 6:53 p.m. high tide will appear at 4:19 a.m. and low tide will follow at 10:56 a.m. high tide will return at 4:45 p.m. it will be a waxing crescent moon with a 13% illumination  In weather today it will be partly sunny with a high near 70 degrees winds will be from the north at 10 to 14 mph waves will be at 2 to 3 feet.

Today, St. Margaret’s Board of Governors members will be on campus for two days of meetings.

We caught up with the prefects yesterday on the river at 6:00 am as they were about to put the 65ft 8-person shell into the chilly water - so what were their thoughts as they looked over the river?

Last night volleyball traveled to St. Anne’s Belfield and both teams came up short being defeated in straight sets.

Tennis also visited collegiate and the number 1 and 2 seats overcame the heat and won their singles matches. Even though Collegiate was victorious the scotties had a strong match.

Last night found Parents joining a Zoom with the Parents’ Advisory Council to learn more about the schools new Student information System. Parents were reminded that we only