Welcome to “Inside SPS,” a new podcast series hosted by Fourteenth Rector Kathy Giles.
Featuring conversations with members of the SPS community about living and learning in our 100% boarding school, each episode explores themes central to the St. Paul’s School student experience and highlights how we build community together.
Season 1
Episode 4: SPS and the Positive Coaching Alliance
Rector Kathy Giles and Athletics Director Chris Smith P’28 discuss the School’s work with the Positive Coaching Alliance and the importance of “filling the emotional tanks” of our students, in athletics, on the stage, in the classroom and throughout their adolescence.
Episode 3: The Philosophy of Athletics at St. Paul's School
Rector Kathy Giles chats with Athletics Director Chris Smith P’28 about the philosophy behind the School’s athletics program — from the importance of teams and physical activity to student well-being to managing expectations for student athletes to partnering with parents to ensure a positive playing experience for every child.
Episode 2: Helping Students Develop Healthy Mindsets
In this episode Rector Kathy Giles sits down with Dr. Theresa Ferns ’84, P’19, vice rector for school life and adolescent counseling psychologist, to discuss how to help students develop healthy mindsets and learn “to do hard things well.” They also discuss how a 100% boarding school environment provides the necessary space for this work and opportunities for parents to partner with the School.
Episode 1: The Transition to Boarding School
In this episode Rector Kathy Giles sits down with Dr. Theresa Ferns ’84, P’19, vice rector for school life and adolescent counseling psychologist, for a conversation about the special role of boarding school in the growth and development of children — and how parents can partner in this work of providing students with the time, presence, and opportunity to grow in a fully residential school setting.