Dear Friends,
Here we are again at the end of another productive and eventful year. As we bring the 2005-2006 year to a conclusion, I am very pleased to report that we recently received word from the California Association of Independent Schools that we have passed our re- accreditation process with the highest marks possible thereby officially certifying St. Margaret’s for another six years. Many thanks to all of you who participated in the process and special thanks to Associate Headmaster David Boyle and his Steering Committee who so ably led us through this rigorous and demanding process.

This year has also seen significant changes in the physical appearance of St. Margaret’s. The groundbreaking, and now near completion of the Pasternack Field House and DeYoung Family Math and Science Center (on schedule for a September opening), provide powerful and graphic illustration that we are moving forward with the implementation of our campus master plan. While this is clearly a very exciting development for our Upper School, these projects will also create a very positive ripple effect throughout the entire school as virtually every student will benefit in meaningful and tangible ways once these new facilities are up and going. More expansive athletic facilities will provide numerous opportunities for our physical education and interscholastic athletic programs. Consolidation of Upper School classrooms especially in the sciences will enable our Middle School science classes to occupy the superb labs in the Gateway Building. Less cramped space across the campus will afford opportunities to broaden our commitment to music (especially for strings and Lower School music) and provide a home for our newly established Learning Center.

While we are still finalizing the details, it now appears that for a variety of reasons the groundbreaking for our new Performing Arts Center and Middle School is at least a year away. Part of the delay relates to permitting issues with the City of San Juan Capistrano, but the primary challenge remains with the need to acquire more funding before we can break ground on these much needed projects. The initial phases of the Legacy Campaign experienced phenomenal success as several key families stepped up to assume leadership positions and infuse an air of optimism and excitement throughout the school community. Now it is time for others to come forward and join in the effort to bring these plans to reality.  Recently, I was afforded the extraordinary privilege to be a part of the Lower School musical production of “Annie, Jr.”  Aside from experiencing first hand the magic of Darcy Rice and the truly awesome talent of so many Lower School students, it was once again abundantly obvious that our program has far eclipsed the facility in which it takes place. And if that weren’t enough, this year’s Spring Instrumental and Choral Music Concert provided further evidence that our commitment to the performing arts is broad, deep, and sincere. We can and will do even better in the coming years, but just think what we could do if we had the space that our students and faculty truly deserve! I deeply hope that over the summer each and every one of you will give serious thought to how you can join in this very worthwhile effort.

Finally, the end of another school year signals a time to celebrate certain members of our faculty and staff and especially, our senior class who are bringing their careers at St. Margaret’s to a conclusion. Barbara Deubert and Judy Haidinger have faithfully served our school for a combined total of 30 years and we look forward to honoring their years of service on Thursday, June 1 at 6:00 pm. And then on June 10 at 5:00 pm we will bid a fond farewell to the Class of 2006. This is a talented class whose members have contributed mightily to the life of St. Margaret’s. We will miss them deeply as they move on to the next exciting chapter in their lives.

Best wishes to you and your families for a happy, healthy, and rejuvenating summer. The next issue of the Tartan will be out in mid-August.

Fond regards,
Marcus D. Hurlbut
Headmaster