Parents Association Events

Multicultural Fair
Every year the entire student body and faculty come together to learn about and celebrate a different country and culture.  Over the course of several months, the boys learn about the history, geography, and culture of a particular country, read books by local authors, create indigenous arts and crafts projects, and experience the music, dance, and food of the country.  The learning culminates in a fun-filled fair in the spring.

The Family Benefit and Silent Auction
The Family Benefit is an annual event that is much anticipated by both parents and boys.  Every year the school gets transformed into a theme-based wonderland for families.  Whether it’s in outer space or ancient Greece, there is fun to be had for all, and the kids delight in bouncy castles and arcade games while parents mingle over cocktails and bid for one-of-a-kind items in a silent auction.  The Family Benefit is an important fundraiser for the Parents Association.

Community Gathering 
The Community Gathering Committee, in conjuction with the school's Diversity Coordinator, seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse backgrounds and cultures within the St. Bernard’s community.  Throughout the year, there are talks and group discussions on topics pertaining to diversity and inclusion that relate to the boys’ and families’ experiences.  The group also organizes off-campus visits to museums and cultural institutions of interest, as well as a movie viewing at the school.

Community Service

Community service is a long-standing tradition at St. Bernard’s, with every grade participating in a community service project.  The PA co-chairs work with the faculty Community Service coordinators to support these endeavors.  Community Service events take place throughout the school year, and are focused on volunteer opportunities and collections. Long-standing collections include UNICEF Change for Kids, Halloween candy, the Thanksgiving food drive, holiday toys, and books for Project Cicerco.  Hands-on events include making brown bag lunches, delivering meals, Central Park clean up days, volunteering at senior centers and with local community organizations. 

Speakers Bureau
Speakers Bureau events include both on-campus and off-campus events organized by the Parents Association.  Past speakers have included Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of How to Raise an Adult, David Isay of StoryCorps, and Ron Lieber, author of The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money.  Off campus events have included private tours to art shows and exhibits at the Met Breuer and MoMA.

Skating Party
The Great Skate is St. Bernard’s much-loved annual skating party.  Family members, faculty, and staff all come together for an evening of fun on the ice at Wollman Rink each January.

The Raffle
The Raffle is an annual fundraising event organized by the Parents Association.  Boys sell raffle tickets, and the class that sells the most tickets gets bragging rights and wins a field trip to see a New York Yankees game.

Goals for Good
An annual soccer tournament for boys in grades K-VI, Goals for Good raises funds to support youth soccer programs in underserved communities all over the world.

Grade VIII Bake Sale
The Parents Association and eighth graders work together to organize two bake sales.  The proceeds from the bake sales fund the Grade VIII class gift to the school.

Blazer and Uniform Exchange
With our fast-growing boys, the annual exchange is a great way to get more use out of gently used blazers, khaki pants, and dress code shirts.

Sports Equipment Exchange
Parent donations of ice skates, baseball bats, tennis rackets, and other sports equipment power our sale each year.

Book Fair
The St. Bernard’s community loves books, and with over 8,000 titles for sale, the Book Fair is a much-awaited event that stimulates enthusiasm for reading throughout the school.  Boys stock up on summer reading books with the help of the librarians and teachers, and there are plenty of great reads for faculty and parents as well.