The two chaplains are at the school full time. The chaplains teach, counsel, speak at assemblies and are active in the school's peer-support program. If all I did was lead services, I don't think I would feel very integrated in the life of what was going on here. But because I am part of the daily life of the school in a wide variety of areas, it just gives me a larger degree of access. Other Episcopal schools do mandate attendance at worship.
Students also take introductory courses in biblical thought and theology.
That message of respect carries over into programs addressing diversity issues. Most of the school's families are of Caribbean background. The St. Mark's spring fair celebrates this cultural diversity, displaying flags, crafts and food from the countries where students and their families came from. Local rabbis have promised to speak at school assemblies, and the principal highlights Jewish celebrations during the year. I've ended up doing weddings for parents because we've had parents who weren't married.