Saturday, September 24, 2022

During the recent fall luncheon, Bell Society members were treated to unscripted time with students, entertained by the acclaimed Peddie string quartet and inspired by Associate Head of School Catherine Rodrigue’s reflections on teaching at Peddie. A student-led campus tour followed the lunch. 

Students and alumni shared their own personal Peddie stories and learned from one another how much they have in common across the generations.

In a personal, compelling talk, Associate Head of School Catherine Rodrigue shared reflections on the intrinsic rewards of teaching. She noted the satisfaction of seeing students grow and mature during their time at Peddie.

Catherine cited recent student presentations on their Signature Experiences, noting how mature, intelligent and creative they have become. Sitting with art teacher Craig Dale, who had just been complimented by the student presenter, Craig whispered to Catherine what so many teachers feel, “And I get paid to do this!” 

Catherine also recounted a recent visit with alumnus Joe Labella ’03, now a teacher himself. Joe recalled a specific lesson Catherine taught during a poetry class and how that stayed with him. He thanked Catherine for that class. “Of course, I remembered almost none of it,” Catherine admitted, “but he did, and it reminded me of the powerful and lasting memories many students take from their hours in our classrooms. In some ways, what a burden of responsibility we take on; in other ways, what a satisfying profession.” 

Catherine added, “Peddie teachers don’t just go through the motions of teaching. They don’t distribute ready-made materials, they create original lessons and they work hard to engage students, to pique their curiosity, to fulfill our collective responsibilities’ to our students. And they respond. That’s what motivates us.”

Enjoy these short clips of the quartet: