School Spotlights

Every December, the joyful sounds of storytelling and laughter fill the Benjamin Franklin Library (BFL) at Viewpoint School, marking a treasured annual tradition: the Head of School Holiday Readings. These events, led by Head of School Mr. Mark McKee and his wife, Ms. Cathy Shelburne, bring the spirit of the season to life for students and teachers alike.

Primary and Lower School students gather for a series of seven reading sessions, each featuring a mix of cherished classics and new literary selections. Curated by librarians Sue Jean Woodmansee and Beverly Schwarz, these stories reflect values that resonate deeply with the Viewpoint community, including kindness, gratitude, cultural understanding, and the joy of giving.

Celebrating their 10th year leading this tradition, Mark and Cathy select age-appropriate stories that encompass winter holidays while exploring themes of friendship, family connection, responsibility, and humor.

Dressed in festive holiday-themed accessories, they take turns reading page by page, projecting illustrations onto the screen and bringing each story to life with animated voices and expressive gestures. This year, students enjoyed stories like The Christmas Mitzvah and Jackie’s Gift, which highlighted lessons on bridging cultures, embracing generosity, and sharing blessings with others.

“The children look forward to this yearly holiday event in our beautiful library. In this smaller, more intimate setting, they appreciate the special time with our Head of School. Mr. and Mrs. McKee radiate love and joy for our youngest students,” said Vanessa Harrington, Assistant Head of Primary School.

Interactive and engaging, the Head of School Holiday Readings are a highlight of the winter season, setting the tone for a meaningful and joyous winter break.

Over the past few weeks, Viewpoint has brought student-athletes together across divisions for a series of dynamic sports clinics, fostering skill development, mentorship, and connection. These events exemplify the school’s commitment to creating a unified athletic community while encouraging leadership and growth.

On Tuesday, November 19, nearly 20 participants joined Brittany Espinoza, Director of Girls’ Basketball, and the Varsity Girls Basketball team for a one-hour clinic in the Rasmussen Family Pavilion. The event united athletes from the Lower, Middle, and Upper School, offering participants the chance to sharpen their individual skills, compete in team challenges, and embrace the opportunity to connect across divisions.

“One of the many things I love about our school is that we are a TK-12 campus. While our girls basketball program runs through three different divisions, I want to emphasize that we are all still one program,” shared Espinoza.

On Friday, December 13, Viewpoint hosted two more Winter Sports Clinics for Fourth through Eighth Grade students, with nearly 40 students participating. The Boys Basketball Clinic, led by J.J. Prince, Director of Boys Basketball Operations, and the Varsity Boys Basketball team, welcomed 15 young athletes to the Paul Family Athletic Center (PFAC), where they honed their skills through drills, learned new techniques, and connected with Varsity players.

At the same time, the Boys and Girls Soccer Clinic on Ring Family Field brought together nearly 30 students to enhance their skills under the guidance of Varsity Soccer coaches and players. The clinic emphasized teamwork and leadership, inspiring younger athletes to explore their potential and build confidence on the field.

By uniting students across divisions, these clinics demonstrated the unique breadth and depth of Viewpoint’s athletic programs. Through these experiences, students grow not only as athletes but also as individuals.

Inspired by their vision to create a brighter future for their daughter and generations to come, Viewpoint parents and donors Dr. Niniek Purnomo and Klaus Woizik demonstrated their generous support with a major gift to rename Viewpoint’s Patriot Store to the Purnomo-Woizik Family Patriot Store.

After relocating from Indonesia to California to provide their daughter, Alaya Purnomo ’32, with exceptional educational opportunities, the Purnomo-Woizik Family has become a source of inspiration for the Viewpoint community through their courage, commitment, and generosity.

"We are grateful to continue our family legacy in education, from Indonesia to the United States, at Viewpoint School, where we believe our daughter is receiving an exceptional education," shared Dr. Niniek Purnomo and Klaus Woizik.

"Our schools thrive because of families like the Purnomo-Woizik Family, whose dedication to education helps build a stronger community," said Mark McKee, Head of School at Viewpoint. "Their remarkable story is a powerful reminder of the impact families have in shaping the future of our students and our school."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 21 officially unveiled the new name of the Patriot Store. School leaders, including Head of School Mark McKee, Associate Head of School Bob Bryan, Lower School Head Claudia Antoine, and Middle School Head Steve Chan, delivered heartfelt remarks celebrating the Purnomo-Woizik Family’s generosity and the lasting impact their philanthropy will have on generations of students.

A beloved part of campus life, the Patriot Store provides students with opportunities to connect with peers, build community, and develop essential life skills. From thoughtful decision-making to money mindfulness, it plays a meaningful role in fostering responsibility and personal growth.

“The Patriot Store is more than just a store. It is a classroom where we teach independence, critical thinking, and the values of community and connection,” added McKee. “Naming it in honor of the Purnomo-Woizik Family deeply aligns with our vision of fostering a community where families value unity in diversity.”

"The Purnomo-Woizik Family’s story of courage and determination inspires all of us at Viewpoint," said Bryan. "Their generosity will strengthen our community and provide opportunities for future generations of students to grow, learn, and thrive."

"It has been a privilege to witness Alaya’s journey at Viewpoint, from a quiet third grader to a confident young student who contributes so much to our community," shared Antoine. "Her family’s generosity reflects a deep commitment to education and will impact not only her generation but countless students in the years to come. We are truly grateful for their trust and support."

Viewpoint extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Purnomo-Woizik Family for their transformative gift and their enduring impact on the school community.

Preparing our students to be ready for their futures is at the core of what we do at Viewpoint School. With an unparalleled college counseling and academic advising program, delivering world-ready graduates at the finish line of an exceptional educational journey is our promise.

Viewpoint School is proud to spotlight Tanaz Nourian and Shelley Kierman, two Associate Directors of College Counseling. Tanaz, who joined Viewpoint in 2023, brings a background in college admissions, while Shelley, who started at the beginning of this school year, adds more than two decades of experience as an educator and college counselor. 

We recently sat down with Tanaz and Shelley to hear more about their professional journeys, college counseling philosophies, and how they feel about being part of the Viewpoint community.

Katerina: Can you each share your professional journey and what led you to Viewpoint?

Tanaz: My journey into college counseling began unexpectedly. After graduating from Chapman University, I initially worked in marketing but soon realized I missed being part of a campus community. A friend encouraged me to apply for a position in Chapman’s admissions office, which turned out to be a transformative experience. I spent five years in admissions, developing relationships with schools like Viewpoint, before transitioning to college counseling. I craved deeper one-on-one interactions with students and the opportunity to guide them through such an important milestone.

Shelley: Before joining Viewpoint, I spent 22 years at Milken Community School, where I served as Dean of Students, a history teacher, and for 15 years, an Associate Director of College Counseling. I helped build Milken’s college counseling program and was ready for a new challenge. Viewpoint’s reputation for fostering a supportive and dynamic community drew me in, and I’m thrilled to bring my experiences to this incredible team.

Katerina: What drew you to the college counseling team at Viewpoint, and how does the school’s approach align with your philosophy?

Tanaz: Having worked closely with Viewpoint during my admissions career, I was already familiar with the school’s rigorous academics and the maturity of its students. Viewpoint’s approach to college counseling resonates with my belief in empowering students to be self-advocates. College applications require hustle, organization, and resilience, and I’m here to support students as their coach and cheerleader every step of the way.

Shelley: What stands out to me about Viewpoint is its student-centered philosophy. Every student’s path is unique, and our role as counselors is to help them discover the best fit for their goals and aspirations. I’m also impressed by the collaboration within the school—working closely with deans, faculty, and administration ensures that students receive holistic support.

Katerina: What are some of the key ways you support students and families during the college application process?

Tanaz: I see myself as a counselor not just for students but for their entire families. The college application process can be overwhelming, especially for families navigating it for the first time. My role is to provide guidance, answer every question—no matter how small—and celebrate milestones, whether it’s submitting an application or receiving an acceptance letter.

Shelley: I take a comprehensive approach, guiding students from creating a college list to hitting “submit” on their applications. This includes helping them identify their priorities, brainstorm essay topics, and review every detail of their applications. For parents, I aim to be a reliable partner and source of accurate information, helping them tune out the noise and focus on their child’s journey.

Katerina: What do you find most rewarding about working with students during this pivotal time in their lives?

Tanaz: Watching students hit their milestones is incredibly rewarding. From meeting deadlines to receiving acceptances, every step is a victory. The best part is seeing them find their “home” for the next four years and knowing they’ve grown through the process.

Shelley: I love helping students reflect on their accomplishments and realize their potential. It’s rewarding to see their confidence grow as they navigate the process and make important decisions. College admissions is just one step in their journey, and I’m grateful to be part of it.

Katerina: Looking ahead, what initiatives are you excited to bring to Viewpoint’s college counseling program?

Tanaz: I’m passionate about leveraging social media to amplify student voices and share resources more effectively. I’d also like to collaborate with the school’s wellness team to address the mental health challenges that often accompany the college application process.

Shelley: I’m eager to explore how we can enhance academic advising and ensure colleges fully appreciate the rigor of a Viewpoint education, and the unique breadth and depth of offerings. I look forward to bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to the team.

Katerina: What’s one of the top pieces of advice you give students as they prepare for the college admissions process?

Tanaz: Enjoy your high school years and focus on what fulfills you rather than checking boxes for college. You’ll never get this time back, so make the most of it by pursuing activities that genuinely inspire you.

Shelley: For underclassmen, explore and commit to activities that bring you joy. Juniors should focus on deepening their involvement and taking on leadership roles. Seniors, remember to be authentic throughout the process. Colleges value genuine voices, so stay true to yourself.

Tanaz and Shelley bring expertise, care, and a student-centered approach to Viewpoint’s college counseling team. Their dedication to thoughtful guidance and meaningful connections ensures every student is prepared to lead with purpose, character, and resilience in an ever-changing world.