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.