Inside SPS: A St. Paul's School Podcast

In this episode of “Inside SPS,” Rector Kathy Giles joins Rev. Chuck Wynder and Rev. Richmond Jones to explore what it means to be an Episcopal school in today’s world. Together, they discuss how St. Paul’s School honors its Episcopal tradition while welcoming students of all faiths and backgrounds, creating space for spiritual exploration, interfaith dialogue, worship, and belonging within a modern boarding school community. From chapel services and confirmation classes to partnerships with Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu leaders, the conversation highlights how SPS seeks to build a beloved community grounded in dignity, curiosity, and care for one another.

Rector Kathy Giles sits down with Dean of Chapel the Rev. Chuck Wynder Jr. and Associate Dean the Rev. Richmond Jones to explore the role of chapel and spiritual life at St. Paul’s School today. Together, they discuss why SPS gathers four mornings each week in community, how students grapple with questions of meaning, ethics and belonging, and the essential role that spiritual formation plays in the lives of young people. From music and ritual to reflection, storytelling and the School Prayer, this conversation examines how chapel helps shape the values, relationships and sense of community at the heart of the SPS experience.

Rector Giles sits down with Beth Little and Drew Inzer, two heads of houses who also teach humanities and coach different sports, to discuss what it’s like to live and work alongside students in a fully residential school. During the episode, they talk about their approaches to building community within their dorms and how they work to support students in their growth toward more independence and responsibility while fostering a culture of respect and belonging. Mr. Inzer and Ms. Little also share what it is like to raise their families alongside students and how, at an all-boarding school like St. Paul’s School, “you need to turn into the community, and that’s a wonderful thing,” according to Mr. Inzer.   

The adult community at St. Paul’s School is focused on helping children live healthy lives — both physically and emotionally. Join Rector Kathy Giles, Medical Director John Bassi, MD, and Vice Rector for School Life Theresa Ferns ’84, P’19 as they discuss the team-based approach to health and wellness that is both embedded in the School’s community structure and exists in the formalized services that are available through Clark House Health Center. They also explore how the School helps students build the skills of advocacy and resilience that help them flourish in all aspects of their high school experience.

As the college process for the Form of 2027 begins in earnest, Rector Kathy Giles sits down with Dean of College Advising Greg Buckles to discuss how the School supports students and their families in pursuing higher education. They trade “pro tips” for how to make the process growth-oriented, hopeful, realistic, and optimistic for both students and their families and explore how to define and shape successful outcomes — and what success may mean for each student.

In this episode of Inside SPS, Rector Giles is joined by Vice Rector for Academics and Faculty Lori Bohan P’24,’25 and Dean of Academic Affairs Sarah Ludwig to discuss how the School helps students approach academics, manage their time and find balance in their course selections, and how families can partner in helping their students succeed.

Rector Kathy Giles is joined by Vice Rector for School Life Theresa Ferns '84, P'19 and Dean of Students Suzanne Ellinwood P'19,'20 to discuss how students learn community expectations and develop essential self-management skills. They explore social and emotional growth during a student’s time here, including friendships, leadership, technology use and the role adults play in supporting students as they grow toward independence, and share practical tips for parents at each stage.

Rector Kathy Giles is joined by Vice Rector for Academics and Faculty Lori Bohan and Dean of College Advising Greg Buckles to discuss the simplified grading system that was implemented this fall — and the importance of embracing a growth mindset over perfectionism in every dimension of School life.

Rector Kathy Giles is joined by Vice Rector for Academics and Faculty Lori Bohan P’24,’25 and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Sarah Ludwig to discuss the structure of the St. Paul’s academic calendar. They explore how time is prioritized — from weekly schedules to homework expectations — and share practical tips for students to make the most of their academic year.

Rector Kathy Giles sits down with Dean of Student Support Kate Daniels for a conversation about the academic experience at St. Paul’s and the ways in which the School supports the more than 500 students from across the country and globe who call Millville home every school year. 

Rector Kathy Giles and Athletics Director Chris Smith P'28 discuss the School's work with the Positive Coaching Alliance and the importance of "filling the emotional tanks" of our students, in athletics, on the stage, in the classroom and throughout their adolescence.

St. Paul's School Rector Kathy Giles chats with Athletics Director Chris Smith P'28 about the philosophy behind the School's athletics program -- from the importance of teams and physical activity to student well-being to managing expectations for student athletes to partnering with parents to ensure a positive playing experience for every child.

St. Paul's School Rector Kathy Giles sits down with Dr. Theresa Ferns ’84, P’19, vice rector for school life and adolescent counseling psychologist, to discuss how to help students develop healthy mindsets and learn "to do hard things well." They also discuss how a 100% boarding school environment provides the necessary space for this work and opportunities for parents to partner with the School.

St. Paul's School Rector Kathy Giles sits down with Dr. Theresa Ferns ’84, P’19, vice rector for school life and adolescent counseling psychologist, for a conversation about the special role of boarding school in the growth and development of children -- and how parents can partner in this work of providing students with the time, presence, and opportunity to grow in a fully residential school setting.