The Parents’ Association’s largest fundraiser of the year, the 41st Annual Christmas House Tour, took campus by storm (or should we say “blizzard”) last weekend. The St. Albans campus was transformed into a winter wonderland, with dozens of vendors packing classrooms, hallways, and common spaces. More than a thousand guests from all across the region flocked to the Close to explore the Mistletoe Market, visit the four houses open for tours, or enjoy a delicious luncheon.

The funds, which are used to support faculty grants, have been used in the past to bring expert guest speakers to campus, support students with learning differences, and purchase engaging classroom supplies.

As Headmaster Robinson wrote, “Each year, the tour is a gift to our faculty and students, as proceeds provide faculty bonuses and grants to support innovation in the classroom. Previous tours have brought LED lighting to the theater, a guest metalworker and a falconer to our Upper School, and robotics kits for our young engineers…”

Hundreds of volunteers from the community showed up for this crucial event. The campus was beautifully decorated with wreaths, flowers, Christmas trees, and ornaments. Parents built a campus “sweetery” to sell treats at the end of the school day on Friday. Even more, every student in Form III and Form IV volunteered their time to serve lunch, provide tours, and welcome guests to campus.

The beautiful display of community could not have happened without the leadership of Sarah Eastright and Laura Neville, who co-chaired the Christmas House Tour committee. They were supported by an executive committee of Susannah Beeson, Audrey Chan, Elizabel Chapel, Mary Pat Dean, Kara Elias, Claire Farver, Wen Gong, Dianna Rogalle, Ashley Sands, and Kison Shin. The Oesterle, Denney, Powell, and Garnett families graciously opened their homes for tours. Countless other parent volunteers contributed to the event, and St. Albans School profoundly thanks everyone for their time, effort, and donations to make this event the rousing success it was.