The school hosted a student gathering on the Upper School campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 10. In lieu of normal in-person classes, the event provided an opportunity for students to gather as a community and reconnect following the devastation caused by the LA wildfires. A drop-off area was also erected on campus to facilitate the collection of clothing, housewares and other essentials to support community members impacted by the fires.
Head of Upper School Beth Slattery said the event was meant to provide a space for students to come together and support one another.
“We were getting a lot of feedback that it would be helpful for kids to have a place to be together, just with no real agenda, simply to see one another and be in community,” Slattery said.
Junior Prefect Robbie Louie ’26 said he thought it was important to have an event focused on community support and helping students connect during tough times.
“The idea was to host a space where people can have lunch together and reconnect, especially since we haven’t had school for the past few days,” Louie said. “I definitely think that gathering is really good for the recovery process. It helps people reconnect and feel supported, especially when things are tough.”
Noah Koo ’27 , who donated to the drive, said that, as a resident of a largely unaffected neighborhood, he appreciated the opportunity to support those directly impacted.
“My neighborhood was fine, but a lot of people aren’t,” Koo said. “I know friends and family who have lost their homes, so I feel that I should help out, even if it’s just a little bit.”