Recent News

Over spring break, a group of students, parents, and faculty embarked on an unforgettable eight-day adventure across Costa Rica. The trip was packed with exciting activities, cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural beauty.

The journey began in the capital city of San José, where the group had a chance to explore the vibrant city before heading into the wilderness. Next, they traveled to the remote rainforest village of Tortuguero.

The adventure continued in Sarapiquí, where the group took to the skies with zip-lining and tackled the rushing rapids of the Sarapiquí River in a thrilling white-water rafting excursion.

In Arenal, the group explored a pineapple farm and a cocoa farm, learning firsthand about Costa Rica’s rich agricultural heritage. They also went kayaking on the scenic Lake Arenal, hiked through lush trails, and relaxed in natural hot springs.

Finally, the trip concluded in Guanacaste, where students and faculty enjoyed snorkeling and embarked on a riverboat tour, spotting alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

This adventure was more than just a vacation—it was a hands-on learning experience that brought students closer to nature, culture, and each other. Costa Rica’s incredible landscapes and thrilling activities made for a spring break to remember!

GSES hosted its very first Eco Careers & Tree Families Assembly this past Wednesday, and it was an incredible success! The event kicked off with a few of our 8th grade Eco Club members sharing an inspiring quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They went on to explain the concept of “green jobs” — careers that contribute to preserving or restoring the environment — and introduced our special guests, who are all professionals dedicated to working outdoors and protecting natural resources.

Students, grouped in their tree families, rotated around four different “career stops” set up on the blacktop. At each stop, they had the chance to hear firsthand about the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of various outdoor careers. The beautiful weather made the experience even more enjoyable, creating the perfect setting for students to connect with nature while learning about potential career paths.

We were incredibly grateful to have such knowledgeable and passionate guests with us, including Kathleen Ogilvy from the Virginia Department of Forestry, who spoke about forest management and conservation. Tyler Twyford from the Department of Parks & Recreation (JRPS) shared insights into maintaining public parks and promoting outdoor activities. Diego Riffle from Virginia State Parks discussed the importance of preserving state parks and encouraging public engagement with natural spaces. Finally, Scott Turner and Aiden Stewart from True Timber captivated students with their experiences in wildlife management and sustainable practices.

Good Shepherd Episcopal School is pleased to announce that Kathleen K. Tappen has been appointed as the new Head of School effective July 1, 2025. Kathy was selected from a talented group of candidates following an extensive national search. She brings vast experience in education and leadership and a strong focus on creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments.

Kathy currently teaches fourth grade at GSES. She emphasizes hands-on, engaging learning that connects students to their community and fosters creativity and curiosity. Her career includes leadership roles such as Director of Instruction at St. Andrew’s School, where she managed curriculum alignment, teacher development, and instructional technology.

In addition to her work in schools, Kathy has experience in strategic communication and nonprofit leadership. At the Children’s Home Society of Virginia, she worked to raise awareness about foster care adoption. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at The Martin Agency, managing campaigns for major brands like GEICO and Coca-Cola.

Kathy’s educational background includes a master’s degree in teaching from Mary Baldwin University and a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Southern Methodist University. She has also participated in professional development focused on leadership, project-based learning, and classroom management.

“I am excited to step into this role and continue supporting the students, teachers, and families of GSES,” Kathy said. “This is a wonderful community, and I look forward to building on its strengths as we prepare our students for the future.”

Kathy will succeed Interim Head of School Lori Jobe, who has been instrumental in shepherding the school through this transition period. Kathy and Lori will work closely with the school's leadership team to ensure a smooth leadership transfer over the coming months.

Good Shepherd Episcopal School looks forward to Kathy’s leadership and commitment to guiding the school in its mission to provide academic excellence and spiritual growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.

We were excited to welcome back several recent alumni to share their high school experiences with our 8th-grade students. The event provided a valuable opportunity for our students to gain firsthand insight into what life is like at various high schools, each offering unique programs and specialized focuses. Our alumni graciously answered questions and shared advice, helping our 8th-graders better understand the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to high school.

The schools represented during the session included:

• Maggie Walker Regional Governor's School

• Appomattox Regional Governor's School

• Open High School

• The Center for Spanish Language and Global Citizenship at Tucker High School

• The Center for Humanities at Hermitage High School

The alumni shared their personal experiences, providing honest and thoughtful answers, and offering advice on managing the transition to high school. It was a fantastic way to help our 8th graders envision their future paths and make informed decisions as they prepare to enter high school.