Extracurricular Activities
Gill St. Bernard’s offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities. In Grades 9 through 11, students are required to participate in at least one activity each year; nearly all continue in their senior year. Most students at GSB participate broadly in extracurricular offerings. In this way, new interests can be cultivated, new talents developed and new friends made.
Service Activities
Student Government
Student government is an important component of the success of each school year. Working with the Dean’s Office, an active, responsible student government provides leadership opportunities for its members and ensures the rest of the student community a forum in which to address issues of concern to them.
Community Service
There are numerous opportunities for community service involvement at Gill St. Bernard’s. Ongoing activities include Bridges, a Saturday lunch distribution to the homeless in the city of Newark, and Eric Johnson House where students cook and eat dinner with residents of a group home for men and women who are H.I.V. positive. Other activities include blood drives, fundraising events and the Special Olympics.
Music
Chamber Singers
Chamber Singers is an auditioned group, open to any 9 through12 grade student enrolled in chorus. This activity meets on Tuesday evenings throughout the school year.
Women’s Ensemble
Women’s Ensemble is an auditioned group, open to any 9 through 12 grade girl enrolled in chorus. This activity meets on Tuesday evenings throughout the school year.
Theater
Fall Play
All students may audition for the fall play. If cast in the show, students are required to attend regular rehearsals throughout the semester as well as performances in November.
Spring Musical
All students may audition for the spring musical. If cast in the show, students will be expected to attend rehearsals (including the second week of spring break ) throughout the spring semester with performances in early April.
Clubs and Activities
Yearbook
Students are responsible for creating the Upper School yearbook. They are involved in all aspects – taking photographs, planning interesting and creative pages, designing layouts and meeting deadlines. The senior yearbook includes a multimedia CD supplement which is created by the yearbook staff.
Newspaper
The 4th Estate, staffed by students, is responsible for reporting the news and events occurring at Gill St. Bernard’s. In addition, the staff gathers and disseminates opinions, provides entertainment and reflects the attitudes of the student body. A staff hierarchy is established at the beginning of each year, appointing duties and responsibilities.
Literary Magazine
Staff members create and edit an annual creative writing journal featuring poetry, fiction, essays, and art work. The magazine hosts and organizes several poetry readings during the academic year as well as writing workshops.
The Voice
The Voice is an on-line publication dedicated to allowing students and faculty the opportunity to offer their informed, constructive opinions on various issues and subjects. The topics range from GSB community issues to geopolitical issues. Anyone from the GSB community can submit an article for consideration to Thevoice@gsbschool.org.
Academic League
Gill St. Bernard’s is one of twelve high schools in Somerset County that belong to the Academic League. Students compete against other area schools in a quiz-bowl type format in over 25 academic categories including science, math, geography, sports, and computers.
Mock Trial
Mock Trial is a statewide competition sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation. Students are presented the opportunity to hone their logic and speaking skills as they try a case in the roles of attorneys and witnesses. For more information go to NJSBF.ORG.
Spanish and French Honor Societies
Students who maintain an A- average for the first three years of language study are invited to join these honorary language societies. Activities include community service and cultural events that promote language proficiency and cultural understanding.
Model United Nations
Model UN is a simulation of the actual United Nations in which students research critical international issues and then represent selected national delegations at selected conferences. The activity involves considerable research, writing and extensive committee negotiations at the conferences.
Tech Team
The Tech Team is the Upper School “Computer Club”. The club has a broad, service – oriented function as relates to technology and computer science programs at school. Activities of the Tech Team include recycling of used tech equipment, peer tutoring in various computer science areas, adult tutoring, serving as teacher/staff aides, assisting in the production of the CD supplement to the yearbook, and hosting/participating in an annual Tech Fair.
H.O.P.E
H.O.P.E. is a student–funded and administered humanitarian group that organizes student responses to pressing social justice issues.
Outing Club
The Outing Club is open to any student who is interested in hiking, camping, canoeing and other outdoor activities. Three to four trips are planned per school year.
Food Club
The Food Club meets five to six evenings per year to dine at several different ethnic restaurants in the area. Students may attend all sessions or choose individual meals which appeal to them.
Ski Club
Ski Club meets on Fridays throughout the months of January and February at Camelback in Pennsylvania. Participants depart campus at 3:30 p.m. and return to school by 10:00 pm.
