Knights on the Move: Spring Unit 2025 Brings "The World is Our Classroom" to Life

Each year, Gill St. Bernard’s School invites Upper School students to take part in Spring Unit—our signature program that brings the school’s motto, “The World Is Our Classroom,” to life. During this immersive two-week experience, students step beyond traditional academics to explore focused areas of interest through hands-on learning, real-world engagement, and personal discovery. Spring Unit continues to be a defining part of the GSB experience, setting our school apart in meaningful and lasting ways.

The Spring Unit program is under the direction of History teacher and Assistant Dean of Student Life Mike Wendell, Performing Arts Teacher, 9th Grade Seminar, and 9th Grade Dean, Margery Schiesswohl, and Registrar / Data Systems Manager, 9th Grade Advisor Eileen Procaccino.

The 2025 Spring Unit programs were:

• Alternative Approaches to Art and Design
• Amazing Architecture All Around
• American Red Cross – Lifeguard Certification
• Beneath the Celtic Sky: The Convergence of Religion, Tradition, and Culture in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland
• Castles, Cathedrals, and Jousting, Oh My!
• Catching On to Fly-Fishing
• Dance, Dine, and Design
• Flavors of Asia
• Food Culture and You
• Lead the Way: An Adventure in Teamwork
• Maine Islands, Writers, and Artists
• Mickey's Academy
• Nature's Classroom: Hiking Adventures & Learning on the Trails
• Soar to Success – Become a Certified FAA Drone Pilot with Hands-On Training and an Exciting NIST Competition!
• Songwriting and Structure
• Sports Broadcasting (with Bruce Beck)
• The Great Outdoors: Field Research in Yellowstone National Park
• Try a New Path at Camp Pathfinder

Middle School students also embraced the spirit of Spring Unit through their own dynamic lineup of hands-on, interest-based courses designed just for them. This year’s offerings invited students to dive into creative, collaborative, and experiential learning experiences across a variety of disciplines. From crafting custom instruments in Build Your Own Guitar to exploring mindfulness and movement in The Wellness Unit, Middle Schoolers were challenged to think critically and try something new. Other popular courses included Podcasting, Pizza: The Secret Ingredient, Advertising, and Order in the Court. These engaging mini-units helped spark curiosity, build confidence, and lay the foundation for the deeper explorations they’ll experience in Upper School.

Another highlight of Spring Unit is the Internship Program. This year, 16 students had the opportunity to experience real-life working environments in industries including education, medicine, finance, law, marketing and communications, and pharmaceutical sciences. The students also presented their two-week experience to a panel of faculty, staff, and their peers, giving them insight into how to professionally display their work.

In 2025, our Spring Unit Courses and Internship Program once again delivered an engaging and meaningful close to the academic year. From hands-on exploration to real-world readiness, students gained invaluable experience while building confidence, perspective, and purpose. It was a memorable finale to another year of growth and discovery. Go, Knights!