The Dragon Dance is an annual Saint George’s tradition that occurs at the start of the school year, the Friday before Labor Day weekend. It’s an opportunity for all of the school divisions (Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School) to come together to celebrate the new school year!
Learn more about the Dragon Dance from Jamie Tender, the Head of the School.
We set our own curriculum based on our mission
We welcome students from all backgrounds
We are not directed by any government or religion
The Dragon Dance is a longstanding SGS tradition, however, no one is quite sure the exact year it started. Wanting to find an answer, Jamie Tender started doing research to uncover the mystery of when it started. He talked with Keith Stecher, Dave Holte, and Sally (Stanton) Poutiatine (’80). Stetcher said that it began sometime in the 80’s, while Poutiatine said that it was during the 2nd year Johnathon Slater was the head of school. He instituted this in order to bring more pomp and circumstance to the start of the school year, as he was underwhelmed with how the year began before.
For this reason, we estimate the Dragon Dance started in 1995.
We have uncovered this newspaper clipping from 1966 that mentions a “Dragon’s Day” tradition at the end of the school year. This is currently the oldest-found example of what resembles the modern Dragon Dance that we do every year.
Dear Friends,
In 1955, a group of visionary parents joined forces to create a new educational option in Spokane. The founders sought a place that would prepare students for life and to succeed at the best colleges and universities around the world. Sixty-five years later, Saint George’s School continues to fulfill their initial vision. We fill a unique niche in the region as the only K-12 independent school, making a positive difference in the lives of young people.
We strive to be honest in our work, in our dealings with one another, and with ourselves.
We respect one another, our school, our country, our environment, and ourselves.
At all times, we seek to act with the welfare of others as the highest priority.
We value doing our best — in school, in the classroom, on the playing fields, and in all our endeavors.
Saint George’s School is dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that supports the success of all community members, while celebrating the richness that diverse perspectives bring to the human experience. As members of the SGS community, we realize that creating and maintaining such an environment will not happen by chance but must be the result of institutional and individual resolve as well as intentional decision-making at all levels. Consistent with our school philosophy, SGS must value diversity and personal well-being while protecting and promoting freedom of thought, freedom of inquiry, and freedom of expression. Members of the SGS community further recognize that this is an ongoing process and requires our sustained Best Efforts.
