OES Traditions
Opening Day
On the first day of school, students walk to the Belltower by class behind a banner with their graduation year. After speeches and prayers, each student shakes hands with the head of school. Then classes begin.
St. Nick's Chapel
The whole student body attends this event in the gym. Highlights are a visit from St. Nicholas and the singing of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" in which each class sings the refrain for its grade.
Giving Chapel
Lower School students bring gifts and place them on the altar, and the presents are given to organizations that distribute them to needy families.
Mt. Hood Climb Service Day
A lecture, prayers, and service work commemorate the seven students and two faculty members who lost their lives in the 1986 tragedy on Mt. Hood.
Graduation
The senior class commences at a service in Trinity Cathedral in Northwest Portland.
Gathering
The Middle School and Upper School each begin several days a week with a meeting chaired by students in which announcements are made, songs are sung, problems are solved, celebrations are held, and world events are discussed.
Aardvark Science Fair
The Aardvark Science Exposition is a science, engineering, computer science and math research competition for 6-12 grade OES students. Students with their research poster boards are interviewed by professional judges and celebrated at our evening awards ceremony.
