Community Life

Gatherings at OES provide a safe, playful, and valuable forum for student leadership, the sharing of important and timely announcements, the honoring of celebrations and transitions, and the thoughtful and civil reflection on our shared values.

Gatherings of our entire school community (including parents, staff and alumni) take place three times a year, and include the Opening of School Belltower Gathering, St. Nick’s Chapel, and Mt. Hood Climb Service Day Belltower Gathering.

Chapel in each division offers a sacred and inclusive space for intentional conversation and reflection. While grounded in the Episcopal tradition, Chapel provides opportunities for students to share, honor and seek value in the rich variety of religious traditions. In doing so, all are encouraged to explore their spiritual growth, and to contemplate their innate responsibility to the greater good of our world.

The boarding community hosts an annual Retreat of Fun, inviting day students who have participated in the Backyard Exchange Program to join in this weekend of music, food, water, and fun!

Homecoming at OES is celebrated by all divisions with a week of activities including Spirit Week and an all community BBQ between Varsity soccer games.

The OES Winter Festival is a special all-school tradition that takes places right before Winter Break. The event features speakers, student musical groups, faculty/staff performances , and of course, the rowdy rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” sung by grades 1-12.

Socials include a variety of fun activities beyond dancing, like ping pong, board games, and movies. Upper School Socials include: Homecoming, Semi-Formal, and Prom. Middle School Socials include a fall and spring social.

This is an annual event for Lower School families with family-friendly games, music, and fun food!

Each November, OES invites Grandparents and Special Friends to campus for breakfast and time in the classrooms with their students.

Aardvark Science Expo is a science, engineering, computer science, and math research competition for Upper School students. Students with their research poster boards are interviewed by professional judges and celebrated at an evening awards ceremony.