Glen Urquhart School takes pride in the traditions and special events that stem from its founding philosophy and heritage.
“Urquhart” was a place name in ancient Scotland. The founding Urquhart was Conacher Ach Mohr, who slew a great boar, thus ridding Urquhart of a terrible menace. At the 1982 dedication of the School’s new campus, the Laird of Clan Urquhart, Scottish Chief Kenneth Trist Urquhart, gave his formal permission for the School to use the name Urquhart, and with it, the tartan, the motto, the battle cry, and the ancient boar’s head crest. These traditions provided the young school with an ancient and colorful history.
There are several versions of the Urquhart tartan; the School uses the modern one, which is a navy blue and dark green field with one red, two black, and two white stripes. The tartan, in the form of ties and sashes, is worn by our eighth graders on special occasions, like graduation. The School colors are gray and green and were inspired by the sight of present day Castle Urquhart on Loch Ness. The remains of its tall stone tower, assorted walls, and foundations are surrounded by soft green plants. This gray and green expanse, silhouetted against the blue of lake and sky, prompted the school colors of gray and green: gray for the castle's hand-dressed, hand-placed stones, and green for the natural world around them.
GrandFriends Day
Grandfriends Day, held in the fall, is an opportunity for all students to share their school experience with extended family and friends. The majority of our students invite a grandparent. If a grandparent is not available, we welcome your child’s special adult friend, such as an extended family member, a neighbor, past teacher, or parent. This day includes a variety of sharing activities, including a morning coffee, classroom visits, and a musical performance. Each student is encouraged to invite at least one grand friend to enjoy this special day. Eighth grade students do not participate in this event; instead, they can use this day to visit secondary schools.
Bread Day
Bread Day takes place on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving as a simple celebration of this culturally prominent and commonly shared food. Families are invited to bake or contribute breads from their family’s heritage. An assembly explores the rich variety of grains that serve as the “staff of life” around the world, focusing on bread as a symbol of world unity and ethnic diversity.
Winter Solstice Assembly
Winter Solstice Assembly celebrates the beginning of the winter season with music, stories, and legends of different cultures. Our Solstice Assembly occurs on the final day before winter break.
May Day
An all-school celebration of spring. Students write poetry and create flower baskets to share with neighbors. Led by the GUS band, partners head out into Beverly Farms to share them with neighbors. Eighth graders perform a traditional Maypole Dance.
Evening with the Graduates
Evening with the Graduates occurs the night before graduation. Each eighth grader delivers an original speech about something they have come to believe in deeply. At the end of the evening, the Urquhart tartan and the leadership it symbolizes are passed from the outgoing graduates to the incoming eighth grade in a candlelit ceremony.
Graduation
Graduation is a joyful and deeply personal celebration of each student’s journey and growth. Held each June on Bartlett Field, the ceremony brings together families, faculty, and friends to honor the graduating class and reflect on their time at GUS. A hallmark of the tradition is the Head of School’s individualized introductions, which recognize each student’s unique contributions to the community, alongside remarks from returning alumni speakers who offer perspective, connection, and inspiration. Rooted in reflection, gratitude, and a sense of possibility, Graduation is both a meaningful culmination of the GUS experience and a heartfelt send-off into what comes next.