Week of April 12, 2010

The Upper School steps are empty and the school is quiet on this beautiful Sunday afternoon. The view from my office window has changed during our week away from school. The azalea blooms are looking oh, so brilliant, and somehow, the leaves on the trees have completely filled out. How does that happen so fast? Although it is quiet for this moment, I know it won't last. We will hit the ground running at 8:30 tomorrow morning...and sprint to the end of the term.
JUNIOR RETREAT
The junior class will depart after school on Tuesday for their Junior Retreat at the Betsy Jeff Penn 4-H Center in Reidsville. Many of our juniors have been busy planning the schedule with staff supervisors, Susan, Ken, Tim, and Bob. After dinner, students will gather in small group discussions on the following topics that they have identifuied to help define goals, aspirations, and projects for their senior year: Men’s group/women’s group, Senior projects, Things to do to be fun and inclusive, Senior service, Improve music and art – with students leading the way (bring music back on the patio), Students teaching classes, and Stewardship of the physical space. Leadership will be part of the whole group discussion, which will follow the small group talks. Anthony Clay (Director of Advancement), Elise, Annie, and I will join the juniors for dinner on Tuesday. We expect them to return to school by noon on Wednesday (having had little sleep the night before!).

ALL-SCHOOL MEETING FOR WORSHIP
On Wednesday morning, Lower, Middle, and Upper School students will join in the gym for our all-school meeting for worship. Early schools will join us in spirit as we light candles in their honor. We gather for silent worship as a whole school three times during the year. It's not easy to get everybody together in one spot, but it's always worth the effort once we settle into shared silence.

Looking ahead: Student Teach-In, Student-written/Student directed plays, Prom, and our End-of-Year program. I hope you'll keep in touch!