December Well Wishes

originally posted Dec 18, 2014 4:28:00 PM
by Head of School John Fixx

“Any man's death diminishes me,” John Donne famously wrote, “because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

Bells have been tolling too often throughout the United States for shocking events involving armed and unarmed people. And we were all stunned with sadness by the recent atrocious massacre in Pakistan, an attack on children but also on education and life and our future.

But throughout all these events, children in this world and on our campus remind us of hope and celebration and joy. There is so much goodness on our campus daily. Our students leave homes full of love and step away each morning from their families’ embrace into the arms of teachers and staff members who cherish them. And embedded in this rich soil of love, the students gain confidence, they stretch, they risk and they collaborate. We are all fortunate to have this school for our children and for us, as adults. This is our community and we cherish the warmth and shared vision.

I write today to wish you peace, happiness, and blessings of the season. I hope the holidays and school break are filled with laughter and with snuggles. While racing from event to event and from meal to meal, slow down and notice. Notice each other. Notice nature. Notice the cold on your face and the warmth from a fire. Notice the written word. Notice the spoken word and listen. Listen to a story with patience. Help someone who needs assistance. Accept help with pleasure and grace. Catch someone doing something nice and do the same for someone else. At this time of giving and receiving, give and receive with pleasure.

At the Holiday Program tomorrow, we will hold a moment of silence. And then it is on with the show, living life forward with anticipation while looking backward with reverence. My wife, Liza, our children, Nat and Em, and I are thrilled to be a part of this extraordinary community. Thank you for being a part of this special school, as well. I hope you and your family enjoy a happy holiday and a wonderful new year.

For a closing holiday image, one which I think will remind you of the hope and celebration and joy of childhood, here is a photo of our 2014 Court of Levity.

And for some sounds of the season, enjoy a clip of the Middle School band from a recent Holiday Program (click here). More to come tomorrow....