Lucy M. Gowdie, Head of School
20 October 2023
The second half of this semester has commenced with a cold that came quickly, yet the warmth our young people have brought into the school each day through their smiles, has made up for this sudden change in weather.
I have been privileged over the course of the week to meet with our Parents' Association, and its President, and to gather with parents this morning to provide insight into my first year of leading the school.
The relationship between our parents and our School is very unique; for some six decades ago, it was a group of parents who lay the foundation upon which this school now stands, a group of visionaries who understood that internationally mobile families needed a place to provide the highest quality education for their children – this foundation is as immovable today, as it was when our forebears first laid it.
Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.
In talking with the Parents' Association, their energy and enthusiasm for the rituals and traditions that have been handed to them over time is resolute. They understand that we come from all corners of the globe but are united by this school, and in so being, we must continue to build upon this connection so that in times of triumph and in times of tribulation, we can be the support each other needs.
The work of the Parents' Association lies at the heart of our culture and by extension our community, and I celebrate their commitment to the School. I am very much looking forward to Halloween, and to the Winter Market, to seeing new faces and to sharing in the traditions that give our young people pride in their school.
I extend an invitation to our entire community, appealing to the service ethic we are instilling our young people, to engage with our Parents' Association in service to our school. Volunteering with our parents not only builds connections and bridges, it strengthens the foundation laid by our forebears, preparing us for the future.
I know that the endeavour of our parents is unwavering, but that they would appreciate the support of all in making the most of the moments we provide for our young people.
I was reminded in my conversation with Carli, our Parent' Association President, this week, of the importance of legacy, of the light she and her team are now shining on the imperative of our community caring and uniting for the betterment of our young people.
As we spoke, what resonated was the past and its impact on the present. We exist because of the dream our parents had, and we will continue to exist because our parents will continue to bring that dream alive.
I celebrate and I commend the work of our Parents' Association and know our community will unite in support of their service, so that we continue to strengthen our unshakable foundation.