Tús maith, leath na hoibre
I hope you will forgive my little bit of Irish language, a popular proverb meaning “a good start is half the work” (Don’t worry, we are not going to require Lower School students to learn Irish this year!).
I often think of this proverb as another new school year begins. The early days of the school year can be hectic for students, teachers, and parents. For those of us lucky enough to work with children, the beginning of a new school year is both humbling and inspiring as we welcome bright, eager, slightly nervous, new students and watch them navigate the new and unfamiliar with genuine courage and resilience. Teaching is part science, part art. At its core, however, teaching is a vocation informed by a profound appreciation of the human spirit. This year will be a journey for your daughter, as it will be for us. There will be challenges and achievements, fabulous days, and some less than fabulous days. In the early days of the year, the girls work on writing individual hopes and dreams for this year. As the girls share their aspirations, they also unveil their social and academic anxieties about the new school year. Please ask them to share these with you when they complete their written work in a week or so. These are very touching, and our hope and dream for them is a year filled with both joyful learning and the genuine growth that comes from the ups and downs that await them.
At Lower School, we use Responsive Classroom strategies to empower our students to thrive at school. This program is derived from the belief that children excel when their school experience is defined by three core concepts: Belonging, they are an important part of the classroom; Significance, what they have to say matters; and Fun, that they truly enjoy their learning. We know that with your help, we can work together to ensure your daughter has a fantastic school year filled with growth.
Slán agus beannacht (Irish for "Goodbye and Blessings to you.")
Patrick Bane Lower School Director