Head's Message

The first week of school is always a whirlwind for staff and students. The freedom and whimsy of the summer have been rudely interrupted by the structure and routines of a school week. The adjustment period can be exhausting.

Although I'm certain that many students returned home after school this week with sagging shoulders and a dragging backpack, the mood around the school has been positive, upbeat, and energetic. Friendships have been rekindled, new connections made, and slowly but surely the habits of successful students are being rediscovered. 

Last week, I wrote about our three Seawolf themes that we want our students to live daily: EXPLORER, LEADER, PACK. 

To focus on one of those today, I have seen the Seawolf Pack on full display this week. In fact, as I type this, I look out to our dock to see students energetically jumping in the lake, enjoying a warm September day and relishing in, what may be, one of the final hot days of the season. These moments are what bond us to our Pack and create those connections with others who share a common interest. 

In my opening address to the students this year, I spoke of the simple ways that we can strengthen our Pack. Acknowledging each other as we pass with a "Hello" or "Good morning!" is an easy way to make others feel included and welcome. The goal is not just to greet our friends and classmates, but those who we may not know (yet). Greet and recognize our housekeepers who get the school ready for our arrival in the morning. Say hello to our maintenance staff who make sure everything runs smoothly around our campus. The more we notice others, the more we feel like we're all part of the same Pack. 

The first week can be a lot. New routines. New people. An overload of information. The return of homework.

But I can see already the changes that come with a caring environment. Students who were anxious on the first day are now running around playing tag at lunch with new friends. Those who barely said a word for a few days are slowly coming out of their shell and participating in class. 

If we all take ownership of the Pack mentality, we can ensure that everyone feels included and supported as Seawolves. 

Josh Hart

Head of School

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