Weekly Message from Head of School 2023/05/28-2023/06/03
Dear Keystonians,
Happy Children’s Day!
This week, as we celebrate the wonderful essence of childhood, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for you all in our school community. The vibrant atmosphere of our school community is the result of the collective energy and possibility of children, and each of you contributes to that.
In the heartfelt video released by Keystone yesterday, we reflect on the journey of children through our school. We follow children across the liminal space between childhood and becoming a young adult. Each of the graduates reflects on the child they were and the grown person they are becoming and how Keystone has shaped their identities. What unites these stories, and the stories of all our students, is the desire that each child can thrive and be exactly who they are.
One of the most important pathways towards self-discovery and expression at Keystone is the arts. The arts play a vital role in our lives; they ignite our imagination, spark creativity, and allow us to express ourselves in unique ways. Our school provides rich educational opportunities in the arts, be it through music, dance, visual arts, or drama or interdisciplinary units (IDUs) that give students the chance to express traditional academic knowledge and skills through the arts. This has all been on vibrant display over the past few weeks with our performing and visual arts exhibitions and our middle school IDUs and across the primary school classrooms and assemblies. Giving our students the chance to explore their artistic talents enhances their cognitive skills, boosts self-confidence, and cultivates empathy and cultural awareness. And the arts spark joy for all of us.
A middle school assembly yesterday doubled as an end of the year talent show. At the same time we welcomed the class of 2030 who will become middle schoolers next school year, we honored the class of 2026 as they head into high school. The five grade levels and their teachers delighted in the fun performances by a handful of talented students—but it was not just the students on stage that were benefiting from the experience; we all were better because we were there together, clapping, singing, dancing in place, and feeling the shared joy that art can produce.
As we commemorate Children's Day, let us celebrate the joy and wonder of childhood. Let us continue to inspire our students to dream big, pursue their passions, and embrace their uniqueness. Together, we can create a nurturing and inclusive community where every child feels valued, supported, and challenged to strive, learn, and grow.
I extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated teachers, staff, and parents who work tirelessly to provide a nurturing environment for our children. Your unwavering support and commitment are instrumental in shaping the future generation of leaders, thinkers, and artists.
To all our amazing students, I hope this Children's Day was filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. Each one of you is a star with limitless potential. Embrace your passions, explore new horizons, soar to new heights, and always believe in yourselves. Your families, and teachers, will always be here for you.
Happy Children's Day!
Emily
