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Weekly Message from Head of School 2023/09/10-2023/09/16

2023-09-15

Dear Keystonians,

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our recent activities and share some thoughts on our collective journey towards creating a purposeful and impactful learning environment.

Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with our students about the importance of embracing imperfection and embracing every opportunity as a chance to learn and grow. This mindset is crucial in fostering a love for lifelong learning.

I am delighted to report that this week has been filled with various enriching experiences for not only our students but also our teachers and families. We kicked off "Back to School Nights" on Tuesday and Thursday, providing Primary School families with a glimpse into their children's experiences. I am excited to announce that we will be hosting High School and Middle School back-to-school nights next week, as well as a special "Back to the Dorm" night on Sunday, the 17th.

Furthermore, I am pleased to share that our first Educational Salon of the school year was a resounding success. Dr. Yong Zhao, a renowned expert in education, delivered a thought-provoking talk on the importance of learning for uncertainty. His insights reminded us of the power of expertly designed education in driving positive change. Specifically, he emphasized the significance of helping our children discover their purpose—the intersection of their passions and talents. Research by Daniel Pink supports this notion, highlighting that purpose is a key motivator for learning and growth.

As educators and parents, we play a vital role in preparing our children to be stewards of the future. By nurturing their individual growth and connecting their small daily actions to our larger goals, we contribute to their journey of purpose and fulfillment.

Speaking of small actions, I want to address the significance of seemingly minor rules, such as our community agreement not to use electronic devices in the dining halls. Some students may question the rationale behind these rules and their connection to our overarching mission. Allow me to shed some light on this matter.

Our theme for this year is connection, and it permeates every aspect of our educational approach. Recently, I experienced a poignant moment in the dining hall that exemplified the power of connection. Instead of retreating to a secluded corner with my phone, I adhered to our community norms and sat with a student whom I hadn't yet had the opportunity to know well. Our conversation flowed effortlessly as we shared our favorite books, discussed her experiences in the design course, and explored her aspirations for the year ahead. In those precious 15-20 minutes, we both learned, grew, and forged a meaningful connection.

It is through consistent adherence to small changes in behavior that we achieve significant results. Our commitment to these seemingly insignificant rules lays the foundation for purposeful connections and fosters a culture of learning and growth. Each small action contributes to the extraordinary journey our students undertake.

As we embark on this new academic year, I encourage each of you to reflect on the small details of our school culture and learning community. Let us nurture patience and vision as we weave together these details with our lofty goals. Together, our collective efforts will yield immeasurable impact.

I wish you all a peaceful weekend filled with rejuvenation and reflection.

Warm regards,

Yours,

Dr. M/ Emily