Head of School’s Notebook
September 27, 2024
As we move into fall, I wanted to share a list of 10 highlights from the start of the year. As is true with life on the Mesa, each day contains moments of collective exuberance often followed by a quiet sliver of solitude – usually outside. I’ve learned to pay attention at every moment to see what I might discover next. What I love the most about living here is how we get to see each other in different contexts as we move through the rhythms of our day. The simple moments are often the most moving memories.
1. Move-In Day: There is no question that this is the most high energy day of the year which serves to buoy the nervousness of our newest students and their parents. I treated myself to a trip though the screaming senior tunnel as I went into assembly to welcome our new families – just the send-off I needed!
2. Outings Week: After hearing so much about the Kern trip, I was lucky to lead a pod of Juniors with my husband (and teacher) Paul. During one of our rest days in Big Whitney Meadow, we gathered for a session of backcountry yoga led by Rebekah Barry. Turns out that Ridge Rest sleeping pads have many uses.
3. Football Team at Mesa House Pool: During the pre-season we invited the football and volleyball teams over to Mesa House for a pool party. As you can see, the team didn’t waste a minute investing a “underwater rugby” game. Let’s just say the pool lost a lot of water that night – completely worth it.
4. Dropping off flowers: I derive great joy from flowers – a legacy of my grandmother. I figured that the first night 9th graders had homework was an opportunity to stop by each of their rooms to offer a little encouragement and delight.
5. ELC Drawings: The Early Learning Center created the most beautiful book of drawings from our youngest members of the Mesa capturing their interpretation of “the spirit of this place.” I particularly enjoyed their drawings of me.
6. Taylor Wyatt walking to the ELC: As a mother of young children, I feel a particularly strong connection to the faculty who are also juggling the joys and demands of this phase of life. I captured this picture of Taylor Wyatt on her way to drop Ainsley off at the ELC one morning this week.
7. Mid-Autumn Moon Festival: Given the rich diversity of cultural and religious backgrounds of our community, I’m always excited to learn more about treasured cultural traditions. This year, I enjoyed celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival (or Moon Festival) by eating a mooncake while watching the beautiful full moon rise above the Mesa. A beautiful reminder about finding brightness in the darker days if winter ahead.
8. My son Henry in the CoLab: While leading a tour of the beautiful new CoLab, I gasped with delight when I saw my son Henry and his friend Rafa enjoying our new reading nooks – it was the kind of moment I couldn’t have planned and brought me such joy to know our new library is a reading haven for all ages. Thank you librarians for making the space so warm and inviting.
9. Raymond Commons Chairs in new restaurant, Alma: On my recent visit to Alma, I was delighted to see the chairs from our former dining hall enjoying a new life in Santa Barbara. As I sat in my chair that night I imaged now many generations of Cate students sat in the same chair over the decades. Thank you, Alma, for honoring Cate!
10. Mesa House Garden: Each morning and evening I take time to walk through the garden to try to see what’s changing. A good reminder that nothing is permanent.
For more photos throughout the year, be sure to follow Ms. Lockett on Instagram! @cate_headofschool