Head of School’s Notebook

October 25, 2024

Fall Family Weekend is an important milestone marking the halfway point between the start of school and Winter Break. Like the start to a story, this first chapter of the year holds clues and emerging themes that foreshadow what we might expect in the months to come. From my perspective, the level of engagement, high spirits, and collective ownership we’re seeing across campus leaves me excited and hopeful about what’s around the corner for the School with athletic season playoffs, the end of the trimester, and winter festivities. Our seniors continue to demonstrate care for the common good (even as they complete college applications) by nurturing younger students on their teams, in the dorms, through learning labs, or during Public Service Night. One of my metrics of success is how someone reacts in times of overwhelm or challenge and our seniors are exceeding expectations, already setting a new standard of student leadership that will leave a lasting legacy.

I also feel encouraged by how we have been navigating this election season, where inquiry is supported and nurtured within and beyond classrooms. Our Convocation on the eve of the election will be led by students who will model for the School the power of civic engagement as an essential component of a thriving democracy. As is the case in all dimensions of Cate culture, I am in awe of the courage and conviction our students demonstrate as they wade into the unknown. May we all take a cue from them as we prepare for the unknown with the upcoming election and beyond.

As always, you can expect all members of the school to consistently model and uphold the ideals of civility, curiosity, and care no matter the context. I believe the spirit of this place is defined by dignity and community will surely carry us through – a true testament to the enduring value of a Cate education.

On a lighter note, I thought I’d share some of the ways I’m mindfully moving into the fall season.

Reading: Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May – As we transition into Fall and then Winter, I am mindfully working to make more space for reflection in these transformative days.

Admiring: The World of Interiors – A long-time favorite publication for the soulful and still way of capturing interiors which serve as a mirror for the interior lives of the residents who live in these spaces.

Pausing: My son Walker and I are developing a new ritual of watching the sunset together allowing both of us to be soothed by the changing light and simple delights.

Growing: This is the first time I’ve grown dahlias and I’m really enjoying them! Just look at the precise edges of color!

Noticing: I derive great joy from noticing the world around me, often taking the form of paying attention on the Mesa to students, faculty, and even wildlife as we move through the day. On the rare occasion that I venture beyond the Mesa, I feel like a tourist as I admire the setting and charm of our neighboring towns. In particular, I recently fell into and in love with Godmothers, a local bookstore, with its fairytale-like setting with a vision of being a place to gather and exchange ideas and stories.