Faculty and Staff Goodbye Remarks - 2022
This past year, as you may recall, we engaged in some wonderful discussions around the simple, yet incredibly profound story, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse.
Written and illustrated by Charlie Mackery, the tale is one centered around a number of powerful themes, including friendship, the importance and need for kindness, and the power of community—being together, celebrating our common humanity, and, well, simply moving through life with a positive outlook and a genuine appreciation for the small things---such as, in this case, the Mole’s particular affinity for sweet cake!
Without retelling the story—and, if you haven’t read it, do so today—I must admit that it captures much of the sentiment I feel right now, as I stand before you. As we conclude what has been a banner year, and as I reflect upon all of our accomplishments in this historic, 50th celebration year, I could not be more proud, or more grateful.
As you already know, we made incredible progress as a School in this historic 50th year:
The opening of the Student Life Building…
The hosting and the Official Blessing of Trinity Chapel…
The rollout of a new, 5-year Strategic Plan…
Having a record-setting admissions and enrollment season…
The completion of our most transformative capital campaign to date…
The continued excellence in college counseling…
New High Marks in our Annual Fund…
The formal implementation of our International Baccalaureate program…
Noteworthy athletic and academic achievements…
Extensive and global student service…
Mesmerizing musical and theater performances…
Meaningful Chapel moments and times for support and care of one another…
Newly introduced traditions and signature events…
A wide range of professional development and leadership beyond Palmer Trinity, and more..
Incredible. Impressive.
But, for me, as I look around this room, I am once again reminded of the importance of this Community—this amazing teaching and learning Community–this Palmer Trinity Team.
I am reminded of our power as a group coming together for one Mission…
And, so,
As our friend The Mole says in this story,
“Sometimes I want to say I love you all…but I find it difficult…”
“Do you?” said the Boy.
“Yes, so I say something like I’m glad we are all here.”
“Ok,” said the boy.
“I’m glad we are all here”
“We are so glad you are here too.”
I couldn’t agree more…
I am glad we are all here…Truly glad.
Perhaps my happiness stems from the fact that, for starters,
We are gathered in person today—we are healthy, and we are sitting next to one another…
We are enjoying some much-needed fellowship, laughter, and a chance to pause, reflect and give thanks for these connections—these friendships—these relationships…
We are all present today, making time on a busy final Day of School, after a hectic “run” of May and the always crazy days of the school year…And that’s not always easy to do!
We are busy with our final to-do items, and getting grades posted, and yet, we are celebrating together, and taking the time and effort to sincerely enjoy and support one another…
We also believe in our work. We are committed to what we do. We still hold the Ideals of our work to the highest order, and yes, I believe that we are changing lives for the better…The “ripple effect” of our efforts makes a difference in a World MUCH in need of what we are doing.
This is not just a job…This is a calling. This profession is truly noble.
We also believe in Palmer Trinity School…We gather together because we sincerely support our greater Mission as a School…
We are committed to the Ideals of Palmer Trinity…We recognize the impact, and the power of our efforts and work together…
As we wrap up our 50th Anniversary Year—and one, that I might argue—has been our best ever— we have so much to be grateful for… and at the top of that list is each of You….As we head off today, I do hope you also “tuck away” this thought I ran across yesterday…I hope you’ll carry these thoughtful words of from the philosopher, Simone Weil:
Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.
This year has required our undivided attention…in so many ways…in and out of Covid, through a “readjustment”, through challenges of student behavior, parent behavior, and an increasingly polarizing society.
Undivided attention, above and beyond the “normal” school day…Extra hours, off-campus, and beyond….Thanks to your undivided attention, we are THRIVING.
Your undivided attention—your care for our students, and our families—is unparalleled.
Your undivided attention does not go unnoticed!
Thank you…All the very best for a relaxing, healthy, and happy Summer.
And, now, I hope you’ll put some of that undivided attention to your own health, and to your own peace of mind!
I look forward to our Return in August, and to our RESET.
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