Headmaster's Weekly Newsletter -- Week 24

Every now and then I simply have to get out the virtual pom-poms and cheerlead. All week I have had that inner buoyant feeling one gets after being part of something extra-special. The Junior School musical production of FROZEN JR left me, surprisingly, quite emotional. The performance was just over an hour and took us all on a sine wave of emotions and awe. The crowning glory for me took place after the show when the two princesses (Lucy Goddard and Hannah Stilwell) descended the stage and met with all the little children who wanted to meet them and get a photograph with “the princesses”. It was as magical an hour as the show itself. Hannah and Lucy were simply dazzling, making sure every toddler received a huge hug, sparkling smile, and time enough to bask in the warm glow princesses are famous for. The lines were long but everyone felt special. Loved it!

 

It is hard to believe that the March Break is but a week away and most spring sports start on Monday. The School is an odd mixture of excitement and anticipation today (Friday) as all our skiers and snowboarders, all our wrestlers, both hockey teams, and our Senior Boys’ Basketball team are competing. Given that the entire Junior School is having their Annual Snow Sport Day (in gorgeous sunshine!), it does not seem like there are many of us left.

 

We are so lucky to be who and where we are. Our real concerns here at KES are few. One of our brilliant teachers, Phillip Hadley, reminded us all at our mid-morning staff meeting that many of our students are concerned for their families back home. Some of our Chinese students have parents who live in areas with significant restrictions and because of the Covid-19 virus have not been at work for as much as two months. These are students who will not be travelling home or seeing their families over the break as planned.

 

As we set our sights on a regional or provincial banner, or enjoy a day on the slopes with friends, or revel in the applause after a riveting performance on stage, it is important that we appreciate just how fortunate we are.