Inside King's-Edgehill School
Dear KES Family:
One of the most famous “lockdowns” must be that experienced and chronicled by Anne Frank in her diary. Barely a teenager at the time, Anne and her family spent just over two years in a hidden apartment in Amsterdam. Needless to say, Anne did not have NetFlix or a TV, or phone, or any of the typical amusements teenagers have today. Anne had her daily chores, her writing, and her schoolwork to keep her occupied. She yearned for the freedom of a normal life, and to go to school like she used to…with her friends…with real teachers.
Life was not easy for Anne. She was moody and affected by her extended period of isolation and from being in such close and constant contact with the same people every day. However, she loved writing and derived great satisfaction from studying hard. At one point she explains how happiness is not given, but something you work for and earn: “You must work and do good, not be lazy and gamble, if you wish to earn happiness. Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction.”
For the last two weeks our focus at KES has been on exams. It is an extended period of concentration, of work, of focus. It is not a happy time. It has its own unique set of emotions. However, there is absolutely no question the happiness that consumes the students upon completion of their last exam has a unique quality. As Anne describes, there is a satisfaction which comes from work. The joy the students are feeling right now has been earned. This gives it depth and permanence and release. Finishing one’s exams means that Christmas and holidays and family beckon. The joy of Christmas amplifies the satisfaction of a job well done.
This first term has been nothing short of miraculous. The efforts of the students and staff have resulted in unprecedented successes. Whether it was on the national stage with “Operation Remembrance” and the record shattering funds raised for the Terry Fox Foundation, or on our own stage with sold out shows of Heathers the Musical, the work of our students and staff has been rewarded. I am exceedingly grateful for everyone’s Be More attitude.
This holiday has been earned. May it be the happiest one ever.
Sincerely,
Joe Seagram
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