Inside King's-Edgehill School
Dear KES Family:
Starting by welcoming hundreds of parents to campus for parent/teacher interviews, the first week of 2022 at KES has looked a whole lot different from the springs of 2021 and 2020. We were able to unite the Junior and Senior Schools for assembly, bring everyone together for cadets, and fill the arena not once but twice (!) for exuberant hockey games. Planning for next week’s IB Art Show and the musical theatre production of The Lion King Jr fills all our hearts with anticipation of wonderful things to come this term. COVID-19 (and masking) may still be present, but gone is the fear and the emotional, social, and physical distancing that has been here for the last two years.
It feels good to shake hands again. Holding a door open for someone is a re-discovered pleasure. The awkwardness of a simple human hug has been replaced by warmth and guiltless joy.
It has been three years since I have been able to take students on a leadership expedition. Service in Tanzania and climbing Kilimanjaro was too ambitious a plan for this year, but over this March Break Belinda and I were able to take a wonderful group of students to camp, hike, and explore the rugged beauty of the Grand Canyon and Death Valley. It was a dream adventure. Strenuous physical activity dominated most days, but the students packed laughter and enthusiasm in with their sleeping bags and tents. Most students who participated had spent the entirety of last year learning online in their home countries. How magical it was to be physically present with one’s classmates, living and learning in the outdoors, sharing tents and food and challenges together!
Our challenges with COVID-19 are not over, but I am immensely grateful for all the hard work and sacrifices which have enabled us to experience the freedom of these days. I treasure these moments together like never before.
Sincerely,
Joe Seagram
