From the Head of School
May 2007
This past week we had our special JEM assembly, in which our children explored the scientific, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of this year's theme, Light. It was an extraordinary day, and one that exemplified for me the excellent educational experience our children receive at BFS. In mixed-age groups, students debated the merits and pitfalls of various energy sources, learned how color derives from light, experimented with tops, designed stained glass windows, played with mirrors, built periscopes, reflected on the Light in themselves, and made candles that showed their own artistic creativity. Through these experiential activities, students engaged their minds, their hands, and their spirits and came away with a renewed appreciation for the common and complex natural resource that surrounds them. The day's activities ended with Meeting for Worship in which many of students commented on how much they appreciated working with kids from other grades. And, truly, as I walked among the students during the activities, I saw them work together respectfully, with good humor, and real effort.
It is in these moments that the Light in our students shines most brightly. When they cross social and institutional boundaries and work together to learn new skills, consider challenging issues, and envision a better world, I am most hopeful. The recent violence of world and national events has done much to bring darkness into our lives. However, by working with the children in our school community, we have the opportunity to contribute to a more peaceful world. In Meeting for Worship recently, I shared my belief that the foundation for peace is laid when one person reaches out in friendship to another who may be isolated, struggling, or poorly treated. The dynamics of human development and the pressures of society often oppose this effort, and so we must create an environment in which difference is celebrated, empathy and compassion are nurtured, and the courage to speak out against unkindness is rewarded. This is a commitment that is easy to express and difficult to enact, but it is at the core of our mission to nurture a respect for the Light in each person. Since we work with human beings, we will not always achieve this goal perfectly. However, when I see our students work together as they did during our JEM assembly, when I watch them care for each other on the morning soccer field, when I hear of their cultural openness, or when I hear them speak with honesty and courage in class meeting, I know that we are making progress, and that the potential for a more peaceful world exists in our students.
I write this message on the cusp of a new chapter in my family's life. A new baby boy who will bring new Light into our lives will be born any moment now. As Seneca enters this tumultuous world, I am so happy that he will be a part of a community that values peace, kindness, compassion, and hope.
In Peace,
