Leadership in the Making
I had two aspiring leaders in my office today, representing the administration-for-a-day from elementary. We discussed briefly their plans for the day and noted their organization and skills.
My thanks to Rita B. and Harper R. for their service. They clearly understood the main charge of any school administrator - Take care of your kids! I shared some treats with them and their thoughts immediately were considerate of classmates and potential dietary considerations. After a brief dialog and picture session, I offered my help for any of their concerns, but they competently stated they "had this one." - Something you hope to hear every day from your key leaders.
Small things like this often plant seeds for the future. I'm impressed daily by the opportunities that students have that grow into clear aspirations and dispositions for a life of service and accomplishment. These two young students are fully ready to take on the world!!
The silver lining of our current circumstance may be found in these little victories and the positive outcomes of surmounting great adversity together. We may find in the further reaches of this slow recovery that our children have newfound depths of resilience that they can use to face the unknown challenges beyond the horizon. The excitement and energy are infectious and renewing. I saw it during UN Day with both parents and students. It was evident today in the Formal Day in the high school - the suits, tuxedos, and gowns were brilliant!! Students are gathered across the hall from my office right now (and virtually around the world) starting the Berlin Model United Nations Conference and working to address how we can achieve world peace. I see similar activities every day in the hallways, classrooms, and on the fields and playgrounds around the school.
The mission of self-care and wellness is still center stage at ASW. These activities help us address our healing, but we need to continue our vigilance for the care and concern of others, both in and around our community. The many projects of the season will provide an opportunity to bring a spotlight on our community service efforts. Many projects are in preparation, as has been our tradition.
Finally, you will find an announcement below on a unique opportunity tomorrow night to join a virtual conference for CEESA parents throughout the region hosted by the American International School of Vilnius. Dr. Michael G. Thompson is a wonderful author, practitioner, and speaker worthy of your consideration.