Superheroes, spotty socks and sushi

There isn’t usually too much stillness at 400 South Drive. SJR students are busy and they enjoy life. They build happy memories and strong foundations for interesting and varied lives. The huge numbers of students that attend extra-curricular clubs is evidence of the commitment of our students and staff and is the sign of a successful school. With so many opportunities available for every student, our co-curricular program strengthens and enriches the SJR experience.

The temptation to do too much can be seductive, though. I happened to pick up one of my daughters’ backpacks the other day and was struck by how full it was. This reminded me of a key message from this year’s CAIS Heads’ and Chairs’ Conference. In life, and in education, we are at risk of putting more and more “in the backpack”. There are so many challenges and opportunities to embrace but the reality is we can’t keep introducing new things to our lives without taking something out.

We all need space and time to check in with our bodies, notice how we are breathing, and pay attention to areas of tension. Days can become a blur as we rush from activity to activity. Please encourage your children to pause, take a breath and unwind as they navigate the high-wire act of balancing academics and co-curricular activities with a healthy dose of unadulterated fun.

Sally and I enjoyed hosting the parents of new Junior School students at our home on Wednesday and look forward to next week’s Middle and Senior School event. It is a privilege to share in the beginning of their SJR journeys. Although this is our fifth year at the School, we both recall the uncertainty of our early days and we understand how important it is to build relationships with other parents.

I want to thank everyone who has recommended the School to family members, friends and neighbours. I appreciate your support and am looking forward to meeting many families at our Kindergarten Information Evening on November 29, 2018 to talk to them about everything that makes this School and its community so special. The highlight of my week was reading one of our girls’ favourite books to Mrs. Briggs’s Kindergarten class. The focus and excitement on the faces of these curious kids mesmerized me but the best part was the raft of inquisitive questions that followed on topics such as superheroes, my colourful spotty socks and sushi. Such is life at SJR, and I was able to pause, take a breath and unwind.

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