"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." ~J.K Rowling
Dear Caedmon Community,
It has been a tough month here at school. Five members of our faculty/staff have lost a parent or parent-in-law. The causes varied, and some had longer to prepare than others. For me, the loss of one's parents, regardless of relationship or preparation, is one of life's most profound experiences. There is certainly a sadness in our community right now and, given the pandemic, all emotions resonate and have an unpredictability not experienced in the past. There is also, and perhaps of greater proportion, the most heartfelt sense of love, affinity, and care between the people who teach your children right now. That is what makes me so grateful to be part of the community at Caedmon. And, it is why I know, deep in my soul, the reason a Caedmon teacher is such a precious gift to your children.
I share this with you, because you are part of our community. As I wrote to folks here at school this morning,
"rather than being saddened by these messages, I hope you feel great, great comfort in being surrounded by such a wonderful community, who knows each other, loves each other, and needs each other."
Isn't this the real reason we are on earth, WITH each other, as opposed to standing next to each other?
For many reasons, I wish you could come inside the Schoolhouse. One reason in particular, as we hold each other up this month, is the beautiful and inspiring bulletin board that greets each child on the first floor, in the A (or UP) stairwell. It was created and curated by Laura Capote, Caedmon's receptionist extraordinaire. As you can see, the new year, 2022, looms large at the top.
At the side are instructions: Ask Ms. Capote for a Post-It and leave:
- A shout out
- A positive thought for 2022
- A New Year's Resolution
- A wish for the world
- A compliment
- An encouragement
Life is tough right now. Caedmon is the place to be.
Matthew
