Head of School’s Notebook: Looking Back, Looking Ahead

One of the perpetual gifts of working in a school is how our experiences today are a result of tremendous forethought. After many years of construction, we all feel so fortunate to enjoy the beautiful, calm, multi-purpose CoLab as a place to gather, work, and connect. Dedicating the A Better Chance Coastal View Reading Room and Frank Griffin Inquiry Classroom during Family Weekend was a particular highlight.

Nothing brings me more joy than getting the chance to be in conversation with our wonderful students. On this evening in December, over 30 members of WoFo (Women’s Forum) gathered near the fireplace to discuss how our female gender identity impacts our experiences. I spoke about how I’ve learned to “immunize” myself against the corrosive effects of gender discrimination by building my competence and confidence through the embrace of bigger and bigger challenges each an opportunity to reinforce my strengths and learn.

Planting the Mesa House Vegetable Garden on MLK Jr. Day – By now, you know I find endless delight in nurturing growth in students and in my garden. On this sunny January day, we worked together to till the soil and plant seeds that have now overgrown the space. I just harvested my first carrot this morning! Dr. MLK Junior’s vision of building beloved community through breaking bread together is alive in our daily acts of companionship and service.

Cate is often referred to as “bubble”, however, I often feel that instead of a bubble, we are a village that makes space for the impacts of the outside world through our interconnectedness and collective care. After the devastating LA fires that had a devastating impact on many in our community, students spontaneously rallied in support of those affected by hosting a fundraiser at Carp Arts.

Free Day – You’ll often hear me say that some of the most important learning paradoxically happens during downtime. What I mean by this is that it is in a moment of pause, exhale, or delight that we integrate our learning. I believe our moments of play are times when we feel the most ourselves often forge the strongest connections with the people and places we hold dear. Free Day is a wonderful opportunity to experience collective effervecence and I am fortunate to be the one who gets to share the good news!

Grandparents’ Day – I started the school year reflecting on how my grandmother’s story impacted my own sense of self and inspired me to live a life of purpose. The elders in our lives play such an important role as teachers, cheerleaders, and companions. Therefore, hosting our grandparents was a special treat made even sweeter as I witnessed the loving interactions between our visitors and their grandchildren.

Alcazar Theater Talent Showcase – We are so fortunate to have such a strong connection with Carpinteria a place as multifaceted and delightful a the Mesa. Getting to see our incredible performers take the stage at the Alcazar Theater was one of the many moments of awe we share together where people and place come together to create a moment of magic.

Opening of Meldman Field – Like the CoLab, getting to celebrate the opening of Meldman Field was a shared moment of delight for us all. As it turned out, the first competition we played on the field was a Divison I championship soccer game on a day with torrential downpours – luckily the field was as capable to handle those conditions as our players were to face their opponents!