PERSPECTIVES: HEAD OF SCHOOL | Christian Sullivan
A YEAR OF FIRSTS
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Whether entering Bullis as a new student, teacher or even head of school, we are primed for a year of firsts. A first opening day, a first Homecoming, a first gala, a first play, a first graduation and the first experiences of all the important traditions that add to the richness of a school like Bullis. Since arriving on campus in late June, I have often expressed how fortunate I am to be at Bullis; my family and I have been wowed by the friendliness and support we have received, but I am also sensitive to the fact that I have not seen so much of the real Bullis in action yet. I have seen the can-do spirit of “the Bullis Way,” and the real desire to look after our students and the community, but I have yet to experience all the wonders that this school has to offer. Sure, I saw it in action as a candidate, and when I visited after my appointment, but it is different when truly part of the community. I believe this is true too for all our new students, their families and our new faculty. I truly hope that those new to the community are getting a feel for the real Bullis, but inevitably for many of us who are new, next year will be our first real Bullis year. Undoubtedly, we will have a leg up, and already have a devotion to the school, and frankly, I can’t wait.
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BULLIS | Fall-Winter 2020-2021
I write this at both a difficult time and a time of hope; we are in the dark last throes of the pandemic, but with the first vaccination given in the States this week, there is a bright light at the end of this long tunnel. Hopefully we can stay focused and maintain our fortitude in these last few months of the pandemic. In the spirit of looking forward, I am excited about embarking on a strategic planning process in January. I am excited because we will produce a roadmap with deliverables that will lead us to a compelling vision of the future of Bullis. I enjoy having a strategic plan that, rather than serving as a glossy brochure, is a working document that never gathers dust. Bullis is already great, and I want to raise expectations even further; I can promise you that we will never become complacent. Bullis is fortunate to have talented, hardworking, experienced trustees, faculty, parents, and alumni. The future is bright, and I cannot wait to get going on this project and move towards the beginning of my “first” Bullis year.
