Head of School

Perspectives: Strategic Momentum

Perspectives: Christian Sullivan

The pause in the rhythm of school life in mid-summer allows a moment to reflect back on the past year as well as to look forward to what’s coming. It’s an opportunity for which I am so very appreciative. The modern intensity of school operations at a school as complex as Bullis can lead to doing and acting rather than contemplating and reflecting. While there is an inevitable attraction to getting things done and running things efficiently, careful strategic contemplation is essential. The separation and stillness that summer provides, enable a deeper examination and even more accurate understanding of what has gone before and what is to come.

The Senior Leadership Team engages in this contemplation as individuals and as a team. We collaborated at our retreat in August on improving our professional coaching of those we support, strategic thinking, goal setting, and of course, the necessary practicalities of running Bullis. The SLT has welcomed new members recently; last year we welcomed Ryann Fapohunda (Director of Teaching and Learning), and this year we welcome Jenna Borrelli (Director of Wellness), Genta Branstetter (Lower School Head), Justin Leith (Director of Athletics), Cheryl Terwilliger (Director of Arts) and Kenneth Waters (Director of Diversity, Equity, and Justice). While Genta is stepping into Margaret Andreadis’s shoes, Jenna, Justin, Cheryl, and Kenneth have been appointed to new positions recommended by our strategic plan. That plan is already being executed, and I am thrilled that we have been able to attract such incredible people to these critically important positions.

I hope that your summer vacation provided you and your family the opportunity not just to have much-needed fun and rejuvenation, but also the latitude to reflect on what’s truly important to you. We are looking forward to the 2022-2023 school year.

Warmly,