Message from the Head of School

AT THE START of this year, we wondered if circumstances would allow the full scope of Country Day programming and events. Performances, sports, traditions, alumni gatherings, trips—would we be able to plan and do all that we wished? This spring issue of Perspectives reminds us that, yes, we are without a doubt experiencing a year of inspired normalcy. And what an exceptional year this has been!

In this issue we celebrate the reclaiming of traditions paused during COVID-19, such as the visit of Lower School students to the Head’s house to welcome the winter holiday season. We highlight unique learning opportunities, such as the Senior Externship program and the potential of our new property in Weddington. We celebrate the achievements of our amazing students—thespians, athletes, scholars, and leaders. And, of course, we celebrate our alumni, whose work for the school as well as achievements in the community make us proud every day.

The heart of this issue of Perspectives is three learning journeys of strategic importance for Country Day: maximizing the value of accreditation, integrating educational technology, and ensuring progress in our DEIB strategic goals. Assistant Head of School Scott Waybright makes sense of this SAIS Accreditation year and reminds us that the process is not simply a validation of program; it is most importantly a chance to reflect on our school and establish priorities that can inform the future. Director of Educational Technology Joe Hernick reminds us that technology is not an add-on in our students’ education. At Country Day we seek to develop lifelong skills that students will take with them into the future And finally, Director of Diversity Planning Brian Wise introduces articles by our Country Day educators that acknowledge the concrete choices we are making to strengthen connectedness and a sense of belonging in our student community.

The uniting theme in these three stories is institutional learning. Schools must be engaged in cycles of self-reflection in order to ensure we are continually refining how we execute our Mission. Whether we are developing Design Lab projects for our Lower School students or taking stock of the academic program as an extension of accreditation or “revamping Freshman Seminar…to encourage inquiry, collaboration, problemsolving, and critical and creative thinking,” we are always in a cycle of dynamic self-improvement. Great schools like Country Day must be; as a learning institution, we must model the very processes we ask our students to engage in every day.

I am proud of the breadth of institutional learning, as well as the depth of community, this issue of Perspectives represents. What a joy to see this year the full scope of Country Day come to life!

Marcel Gauthier, Head of School