Reflection
L E T TE R F R O M TH E H E A D O F SC H O O L TO M D OA R I I I
“We must thank those who help make North Shore the place it is day to day.” Saying thank you should be easy; to acknowledge others and clarify the difference they make is a common courtesy that we have come to expect. People feel good when they are acknowledged and are often energized knowing that their efforts have made a difference. As Head of School, I recognize that among the things I need to do well is say “thank you.” For without the investment of time, energy and resources of so many, North Shore would be just another school. Thankfully, North Shore is not just another school. It’s a school that engages each individual in a meaningful way, a school that allows each and every student to make a difference, a school with a 90 year history. North Shore “does school” at a very high level. Critical to how we do school are the people in our community: students who care and commit to doing their best, teachers who fully invest themselves, and parents and alumni who support, encourage and give. This highly effective combination leads to student growth, a sense of pride and a sense of connection— the core of what makes North Shore, North Shore. As I reflect back on the 2009/10 school year, I am struck by the fullness of our agenda which, in my perspective, was the result of two factors. First and foremost, was our commitment to student growth: day to day students were stretched, supported and engaged in very meaningful, positive and productive ways. Learning in and out of the classroom was evident as students were challenged to learn
4 Acorn Annual Report 2009–2010
language, mathematics, science, history, art and literature, while, at the same time, asked to grow as people emotionally and physically. I feel very good about our students’ growth—and have seen their efforts validated. Secondly, we made great strides this year advancing our strategic agenda—a vision established by our Board of Trustees to build on North Shore’s core values and strengthen all that we do. This past year, we may have accomplished more on our strategic agenda than in any year in recent memory thanks to the involvement and support of so many. We prepared our Upper School building for a complete renovation which will take place during the upcoming academic year; advanced a soon-to-be-announced Capital Campaign aimed at increasing support for teachers and students and modernizing both the Upper School building and auditorium; focused our efforts in the areas of global awareness, sustainability and service; and ultimately remained a group of people who are committed to openness and acceptance for all members of our community. My thank you, then, is far-reaching. Thank you to all who have come before—those who established North Shore as a school that puts students first, a school that is committed to the development of the “whole person.” Thank you to those who have influenced the School during this past year. Thank you to students, to faculty and staff, to parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents and friends. Your efforts matter—they have made a difference— they count.