At the start of the school year, the winter break seems so far away, but every year it’s here before we know it. It seems like just yesterday the sun was shining and it was hot, and last week campus was covered in a beautiful blanket of snow. The sense of peace that engulfed our school felt truly magical and I was reminded why I love this time between the two breaks. Though the holidays are a busy time, they are also time for connection and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to reach out to all of you.

Regardless of what holiday you may celebrate this time of year, the themes of peace, joy, and hope ring true for many during this holiday season, especially here at GUS. There is peace in new-fallen snow that covers our playgrounds, there is peace in the second grade as they share their affirmations. There is peace in the upper school as the second trimester begins, giving students a clean slate that allows them to push themselves, to take what they learned before and try again. Not embarrassed by mistakes or missteps, but empowered by the lessons they have learned, they are ready for the challenges of the second trimester. There is peace in the PK room, not just when the little ones settle down for rest, but also when they trudge down the nature trail. Bundled up, eyes wide looking for animal tracks, and ears attuned to the quiet sounds of winter. There is peace in the art room, as students listen to holiday music and get lost in the piece they are working on. In so many ways, our students are finding the calm that comes from self-assurance, from understanding that their best is always good enough, from being present, and putting their whole selves into the work. For us as educators, these moments also bring a sense of peace as we see our students feeling brave, taking chances, going all in, and finding the best within themselves in so many ways. 

Of course, GUS is always a place where you can find Joy. It’s definitely on the zip line or exploring Helen’s Naturescape, hopping on a log, or building a snow fort. It’s also in the gym and in the music room, as students prepare for the upcoming basketball season, the solstice assembly, and the spring musical. Joy can also be found at lunchtime, as students chat back and forth or when advisories meet to plan their gingerbread houses. It’s in the classrooms when a teacher shares a quiet, “good work” but also in the louder moments when everyone shares a laugh. These little moments, some loud, some quiet, build relationships and connections that bring the joy out of the work for students and teachers alike. At GUS, challenge is fun, made even more so by sharing that experience with wonderful classmates and dedicated teachers.

For me, the most amazing thing that Glen Urquhart School has given me is a tremendous sense of hope for the future. We grow passionate young people, who are ready to make their mark on their communities and the world. From food drives and book drives to recycling, composting, and x-blocks on civics, our students have the tools to make a difference in the world. They are full of ideas, but they are also learning what it takes to make their dreams a reality. Inspired by the likes of Greta Thunberg and motivated by teachers who believe in them deeply, they will indeed, as one second grade affirmation said, change the world. 

So during this holiday season, I wish you all peace, joy, and hope. These values are alive and well here at GUS and we are excited to welcome the new year. The start of something new brings the hope of something great. May that be true for all members of the GUS community as we welcome the new year. 

Happy Holidays from all of us at the Glen Urquhart School.

Trust and Go Forward,

Gretchen Forsyth
Head of School