The Start of Something New...

I was reading an article in NAIS’ Independent School Magazine that talks about long-serving headship. In the article, the author discusses the idea of schools as seasonal, cyclical communities in a state of perpetual becoming. This idea spoke to me deeply, and highlights why I love the start of a new school year and the profound sense of hope that it brings.

Over the last few years, GUS has experienced a lot of change. From the appointment of a new head of school, to a global pandemic, and, most recently, starting this school year off with two new administrators and our biggest influx of new faculty in a decade. As I’ve said many times, all these changes have been tilling the soil, creating an environment that is ripe for seeding and growth. The start of the 2022-2023 school year definitely feels as we are moving into the next phase. All these changes have been opportunities for growth and we can feel the eager anticipation that comes from planting. We know a better, brighter GUS is emerging, and that knowledge has brought such a wonderful energy to campus.

A major source of that energy is our dedicated faculty. Our new faculty members came to GUS excited by our unique thematic, place-based curriculum, and inspired by the close knit relationships between teacher and student, and school and home. This was highlighted as we returned to Camp Winaukee for the first time since 2019! Once again, faculty and students enjoyed the waters of lake Winaupesakee, played rousing games of giant Jenga and ping pong, and made crazy things out of duct tape - all before gathering around the campfire for camp songs. New students and teachers alike already blending in so when we sat for meals, you couldn’t even tell who was new. The GUS magic is very much alive and well, enriched by new faculty members who are bringing the same energy and enthusiasm to classes and curriculums. No doubt, it is a great time to be a student at GUS!

Excitement and change hasn’t just been due to people, our sense of place is also evolving. Open to all new opportunities, we’ve continued to evaluate how we use space. For example, what was once a science lab then became a music room, and now serves as a second pre-k room! I recently moved into my 5th office since starting at GUS! Each move and change helping us imagine and reimagine what could be with new eyes. Last spring, we engaged an architectural firm to help us hone our vision and we are looking forward to sharing their ideas with all of you on October 27. What they have come up with is exciting, but still very much in line with the GUS we all know and love. 

Imagining what could be doesn’t just stop with physical spaces. As a school, we have been using the classic GUS question, who am I?, to help us to think, evaluate, and develop the GUS of the future. Who are we as a school and who do we want to be to guide us as we begin the process of drafting a new strategic plan. These questions are helping us evaluate everything we do and why, which is not only reaffirming but inspiring.

So as we begin this new school year, we do so inspired by questions, motivated by community, and dedicated to the GUS way. The energy and excitement about what is and what will be can be felt all over campus. We hope you will all come and visit and feel it for yourself. The start of something new brings the hope of something great, this year and always!

Trust and go forward,

Gretchen Forsyth
Head of School