We are into day three of classes and off to a great start. There is a great energy as we get ready for the first soccer games this afternoon.
On Monday night, the whole school gathered for a special Opening Night Meeting, one of the highlight of which was being treated to Dajin Kim's('09) beautiful piano playing. Dajin impressed me even more because we only first met on Sunday and then discussed possible music selections on Monday morning. Later Monday, she dazzled us with a wonderful arrangement of Pachabel's Canon and several other songs.
The other highlight of the evening was the awarding of the inaugural Varsity Academics sweatshirts. We so often celebrate the accomplishments of our athletes and teams that we thought that it would only be appropriate to kick off the year by celebrating the academic achievements of some of our returning students. There are 32 of them who have earned the status of "Varsity Academics" by achieving High Honor Roll for at least three out of four quarters last year. We anticipate adding more "players" to this team during the course of this year.
On Monday night we also took a moment to acknowledge the wonderful diversity in our community by looking at our different backgrounds through different lenses. One exciting way that we learn from each other is the 19 states and 28 countries represented in our community of 300 people or so. We also discussed two theme words of sorts - knowledge and respect - and the role that these themes will play in the opportunities and challenges that this generation of students will face. I then shared a provocative presentation alternatively known as "Did You Know" and "Shift Happens". While originally designed for a group of high school teachers, this piece has become the catalysts for millions of conversations around the world. I hope that you will have a chance to take a look at this and would welcome your thoughts. We closed the meeting by taking some time to reflect our on our individual goals while enjoying Dajin's music.
It's been a terrific start to the year!
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3 comments:
It is wonderful to hear that the school year is off to a great start! I truly miss my days at Winchendon and the three "first days" I got to experience. Good luck with the rest of the term! I cannot wait to read what you blog in the future!
-Catherine From, '02
PS: Welcome!
That's interesting you mention diversity.My familiarity with the different cultures out in this part of the world, thanks to all the great folks I met at Winchendon, has greatly helped me during my interactions with members of the Japanese and Korean military. Back when I was a student I would never have thought that I would find myself in Naha, Tokyo, or Seoul calling up old friends and acquaintances from my time at the Winch. It turns out one of my old buddies lives about 10 minutes down the road from me too, haha, it's a small world.
David Pomeroy '04
Corporal, USMC
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