A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER
Dear Boys,
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
We awoke this morning to a thin blanket of snow that had fallen overnight, a typical weather event on the Hilltop in the middle of March, and as the morning sun rose, crimson rays reflected brilliantly on the grounds around the Main Building. The glimmer reminded me of the Cupola's crimson beacon at night! Of course, we flipped the switch last Sunday evening after the hockey team hoisted the New England trophy once again. What a thrill for us all!
However, as we all are acutely aware, this is not a typical March, and I write to you today to share my thoughts on the challenges that we face over the coming weeks and months and the impact on our Salisbury family. First, let's acknowledge that none of us has ever faced this kind of test before. Furthermore, it's a test on new material, and so we are carefully examining each question and making the most prudent decisions possible based on what we know to be true.
Not knowing what the coming trimester looks like can be unsettling, and spring events to which we all look forward, such as after-dinner stickball, fishing at the lake, The Knight of the Long Table, and Brothers & Barbeque, seem distant. It's hard to sort all of this out, and if anyone is feeling anxious, you're in good company!
Nevertheless, what I do know and what I am most confident about is the indomitable strength of our Salisbury family- students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni. We believe in each other and in the School, and because we do, we know in our hearts that we will endure! And, I hope that we will be together again soon.
In times of strife, it's easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom. So, knowing this, let's balance the gloom by thinking of silver linings too. Remember Reverend Hall speaking in Chapel about "the light that breaks through the darkness?" I have been thinking about my own light, my family, and the extra time I now have to spend with them. The dining room table is full again like the summer months, and we have time to talk, to share, and to climb this mountain together. What a unique and special gift!
So, take advantage of this time with your own families, realizing that moments like these are uncommon. Laugh together and care for each other. Try and look out for your neighbors too. Remember that devotion and service to others are key traits of a Salisbury Gentleman. Be kind and be generous.
In the meantime, stay tuned for details about your Distance Learning Program from Ms. Mulrooney early next week, and, boys, please check your email regularly, as this will be an important point of contact in the weeks ahead. Finally, please know that I eagerly await the day when we are all together again.
Sincerely, Chisholm Chandler '11 (Hon.), P'17 Headmaster ©2020 Salisbury School |