Dear families and friends,
Thirty-four years ago, I began my career as a newly hired teacher at St. Columba’s Nursery School. What a lucky thing for me! St. Columba’s taught me how to be a teacher and immersed me in a culture that nurtures and loves every member as a valued participant. And St. Columba’s taught me how to play! Thanks to St. Columba’s, I am who I am today – both as an educator and as a person.
At the end of this school year, I will retire having taken away so many blessings and lessons for life. My hope is that I will have many more years to do things that will give me as much joy as my years at St. Columba’s have. I have loved being here with your children, our excellent and committed teachers and staff, and you parents.
I’ll be moving back near my home town in western Michigan, joining my mother in her lovely little house on the Rogue River. My mom is in great health and longs to do some traveling – Africa is on our joint bucket list. We also enjoy making art, gardening and road trips, so I expect we’ll have a grand time. All three of my children live on the West Coast and I am excited to imagine being able to visit them for extended periods of time and in any season, especially now that I have a grandchild on the way.
The Board of Governors has begun the process of finding my replacement. There are many strong candidates out there and we currently have an extremely capable Assistant Head of School, Kathrin Gilbert, who will continue to be a guiding force as we move forward. The Board has hired a highly experienced search firm which specializes in independent schools,
The Education Group
, which will want input from you as they develop a profile for the new Head of School. They will be on campus to meet with parents, teachers and other valued constituencies on November 18 and 19. We are working on their schedule now and will send you an invitation to join us at one or more of several opportunities to provide input and ask questions.
I would like to say to any of you who feel that St. Columba’s “won’t be the same” when I’m not here, the fact of the matter is that my presence isn’t what makes St. Columba’s what it is. This wonderful school and its staff will continue to embody the strong culture of valuing play, caring for children and families, and focusing on the strengths of each member of the school community long after I am gone. They are what creates the special magic of St. Columba’s.
Whomever is chosen for this next chapter at the school will be enriched by being here, and also differently wonderful in their leadership. I have every confidence that the next chapter at St. Columba’s Nursery School will be as filled with learning, discovery and joy as the past sixty years have been. I thank you for the privilege of being its head these fourteen years.
Julia
PS. I am going to suggest that you not talk about this with your children right now. They don't have any idea of time and just how far away my actual departure will be - the end of the school year is still months away. As we get closer to that date - and the big celebration we'll have to say goodbye to one another - I'll let them know that I am going to live with my mommy and have fun in a new place.
