Dear SEA Families,
At the outset of this school year, Domenic and I challenged each student to be mindful of every interaction and to take pride in the most ordinary of things (e.g. holding the door, saying thank you, etc.). One of the aspects of my job I really appreciate is that I get to witness countless ordinary interactions throughout the day. Though difficult at times to step out of the hustle and bustle of a typical day, I find myself yearning to capture those ordinary moments between the students and teachers and among their peers.
On Tuesday morning, when walking back up from an impromptu visit to the lower form classes, I passed the fifth grade as they galloped through the hall, eager for Ms. Javier’s Spanish class. While several students hustled toward the lower form Spanish classroom, one student in particular caught my eye. New to the school just a mere six days prior, this fifth grader stopped and held the door for the early childhood and first grade students as they returned to their classrooms. I thanked this boy for truly embodying what it means to be a Lancer.
I was reminded again of this ordinary moment later in the afternoon as we gathered for our opening Mass of the year. In his homily, Father Jasper used the Gospel passage to illustrate a goal he has for every Lancer this year. He challenged each student to lift each other up in the most routine of daily interactions. Fr. Jasper called the upper form students to lead by example and help a student who may have dropped his books, or sit with a student who is left out of the group. He continued to underscore the importance of forming and maintaining a strong sense of community, a brotherhood.
My heart is full as I bear witness to many moments like these on a daily basis. While easy to become bogged down in the minutia of a single challenge or overwhelmed juggling competing interests, one thing is quite clear to me - our Lancers embody the truest meaning of boys of character in a community of faith.
I look forward to coming together as a community at Saturday’s Knight in the Courtyard, the October Fall Fest, and the many ordinary moments we will share.
Sincerely,
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