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Blending humor and intent, Head of School Luis Ottley set the tone for new beginnings at the upper school’s opening assembly.
He began by reflecting on the end of the last school year. He acknowledged tensions that prompted many changes within the school.
“We lean in, and we do something,” Ottley said. Of the five values, he says “belonging” is this year’s priority. In order to improve students’ sense of belonging, Developmental Designs, a research-driven model focused on social-emotional learning and cultivating belonging, will be introduced into advisories.
Ottley’s crowd work turned a serious conversation into a humorous one. Senior Roman Farley’s favorite moment was when Ottley left the podium with a walking mic to interact with students and handed out his favorite pens to those who knew the five values.
“I think he really got to the core of how to get us moving…with physical incentives,” Farley said.
US Principal Minnie Lee closed the assembly by introducing five new faculty members: health assistant Anna Ly, English teacher Rob van Vliet, science teacher Eleanor Wriedt, jazz band director Jack Breen and history teacher Varsha Venkat.
Lee also shared her hopes that students not only foster happiness, but also joy. She noted the difference between the two, defining joy as something more enduring than fleeting happiness.
Junior Ann Li looks forward to how the school community will foster a sense of belonging. She plans to carry Lee’s and Ottley’s messages throughout the year and make it her mission for others to feel like they belong.
“The new school year can be scary…and it can feel isolating,” Li said. “I want to be inclusive and welcoming to new students.”
The assembly ended when Upper School Council co-presidents Thomas Chen and Carys Hsiung dismissed the students.
