Head of School

Greetings from the Hillside

After a weeklong spring break, we returned to campus on March 6 and started the last four-week academic Quarter.  It seems hard to believe that we are now less than six weeks from Prize Day.

Highlights

There have been two highlights of our brief time back: our adventure education program and intramural competitions.  On Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, we offer a variety of activities including outdoor adventure - white water kayaking, rock climbing, camping - under the supervision of Tim Walsh, father of Bodhi Walsh ’25.  To come are disc golf tournaments, short course golf, fishing tournaments and the partial resurrection of the crew program, culminating in the intramural “Cardinal Cup Regatta” the Saturday before Prize Day.  Griffin Davis ’24, has organized an intramural basketball season that has taken the campus by storm. Each team is coached and managed by members of the Prep Basketball Team (who also referee the games) and after a school-wide draft the season started last week.  Walking through the dining room during lunch it is rare to hear conversations about any other topic. 

Chapel Talk

In considering  what else to write for this newsletter I realize that you have heard quite a bit of my voice in the past few months, and it could be an informative change to hear from the students.  Fortunately, we had three exceptional chapel talks by members of the Class of ’22 this March.  Please click on the links below to read what these boys presented to the community, in three very different talks.

Tyler Isles recounted a trip to New Haven to feed some of the homeless individuals there, and explained this trip’s  impact on him.

Ethan Prescott revealed some of his COVID experiences, including his decision to attend South Kent.

Sebastian Lever told the community about his family, and shared some thoughts about growing up with four sisters.

Two different thoughts struck me as I listened to these boys speak:

First, they all began their talks with “for those of you who don’t know me…” or words to that effect, and then introduced themselves to the school community even though we have been in session since August.  These opening words are a clear residue of living in cohorts during the pandemic and having so few opportunities through the fall and winter for the different cohorts to interact with each other.  Happily, we are able to move away from most COVID practices this spring and return to a more recognizable, “normal” South Kent life.

Second, they are all caring and wise in their insights; traits easily overlooked and often missed in adolescent males.  It is easy and far too common to assume our students are charging through life with little empathy, and few cares or concerns, when, in fact, they are becoming thoughtful, engaged and astute young men.  They are learning to live into our mission:

“South Kent School prepares young men to succeed in college and thrive as thoughtful and engaged citizens in a rapidly changing and intensely competitive world.” 

Please take part in the Prize Day Challenge on April 11 and 12.   We appreciate your support!

I hope to see many of you on campus for Alumni Weekend May 20, 21 and 22.  Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me should you have any questions or concerns.

My very best regards,

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