State of the School Address

In her State of the School Address last Thursday, Head of School Erica Corbin shared her hopes  for the upcoming year and gave the Cathedral community inspiration as we enter the Thanksgiving holiday. She shared a personal goal and stated, “I’ll wrap up my priorities by highlighting my responsibility of being ‘Chief Hope Gardener,’ tending to a plot of joy, gratitude, and abundance. These three things require maintenance to grow, and are critical elements to a happy childhood and fulfilling learning environment.” That note of gratitude and joy was reflected in a video she shared at the start of the Address entitled, Linked by Gratitude and Growth. 

Ms. Corbin then went on to review important health and safety information–commending our community for a 100% employee vaccination rate and reiterating the January 19 deadline for all students to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. “We expect that within the coming months we will be able to move our students and colleagues back to regular capacity in their learning and working spaces, offer in-house lunch service again, and return to in-person large gatherings, like divisional assemblies, Chapels, and evensongs,” she related–while cautioning that these are still uncertain times.

Ms. Corbin went on to stress the importance of Cathedral’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the interconnection with academics. “It should be a point of pride that Cathedral students learn to speak fluently about who they are and what they value, and that they will swiftly advocate for themselves and for others. These are skills that will not just serve them well in the classroom, but also in their future workplaces and home communities,” she said. She also announced that the School will be conducting a nationwide search for a full-time Director of Equity and Engagement for the 2022-2023 school year.

She concluded her portion of the Address by naming more of her priorities for the school year; including closing the COVID-19 chapter as gracefully and optimistically as possible; communicating regularly and deliberately throughout the process; providing ongoing social and emotional support for our students; and maintaining gratitude and appreciation for all those in the community who have come together to support each other and the School throughout this challenging time.

Ms. Corbin then turned over the presentation to the Mission Outreach Club President, Michael W. ‘22 and Public Relations Officer, Lily F. ‘23 for a video report, and the Student Council President, Angela O. ‘22, and Vice President, Avery P. ‘22 for their video presentation. 

Mr. Peter Maas, Chief Operating and Financial Officer, then creatively presented the School’s financial report with the assistance of Delphine T. ‘23 and Theo R. ‘23, Student Council Co-Treasurers. 

Katie Conway, P ’24, ’27 and President of the Board of Trustees, wrapped up the Address with an explanation of the Board’s role in governance, a note of thanks to the community for their generous financial support of the School, and an optimistic forecast for in-person gatherings in the Spring, including the Absalom Jones Benefit. “This coming year, we will focus on the specialness of coming together and celebrating the mission of the school,” she declared.