Convocation Looks Forward, and Back

This past Thursday students, parents, faculty and staff gathered at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine to formally bring in the school’s 116^th academic year. As is tradition, this year’s kindergarteners were escorted by the 8^th graders hand-in-hand. Head of School Marsha Nelson welcomed all new students into the Cathedral School community. Surrounded by history within the Cathedral, Ms. Nelson dedicated her words to examining the meaning of tradition:

 

From one perspective, tradition is a foundation, an extension of who we are and a reminder of our mission and core values. But from another, it is an inspiration for the future. Traditions become more vibrant over time as the people who are invested in them evolve and change, adding their passions, hopes, ideas, and beliefs to collective experience.

 

Ms. Nelson addressed the kindergarten class, “through you, our school community continues to grow and thrive.”

 

While tradition lives on through ideas, there are also more concrete (and stone) examples being built right now at The Cathedral School. This summer, the school renovated its first floor and began laying the foundation for its new 8,000 sq. ft Expansion. With the Expansion Project, Ms. Nelson remarked, “we are making a promise and commitment to our school’s mission in stone, glass, and steel.” Music was sung by the Cathedral Choristers and readings from many of our 8^th grade leaders also dotted the program.