Head of School's Message: April 6

Being ‘in loco parentis’ is fundamental to being a school teacher. I am accustomed to my role at school as a ministry of presence, being out and about on the campus, popping into classrooms, maintaining relationships, checking in with people, greeting students. Since the campus closed, it’s not the regular meetings I miss, I can replace those with Zoom, it’s the absence of incidental contact with students and teachers.

 

Chandler teachers are energized and inspired by being present to your children at school. You trust our faculty to take good care of your children, to be in your place, to treat your children as you would treat them. And as hard as our teachers and administrators are working to stay connected with your children at home, ‘in loco parentis’ has been replaced with ‘in parentibus’ or ‘with the parents’. Your role in your child’s education has changed. We are no longer in place of you. We are with you.

 

Chandler teachers worked incredibly hard over the past three weeks to lay down a new track as the learning train barrels along. They are an inspiring group of men and women. The quality of their work and the student responses have been remarkable. Everyone at Chandler is determined to deliver on the mission while the students participate in school-at-home.

Last Tuesday, Governor Newson said, “I completely reject the notion that somehow we are destined to any particular fate. It is decisions, not conditions that determine our future. And it’s the sum total of individual decisions.” By taking Chandler home, we are helping everyone, especially those members of the Chandler community in the medical profession treating patients on the front lines.

 

In his press conference on Friday, Governor Newson talked about ‘building capacity’ as California prepares makeshift hospitals to deal with the expected peak of coronavirus patients. Building capacity serves as a metaphor for our approach to the present circumstances. Each day brings new developments. Some offer hope and encouragement while others bring setbacks. We are in the present moment together, building capacity, taking care of the children, and taking care of each other.

 

Spring is upon us. The great spiritual seasons of Easter, Passover and Ramadan are upon us that anchor and sustain Christians, Jews and Moslems in their faith traditions. We will rest for a week and return with renewed hope and optimism. Have a good Spring Break.

Thank you for being part of the Chandler community.