We are happy to share with you a letter that Helen Marter, Interim Head of School shared with our current families on January 22, 2010.
Dear Families,
Thank you so much for your warm welcome into your vibrant community. From the very first day on the job, I have enjoyed smiles, handshakes and pleasant exchanges with both adults and children. My Philadelphia heritage and professional sports affiliations give rise to ribbing and the occasional tease. In fact, a kindergartener, when I visited the class, asked if I knew anything about the Philadelphia Phillies. It was such a formal way of putting the question, I loved it!
Some of you went to Laurel School or the Agnes Irwin School and we know persons in common. Some of you know friends and colleagues from my days at Colby Sawyer College who taught you in college. Some of you live in my zip code in Philadelphia. All these connections serve to make me feel right at home.
Now, if I could just feel at home on your road ways. Just yesterday I realized some intersections have three lanes with a left turn arrow and woe to anyone who might be in the far left lane and want to turn right any time soon. Samantha, the lady on my GPS system, has said “recalculating” so many times, I am afraid she might return me to REI and plead for a better owner.
Grace Episcopal Day School is a gem. Stewarded for the last 50 years by caring educators, the Grace Episcopal Church and a self perpetuating Board of Governors, it stands as a strong institution that only real love and dedication could have built. The word “grace” attracted me here in large part because I believe grace is something divine that is given to us without our effort or desire. It just descends somehow and makes the load a little lighter or the day a little easier or the pain somehow less burdensome. Grace is a gift, undeserved, unearned, unanticipated. Grace has a light touch, a mysterious quality, a twinkle in the eye. What a compelling word to have in the School’s name, I thought. And I was right. Grace Episcopal Day School is compelling.
It is our responsibility as partners in the education of your children to care for them and nurture them so that they will be prepared to go into the world and carry on the responsibilities for sensible living on a planet filled with complex issues and dilemmas. Some have asked me why I would take a job at a school like Grace. My answer is simple. I say I accepted this job because it is time for me to serve these children in this place, bound together in a spiritual endeavor that enhances education and growth. One child at a time, one day at a time, one school at a time, I am determined to do all I can to make this world more manageable and productive. Nurturing the gifts your children bring is of utmost importance.
Thank you for making me feel special in this place. I am supported by a talented group of administrators, faculty and staff with whom I work. I welcome you into the conversation with me, formal or informal about the School and your experience here. Together, parents, faculty and staff and administrators, we will move the School forward.
A smile, a wave of the hand, a nod, all communicate our mutual purpose and joy in the daily endeavors of learning and teaching. I am delighted and humbled to be here with you during this significant transition in the life of the School. The process of education is a journey. I am proud to have been chosen to be on the journey with you. I will do my best to hold the lamp high that will guide us along the way.
Sincerely,
Helen R. Marter
