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As Spring Break 2021 comes to an end, I invite you to join me in focusing on joy, positivity, and optimism as we head to this year's finish line. This is the time of year that we all look forward to—longer days, warmer weather, and vibrant colors of new growth. Two-thirds of the school year is now behind us, and the energy and excitement are palpable; I believe the darkest days are behind us now.
I am so proud of all we have accomplished this year—well above and beyond, staying open for in-person learning. Our community has recently fortified the reserves at God's Co-op Pantry via our all-school drive, where each class contributed an enormous amount of essential items to our neighbors in need. Additionally, two of our student-driven organizations, SGA and Service Learning Club, continue to brainstorm, create, and spearhead efforts that bring us together to help others. Our Falcons are a force to do good for the world because kindness and empathy is part of our DNA. If you haven't already. I encourage you to continue this momentum by signing up to participate in the Stream Clean-Up mentioned below.
Grade 6 students organize donations for God's Co-op Pantry
I am pleased to report that our eighth-grade students have, once again, achieved tremendous success in the secondary school admission process. Collectively, they received invitations to enroll at 25 day and boarding schools. Year after year, admission officers are impressed with the depth of our students' character development and academic achievements.
Eighth-grade students collaborating together
This Spring Break, I had the opportunity to see my mother and celebrate her 90th birthday. My mother was born two years after FH opened its doors. There have been many incredible events throughout her lifetime, and I always cherish our time spent in-person when we reminisce and learn from her life experiences.
As I have mentioned in a previous blog, my Mom spent the better part of her youth in Nazi-occupied Greece. Hope, faith, and positivity helped her remain optimistic about the future. Living through World War II, my Dad and three of her siblings' death have tested her faith and resilience beyond compare. What keeps her going? I know she is tired, and her body has deteriorated though her mind is sharp as a tack. To that end, I asked Mom for her top three kernels of wisdom. She thought deeply and noted, quite simply the following:
- Choose optimism
- Adversity will make you stronger
- Always be kind
My mom excited to turn 90, be fully vaccinated, and hug her grandson (Andrew) for the first time in a year
I am struck by the timelessness of these basic ideals and how they have lit the pathway to our success.
I am delighted to share that we will have modified activities and events returning to campus. We will fire up spirit week and have our students out on the Ropes Course and preparing for Field Day in May! As you know from the communication that went out before Spring Break, there will be a school-wide t-shirt contest designed with the overall theme of Kindness, Acceptance, and Inclusion. We anticipate this healthy competition will create anticipation and excitement about Field Day and build additional school spirit. On April 6, we will announce the winner! The result of this will surely mirror the joy and pride of a traditional Field Day.
Students soaring to new heights on the Ropes Course and exuding school spirit on Field Day
We are excited that Upper School students will commence with outdoor PE with cohorts rotating each week through a range of sport(s) and intramural competitions. The offerings are lacrosse, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and basketball.
Lastly, I am pleased to report that most of our employees will be fully vaccinated by the beginning of April. We are most grateful for the opportunity that so many of our employees have chosen.
As always, thank you for your partnership and support as we live our mission, grow and share as a community, and strive to make Far Hills the best school it can be. We will all finish the remaining three months of the school year strong, together, and spirited!
Here's to spring!
Georgia S. Zaiser