I heard someone recently comment upon an important distinction between families and communities in this way. While we are born into our family, we choose our community.
This is certainly an appropriate point of comparison when it comes to Canterbury. We have all made the conscious decision to join this school community. It is my belief that our community is made stronger through the individual gifts that each member brings, and the collective strength of our community- built upon the individual strengths of our members- is evident when we are all together.
I realize with ever increasing regularity just how precious our time as a community really is. Invariably, as our children grow older, our ability to spend time with them wanes. Homework, sports, cars, and dating all begin to conspire against us. It is important, then, that we take advantage of the opportunities that we have. Our Friday chapel services offer such an opportunity.
Tradition dictates that many of our parents attend these services, and the number of parents in attendance on any given Friday demonstrates the value of these services. There are few occasions in life when we have the opportunity, in the company of our children, to pause, to reflect, to laugh, and to pray. The opportunity for our community to assemble within a building designed to inspire awe and among others whom we love and admire is an honor that we all should take advantage of.
If you haven’t yet attended a Friday service, I encourage you to make the time. It is guaranteed to warm your heart.
I hope to see you in chapel soon.
Very truly,
Burns Jones
Head of School