Welcome from the Head of School

From the Head of School

Snowy Candy Land activity during Winter Carnival

Greetings from the Hilltop. As I write this, we have been blessed with a great stretch of late winter weather. The combination of temperatures above freezing and a healthy covering of snow on the ground has allowed our winter carnival activities to extend over a number of days. Recently, I have witnessed sled races, broomball, sledding, curling, and even a life-sized version of the board game “Candy Land.” These activities, and the joy they bring to all involved, remind me of how critical it has been for us to be together here on campus for as much of this year as possible. Our faculty and staff, who are heroes for their efforts, have provided our students with an incredible program both inside and outside the classroom. I continue to be thankful for all of our community members’ efforts, which have allowed us to have such a successful year on campus.

While the snow is still somewhat fresh, spring is certainly in the air. My morning walks with our dog, Coco, mostly in the dark for the past couple of months, now include

breathtaking sunrises day after day. On those walks, as I mentally prepare my day, I find myself thinking and planning for how we will emerge from the pandemic into the new normal. This has been a major focus for school leadership and I am very excited by the progress of our planning.

The two major initiatives that are on the horizon are the strategic plan and a comprehensive capital campaign. The strategic plan, including some initiatives that are already underway, will be officially voted on by the Board of Trustees at their September 2021 meeting. The plan’s major bullets include Systems for the Future of School and Work, Enhanced Financial Durability, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Bolstered Auxiliary Programming, Growing our Environmental Commitment, and Developing Strategic Partnerships. The disruption of the past year has focused our planning work, and we feel strongly that our strategic initiatives will propel us forward, with great momentum, into whatever the future holds. Our campaign, likely the largest in Berwick’s history, will focus on growing the endowment to secure our financial future, a number of campus projects that will positively impact the student experience, and The Berwick Fund. What excites me most about the plan and the campaign is the positive impact both initiatives will have on the entire Berwick Academy community. This will be a time when our faculty and staff, students, current and past parents, grandparents, and alumni will all come together to shape our future.

One aspect of the strategic plan already underway revolves around our auxiliary programs. Margot Harrington, our Director of Auxiliary Programs, started on February 1 and is developing an excellent program for this summer. I am excited that we will offer increased programming throughout the year for our families as well as the local community.

In this edition of Berwick Today, the focus is on emergence. Michael Buensuceso, Director of Cultural Competency, writes about our thoughtful transition from Cultural Competency to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Ryan Feeley, Assistant Head of School and Middle School Director, reflects on Curriculum 2020 while describing what lies ahead around our systems as we think about what the future of work looks like for our students.

I hope that you and your families remain safe. We are excited for the remainder of the school year and all of the celebrating that comes with it. We also look forward to the recharge that will happen this summer after what will have been a very full year. I can’t wait to re-open our campus to our families and alumni, and I also look forward to traveling to meet members of our community outside the Seacoast. Have a great spring and please do stay in touch.

Sincerely,

Jim Hamilton Head of School