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Winter 2014 THE PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE “Gung hei fat choi!” Happy Chinese New Year! Winter has brought its yin and yang this season. One can observe happy children frolicking outside, and beautiful scenes of falling snow with frosted trees and buildings, while coping with slippery roads, sloppy walkways, delayed commutes and stalled travel. According to the Chinese calendar, the 2014 New Year falls under the Sign of the Horse. People born under the Sign of the Horse are said to have “the ethos of making unremitting efforts to improve oneself.” The spirit of the horse is said to be “energetic, bright, warm-hearted, intelligent and able.” This rings true as an accurate description of every member of the Boston Higashi School community, which includes all students, staff and families, independent of their respective birth date! In November, Thanksgiving was not only a sumptuous feast for students, staff and family guests, it was also a time of expressed gratitude for the blessings of being a member of a caring and always compassionate
community that truly celebrates success incrementally and does not give up when challenges present themselves. The true spirit of light that surrounds holiday traditions shone brightly as our students gave their performances during our annual Winter Music Festival. The hard work, talent and tenacity of both students and staff were evident. Families and friends surrounded our wonderful performers with encouragement and generous applause. In return, spirits were impacted, uplifted and made “merry and bright.” Mother Nature came calling on our first day back from the holiday break so many students were delayed returning and our Parent Collaboration Meeting had to be postponed. She also got wind of the great Valentine Party and Dance here on campus on the evening of February 13 th, so she decided to make another appearance. Her arrival certainly did not deter the enjoyment of our students as they played games, sang songs and danced with open hearts, freely expressing the joy that comes from being loved unconditionally for who you are. As I reflect on the ordinary and extraordinary that occurs everyday at Higashi, thinking in terms of
cause and effect in a linear fashion does not offer an adequate explanation. What is it that brings about the essence of possibility and the will to cultivate and sustain it? Our talent lies in the ability to shift and attune ourselves to the present moment. We sharpen our focus to where and when it matters the most. Our attention is riveted to what has meaning and purpose. We filter out what is not relevant to student learning and wellbeing. This is always a generative and iterative process. Our points of power come by sustaining our enthusiasm to align the wisdom of “head, heart and hands” working in tandem with each other. Our strength lies in our commitment to be present; to fully experience any given moment while replacing fear and judgment with curiosity and generosity cocooned in respect. In closing, let the spirit of the horse run wild here at Boston Higashi School as we continue our collective efforts to implement best practices, mindful of the students entrusted to our loving care. Deborah Donovan, Principal
Photo courtesy of Lifetouch
Accredited by The National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services The Boston Higashi School is affiliated with Lesley University.
The International Program for Individuals with Autism since 1987 800 North Main Street, Randolph, MA 02368 781-961-0800 www.bostonhigashi.org