There’s No Time Like the Future

BY ROB WITTMANN, CO-CHAIR, BOARD OF GOVERNORS

LIFE CAN ONLY BE UNDERSTOOD BACKWARDS; BUT IT MUST BE LIVED FORWARDS.

- Søren Kierkegaard

The Board of Governors of Holy Trinity School is responsible for the long-term financial sustainability of HTS, employing sound governance practices and supporting our Head of School in the design and implementation of a strategic vision of student learning. Over three years into her mandate, Helen PereiraRaso and her senior leadership team continue to build a learning institution that is receptive to change – one that takes measured risks, remains on the leading edge of innovation and the use of technology, and inspires and supports its people.

Unless things change, they’ll stay the same. The educational construct employed for much of the past 100 years has largely been a static model. Society is evolving at an everincreasing pace in the 21st century, and maintaining the status quo is clearly not an option. The ability for individuals to respond, adapt and even pivot to life events has never been more important, as the current pandemic underscores. However, as our Head says, “Preparing for the future can be a lonely place to exist.” How can HTS plan a responsible and risk-appropriate way for a future we can’t possibly know? The Board’s role in this process is to empower, support and assist our Head – and not get in the way.

The HTS Vision for Learning envisions students who are lifelong learners, and who are confident in leveraging their skills and knowledge as they navigate life. Designing the future of pedagogy requires research based on multiple perspectives and leveraging it, while incorporating leadingedge innovations. Grounded in research, but not tied to the past, strategy is a journey involving many participants, including Board of Governors subcommittees, parents and educators, as well as input from faculty, staff and external professional resources. This is also why HTS has shifted from static five-year strategic plans to a plan that is subject to ongoing evaluation, adaptation and validation.

Children are resilient. They embrace change, and they’re far ahead of their parents and teachers in this regard. We are