Letter from our Head of School

Dear Families, Students, Colleagues, Alumni, and Members of the wider Mulgrave Community,

A lot changed over the course of the 2021-22 school year. We started under a cloud of COVID uncertainty, navigated through resurgences and complexities, and then began to emerge with a slow return to beloved school events. We held our annual MVP Welcome Back BBQ in May instead of September, a true sign of the times.

It has been incredibly fulfilling to see students and families begin to reconnect, and for students to share their learning more widely again through performances, exhibitions, and presentations. These experiences cannot be replaced by online sessions, as hard as we might try. The Class of 2022 was able to celebrate their accomplishments with the return of the Grad Ball and larger gatherings for Convocation. We cannot underestimate the toll that COVID has taken on so many - both physically and emotionally - but we also cannot forget what we have learned and how to appreciate all that we have.

Given COVID and a variety of other local and global events, we increased our efforts last year in the area of student wellbeing and placed even greater emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. These concepts are intrinsically connected, with identity (both in terms of understanding of oneself and others) creating a foundation for us to support students and guide them to see strength in a values-based approach to life and relationships. Authentic connections, and the ability to be vulnerable and our true selves, are necessary for all of us to open our minds to greater understanding and compassion.

Ultimately, this leads to a greater sense of wellbeing and the courage to take action for those who do not enjoy the same privileges as we do.

I have such gratitude for every member of our community - our students, teachers and staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, alumni, parents and caregivers, extended family members, and friends - for their contributions to our school, and for their support and feedback through some particularly difficult years. It is as a community, with varied perspectives and experiences, that we will continue to thrive and make a positive difference in the world.

Kind regards,

John Wray (he/him) Head of School