McLaughlin, Chiu leave legacies of care in Lower, Middle Schools

By Eshna Das

Aweek after her shoulder surgery, Class 4 teacher Susan Simpson was struggling to carry out the simplest of tasks. One evening, as she considered the easiest way to prepare her next meal, a comforting smell wafted into her home. To her surprise, Tom McLaughlin was standing on her doorstep with a homemade lasagna.

After five years, McLaughlin is departing as Head of Lower School.

In 2018, McLaughlin moved from San Antonio to serve as the Interim Head of Lower School. He quickly adjusted to the new role, forming bonds with students and faculty.

“I immediately knew he would bring so much fun and happiness to the campus,” said Andrew Herman, current Assistant Head of Lower School, who will become the Interim Head in July.

McLaughlin had the interim title removed after just four months, giving him the opportunity to pursue his main goal of creating an environment in which students could feel passionate about learning.

“It is my deliberate practice to go out of my way to find and cultivate joy,” McLaughlin said.

Over the past half decade, McLaughlin aimed to maintain the principles of honor and compassion at school. During his first year, he designed bracelets with the Honor Code for every student. Every week during easier to distinguish where my partner was on the court,” freshman Lydia Huang said. Bahr also manages the concessions stand, utilizing the profits for the CommServe department's grant fund.

Flag, a time when students gather around the flagpole to discuss upcoming events, he reminds students to act with kindness.

“He really makes a point to prioritize acting with responsibility, independence and joyfulness to connect with the greater St. John’s mission,” Class 2 teacher Sarah Allison said.

During the pandemic, the staff needed to figure out how to provide hands-on experiences to help students learn. McLaughlin guided teachers to design “take home kits" with classroom materials, books, Legos, stickers and activities for every student.

“He brought a lot to the table with how we could change up the curriculum, and it required a lot of out-of-the-box problem solving,” Herman said.

Not only has McLaughlin been a role model for students, but he has also strengthened the faculty bonds. In 2020, McLaughlin and Herman went to the home of every faculty member to let them know he was available if needed.

“One of McLaughlin's gifts is that he understands the importance of a balance between life and work," Simposon said.

McLaughlin prioritized service learning and utilized his faculty and the School’s resources to help others.

“He has been there for me on my professional journey and really helped me grow in my role, which I'm very thankful for,” Herman said.

To round out her robust list of activities, she has sponsored the Student Affairs Council for the last 17 years.

“She's left very large shoes to fill,” said Dan Havel, an art teacher and seven-time co-leader of the Costa Rica trip. “She is very much a workaholic. I don't know how she has time to sleep.”

Bahr’s influence extends beyond the Upper School.

“She does it all. In any role I've had here at St. John's, I've worked with her,” said Marie Matter, the previous Middle School

Community Service leader and current fourth grade teacher. Bahr often works with the Lower School on book drives and a project called Young Advocates, in which fourth graders research local nonprofits. While working in the Lower School, she also started the fifth grade Greek Olympics. Bahr plans to move to Colorado next year, where she will be volunteering at an intercultural family center that supports immigrants and refugees.

“I've got a big life outside of school," she said. “I know that I will be busy, busy, busy, but this place will always have a special place in my heart."

McLaughlin and his sizable collection of stuffed giraffes will be moving to the northeast to be closer to his family. Students and faculty are planning a special surprise before he leaves to commemorate his time at St. John’s, but they were sworn to secrecy and would not disclose any details.

“We are wishing him the best and we're excited for him, but we will definitely miss him in the Lower School,” Herman said. Changes are also happening in the Middle School, where Chia-Chee Chiu is departing as Head of Middle School to serve in a similar capacity at Shady Hill School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

During the peak of COVID, Chiu came to St John’s to live closer to her family in Austin. When the School gradually transitioned back to in-person learning, she strengthened her relationship with the community by going to each advisory to introduce herself to the students.

During her time as Head of the Middle School, Chiu enjoyed the smaller moments when students came together.

“During eighth grade graduation, I was on stage getting goosebumps because of the way everyone supported each other,” Chiu said.

After serving two stints as interim Division Head, Megan Henry, who currently serves as the Director of K-12 Academic Programs, will become the next Head of Middle School.

“I know there is a lot of work, but it is a huge honor, and I really want to make it a great next chapter,” Henry said.

As the school year comes to an end, Chiu hopes that the Middle School remains an environment that fosters growth, compassion and learning.

“I love middle school kids because, at the end, they stand a little taller and have a better sense of themselves,” Chiu said. “Leaving is bittersweet, and I am going to miss the people who make up the school and make it the special place it is.”