From the Desk of Autumn A. Graves

Building Community

The idea of community is one I've been reflecting on a lot since coming to St. Anne's-Belfield. Last school year, I interviewed 218 teachers and staff members to hear each person's story as it relates to the School. During these meetings, I asked everyone to give me one word to describe our School and why. Almost 33% said "family," "community," or similar. When you ask our students and families why they love St. Anne's (see "2020-21 Survey Results"), a good portion will also tell you: It's the community.

How people define family or community can be quite personal. Sandra Sohne-Johnston, our director of college counseling, explained to me that the word "family" has a greater meaning in her native country of Ghana. She said, "Family goes beyond nuclear — beyond your parents, siblings or grandparents. Family means all of us are fully invested in raising the children." Like a family, at St. Anne's we have tough love and growing pains, but "we must work as a family to work through the challenges."

Family goes beyond nuclear — beyond your parents, siblings or grandparents. Family means all of us are fully invested in raising the children.

For students, community is often tied to a sense of connection, belonging, and respect for each other's humanity. One student who is now in ninth grade described it well: "My teachers communicate with me about my progress and individual assignments, and they get to know me as a person, not just a student. I have friends who share common interests, and I feel like my classmates respect my work and ideas."

I spoke about my own definition of community, and how it's time to shoot for the moon and reach the next stage of our School's evolution, during my installation as head of school on Oct. 15. You may listen to my remarks in our Raise We Our Voices podcast, or view the full ceremony. A summary of my vision is on the adjacent page.