Palmer Trinity School

PAT R ICK ROBER T S Head of School As I reflect upon the idea of Connections, I am reminded of the words of noted author, Herman Melville, who states: We cannot live for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men." Here at Palmer Trinity School, connections are happening all the time. Meaningful moments occur each and every day, and the possibilities for building community are endless. On any given day, our 800 students are in the process of forming lifetime friendships, in a myriad of ways: in the classroom, on the playing fields, and through any number of extracurricular activities, global travel, or other experiences. Our 132 Faculty and Staff work alongside one another, fostering a true spirit of collaboration and professionalism, setting a positive tone for our students. Our Advisory Program helps to provide a framework in which each day literally begins with both formal and informal connections, giving students the chance to "check in", and build a strong, family-like unit. Every Thursday, we gather formally within the beautiful, sacred walls of Trinity Chapel, providing more moments for quiet reflection, and a chance to build community. In my role as Head of School, I am privileged to witness all of these moments in real time, and have the opportunity to connect on many levels, with a wide array of people. Whether it comes in the form of teaching Upper School students in my Leadership course, partnering on a project with a colleague, solving an issue with a parent, simply saying "thank you" to a supporter of our School, or serving as an Ambassador for Palmer Trinity, I have the unique joy of connection, with the end goal being one of service to our students, with a clear Mission at the forefront. With nearly 1,000 individuals on campus, we are an ever evolving community, growing, changing, and extending our "reach", so to speak. Beyond our campus, our Alumni population is also growing, to well over 3,000 proud, and our Parent community includes well over 1,500 individuals. Opportunities for connection with every constituency abound! In order to be successful in my role, the work I engage in requires my best "people skills". Each day is filled with interactions and moments in which I often spend time listening, hopefully providing sound advice, or simply being present. One need only glance at my Daily Calendar, and the evidence is clear: this work I am privileged to do is a "people business". As we navigate this post-Covid world, the need for connection is vital, and its importance cannot be underestimated. For all of us, the ability to develop those "people skills" will be critical. We will need to be good teammates. We are called upon to be good listeners, effective problem solvers, persons of integrity; in short, we must be able to exhibit the best qualities of a Palmer Trinity graduate–one who aspires for excellence in all things; one who is committed to serving others; one who leads with love. Perhaps it is in knowing this ideal—this vision for Palmer Trinity—that inspires me to engage in such meaningful work. By investing my full self in these connections, our beloved Community only grows stronger, ensuring a better and brighter future both here at Palmer Trinity and in the greater world. H E A D O F S C H O O L M E S S A G E 1

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