Palmer Trinity School

m E S S A g E F R O m T H E H E A D O F S C H O O L 3 S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 PAT R I C K R O B E R T S H e a d o f s c H o o l EArliEr this yEAr, my WifE lAurA And i, along with Associate Head of School, Dr. Manjula Salomon, had the unique opportunity to travel to India as representatives of Palmer Trinity School, attending the 17 th Global Connections Seminar. At our Opening Ceremony, Global Connections Chairperson and Founding Head of Keystone Academy in Beijing, China, Mr. Malcolm McKenzie, addressed our group focusing on the importance of conversation. In his remarks, McKenzie noted that the art of conversation was at risk of being destroyed, due in large part to the advances in social media and our increased dependence upon electronic forms of communication. Accordingly, McKenzie's argument furthered the idea that good face-to- face communication is truly needed today and that we as educators should model as such, continuing to find ways to converse freely and regularly with one another and our colleagues from across the globe. I couldn't agree more with McKenzie's sentiments, and his message truly set the tone for our eight days of meetings, school visits, and yes, open, honest dialogue regarding the state of our schools and the need for our ongoing commitment to ensure the foundation for our conference focus, "Peace Education Within Faith Diversity." Surrounded by fellow leaders of schools representing 26 countries and 14 different states, and with a full schedule beginning each day with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and concluding after dinner on most nights just before midnight, I can honestly say that a multitude of worthy and enjoyable conversations took place between January 12 and January 19, and I am most grateful for these moments. During our eight days together, our group visited a number of different schools, both private and public, and we were hosted most warmly by e Daly College in Indore, founded in 1870. We also had the opportunity to experience enlightening presentations from a number of diverse speakers, including two spiritual gurus, and India's leading General. However, the highlight for me was the simple opportunity to network and learn from fellow colleagues and have the chance to get to know these incredibly talented and wise school leaders, both on a professional and personal level. As McKenzie encouraged us to do, I spent quality time with each of our delegates, forming new friendships and professional relationships that I know will ultimately benefit our School. Following the advice of noted British essayist and journalist, Richard Steele, "e best guide to conversation is to ask questions." I certainly posed my fair share. And, as is the result of good dialogue, I gained a new appreciation for the value of such communication for, as Sir John Lubbock, the great English thinker and philanthropist claims, "Conversation is an art in itself." Upon my return from India, I shared my observations, my photographs (nearly 200!), and numerous stories of my experience in both formal and informal settings, including an All School Chapel, a Parent Coffee, a Faculty/Staff after school gathering, and a Board of Trustees meeting. Anyone who stops by my office will also receive a "tour" of my India display, which includes original artwork and a mini Taj Mahal! Most importantly, however, the dialogue between my colleagues across the globe continues. As hoped, this newly established professional network for our School provides me and others with an opportunity to engage in sustained professional development. Palmer Trinity School is now "officially" linked with a group of top flight international schools; these schools represent a range of learning institutions who wrestle with many of the same challenges we do, and strive to be leaders within their own communities, and the greater world, just as Palmer Trinity does. It should be noted, too, that our School will serve as host to this esteemed group in four years, and I truly look forward to showcasing our School to my newfound friends. As the final weeks of the school year are upon us and the days get busier with end-of-the-school-year activities, I encourage each of us not to forget both the value and the joy of good dialogue. Whether it be a brief moment at a student performance or athletic activity, a more formal discussion in the "school house," or a casual chat in the courtyard, I hope that we may recognize any and all opportunities as true gifts. Moreover, I truly hope that we, as teachers and mentors for our students, will model the best practice in creating, sustaining, and ensuring healthy conversations. By making ourselves available and willing to converse, and by taking time each day to engage in meaningful conversation, we send a powerful message—one that recognizes the value of open dialogue. Such time is not wasted, and is, I argue, one of the many benefits we have to live, work, and play in such a learning community as Palmer Trinity School.

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