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 F A L L / W I N T E R 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 AUTUMN HAS ARRIVED IN SOUTH FLORIDA IN GREAT FASHION, AND IS ON PROUD DISPLAY HERE AT PALMER TRINITY SCHOOL. e humidity is disappearing, the crisp, morning air provides a welcome greeting, and the brilliant blue sky provides a glorious backdrop to these November days. As I arrive to school each day I am reminded of just how beautiful my "job site" is. I enjoy watching the colorful peacocks wander, the palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze, and the light morning mist rising slowly from the soft, green earth. e quiet solitude of the early morning hours here at School provides a perfect introduction to the day. According to William Cullen Bryant, Autumn is 'the year's last, loveliest smile' and, if this is the case, then I truly give thanks for such a greeting. I do not take for granted the wonderful change in season nor the setting of which I am so privileged to enjoy. e great English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley adds his thoughts on the coming of Fall: " ere is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been!" Autumn here at Palmer Trinity also signifies the time of the year in which the opening days of school are behind us, the always- busy month of September has passed, parent/teacher conferences are complete, and our first quarter of the year has come to a close. e school year is well underway, and we have navigated safely and successfully through the hectic opening months and are fully entrenched into our respective routines. anksgiving is upon us and December lurks just around the corner. With the change in seasons comes a natural shift in our own personal lives. Fall is a time for reflection, offering each of us the chance to prepare for the closing of the calendar year. Accordingly, as I pause to consider the blessings bestowed upon me, I say thank you. For, as Henry Ward Beecher so duly advises: " e unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings." Since my arrival to this school just over two years ago, there certainly have been countless moments in which I have uttered these exact words: "I am so thankful for…" Any number of phrases could complete that sentence. In fact, each day produces a myriad of moments in which I realize just how fortunate I am to be part of Palmer Trinity School. Every day I witness wonderful things happening on our campus, whether it be in the classroom, on the playing fields, or on stage. Each week, I am privileged to have conversations with creative, capable, and caring professionals who truly are committed to helping our students become good citizens who will serve the world in noble ways. I am surrounded by students who are excited about learning, and who are growing, changing, and discovering just who they will be and will become. In my line of work, I am guided by a greater mission with a noble cause. It states: " Palmer Trinity School is an Episcopal school dedicated to promoting academic excellence and inspiring students to lead lives of virtue, humanity, and spirit." I have the added benefit of being supported by a diverse community, made up of thousands of individuals. ere is not a day that goes by where I do not come across someone who has been impacted by the Palmer Trinity experience. I serve a School in which kindness, compassion, and service to others is paramount. Our School is rooted in these values. To live, work, and play in such a place is a joy. As these Fall days grow longer and this beautiful time of the year unfolds, I hope you will take a moment to soak in both the wondrous change of seasons and find time for reflection. Most importantly, allow me to say thank you wholeheartedly for the support you provide Palmer Trinity School, and know that I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this Community. In closing, I leave you with the words of legendary philosopher Henry David oreau who captures my sentiment best, by stating: " I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual." All the very best to you and yours for a healthy and happy holiday season!

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