Of Arts Week, the Coronation Choir, Fatboy Slim and The Man in Black

As I mentioned in my lament for the Leafs, the last few weeks have been hectic. I thought I would post a note I sent out to students, faculty and staff about some of the amazing things that took place over the last couple of weeks. When you see them all, you get a sense of the kind of community we are ...

The last few weeks have been a wild ride for most of us... and last week was a bit of a mid-term crescendo. I was going to send a note saying congratulations to those who were involved in Arts Week, but then realized how much other stuff has been going on as well…

Arts Week - I was able to attend many, but not all, of the performances and see the wonderful displays for Arts Week. I was sorry to have been out-of-town for the finale on Friday night – but have heard amazing reports. The calibre of the arts programs is one of the things that I am most proud of as the Principal, and last week was a superb showcase for why Appleby is so well regarded, and so many graduates continue to pursue the arts in university and throughout their lives. Terrific work by everyone involved. I am proud of all of you.

Alumni Reunion - Last Wednesday, we also hosted the 50 year club – those alumni who are back to their 50^th or higher reunions. This year, we also had a special service in the chapel commemorating the Coronation Choir. This was a group of Appleby students (twenty-five 11 to 13 year-olds) who were invited to England to represent Canada at the celebrations around the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. It was a 42 day trip that included 19 concerts and a variety of other events. On Wednesday, the Cantus and Chapel choirs performed for these old-timers. It was magical. There were many wet eyes in the John Bell Chapel. Moreover, I have received a flurry of e-mails and calls from alumni who were on campus last week saying how happy they were to be here and how impressed they are by our current Appleby students. A few of them talked about the visit being one of recent highlights of their lives. Thanks to all of you who made some older men very happy.

Leadership in Education - Appleby is also seen as one of the great leaders in the independent school sector in Canada. The last month has only reinforced our reputation in this regard. Annually, we participate in a wide range of national and provincial conferences, festival and competitions. However, this year … and in just the last month … Appleby has also organized  and played the lead in an extraordinary number of them – including  the Ontario English teachers conference, the Ontario Drama festival, the Ontario Art & Media Teachers Conference, and, of course, the Canadian Student Leadership Conference. Congratulations and well-done to all of the students and faculty who were involved with these.

Spring Fling - You may have heard from parents, faculty or staff about why there has been a huge tent up on the turf field for the last few days – it was for Appleby’s Spring Fling on Saturday night. It was an amazing event that raised funds for both renovations happening this summer in classrooms and the NAC, as well as for our needs-based scholarship and bursary program – allowing great kids who would not otherwise be able to attend, to come to Appleby. The organizers took a big risk in trying somnething completely new - and it worked out really well. Like these other activities, this event was very much made possible by a combination of great work by staff (in our philanthropy office) and an army of volunteers – teachers, staff and parents.

Leadership in The Community -  The service days from the last couple of weeks are an essential aspect of great community involvement. It is great to see hundreds of you enthusiastically making our society better through your assistance at such a wide variety of agencies. There is no greater calling. Thank you for this and I look forward to Relay for Life at the end of the month.

I know that there are many other things on the go: our sports teams seem to be having great seasons and playoffs are on the horizons; many of you are immersed in AP exams; and many senior students are going through the student leadership selection process.

There are only 6 weeks left until the Closing Ceremony. Let’s all work to finish the year strong.

And … in the spirit of Arts Week, here are my picks for 2 of the best music videos of all time - one funny (Fatboy Slim) and the other very moving (Johnny Cash singing a Nine Inch Nails song.)

I think I would fit in perfectly with the first one - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex1qzIggZnA

This one is Johnny Cash. Just remember – his wife died immediately after this, and he died soon afterwards -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McV7pjwVFbE