Message from Head of School
Choose a Wise and Discerning Mind
I Kings 3:3-15
Several years ago, the National Association of Episcopal Schools chose this passage as its theme for the Episcopal Schools annual celebration. In the Biblical passage, God tells Solomon to “ask for whatever you want me to give you,” and Solomon, with all options open to him, asks only for a wise and discerning mind. His willingness to fore go instant fame and fortune for a deeper understanding of what really matters and what will enhance his governance over God’s great people leads him to richer and fuller life.
Today’s world is full of increased options and dazzling (sometimes bewildering) alternatives for life which ask all of us to make choices too. Episcopal Schools, in general, and St. John’s School in particular, are always engaged in partnerships with parents to help our students develop the capacity to make good choices. These choices are reached when the student is equipped to examine what is truly important and meaningful. Good choices are reached by examining consequences, accepting the existence of limitations, realizing personal talents, and developing multi-faceted potential. They are reached by learning reading, writing, critical thinking, logical mathematics, cultural history, scientific reasoning and by developing artistic literacy. Making good choices requires practice and patience. It requires strong mentors, personal grace, kindness, resilience and good humor. And, learning to make good choices, to be wise and discerning servants, recognizes our imperfect humanity and the blessing of forgiveness and love given by God.
We hope your child’s time at St. John’s is full of growth in wisdom and discernment, and the deep satisfaction that comes from making good choices!
Kaye Nelson,
Head of School