FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
 "Put your whole self into it, and you will find your true voice. Hold back and you won't. It's that simple." --British blogger Hugh Macleod
What a wonderful concept-that giving our best effort is the means of finding and asserting our "true voice." It's a concept that comes naturally to GA girls, who seek to give their all each day.
I always am inspired by their earnest effort and dedication, and the past weeks have included shining examples, from the unbridled joy of the Lower School Dance Around to Group VII's outstanding rendition of Charlotte's Web to the myriad successful athletic contests in the Upper School. Stay tuned for more excitement in the weeks to come as we join together for culminating events starting with our littlest ones at the Cowan Center's bridging ceremony and the final majestic walk into the tent for the Class of 2008.
In reflecting back on the year, I think that this year's theme of voices has brought a greater awareness for all of us in the GA family of the need to listen and pay attention to the important sharing that goes on each day in our community. Some voices push us to think beyond our comfort zone, some activate our consciences and tell us to be kinder, some amuse.
I experienced all three of these things when shadowing Mackenzie Manelski last week in Group IV. Three days before my visit, I received fabulous advice to prepare me for my day with them, including Georgina Hickey's "Tips to Survive Group IV" that reminded me to practice math facts, practice typing, tie back my hair for PE and practice spelling!
Additional advice included the admonition not to wear jewelry or nail polish! I was careful to unload my jewelry at the door.
We first attacked minute math, a timed exercise of multiple math problems. The girls were excited while I felt like I was taking SATs--being confident in math is natural for them. Physical education (PE) class was noteworthy not only for the high-stakes competition of the Crickets versus the Polar Bears, but for the display of sportsmanship afterwards when multiple voices chirped, "Good job, Crickets," and "Good job, Polar Bears." My final class was science in which we played an interactive game of planet jeopardy on the SMART Board that required teams of four to reach consensus and represent their answer to the class. Thankfully, I was able to contribute positively to my team!
Gone are the days of passive learning when students sit in straight rows and listen only to the teacher. GA girls are expected to fully engage with one another and the lesson at hand and to express their voices with enthusiasm and conviction.
In the coming weeks, we have many opportunities to reflect on the year. For me, I will be continually grateful that consistent with Mr. Macleod's directive, GA girls have, indeed, put their whole selves into all their endeavors and in doing so, have found their true voices.
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