Hues and humility

Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here, in autumnal hues at your American International School.
It’s always a somewhat surreal time of the year, Fall/Autumn in Australia, as many families prepare for holidays in the northern summer. Our gardens are looking fresh thanks to the work Mary has been doing, amidst that last bloom of colour that presages the beginning of our (mild) winter season. We have two mowers now, so Patrick and Tom can be seen on weekends in tandem, striping the 5 acres of grounds, in their pursuit of hirstute ground fauna (long grass).
The autumnal allegory continues into the classrooms whereby teachers and students prepare for examinations, transcripts, yearbook, graduation and other activities. But rather than squirreling away before winter, this preparation culminates in that bitter sweet celebratory moment at the end of year. A moment whereby all the year’s endeavours come to fruition in celebration and then welcome vacation relief. You are all invited to join in the celebrations at the school, and then graduation night. Graduation night will be held at The American Club, (Level 15, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney), overlooking Sydney harbour, the Opera House and Botanical Gardens.
The address to graduates will be delivered by the Consul-General of the United States of America, Stephen Smith, both a friend and supporter of the school community. Let Tom Nolan know at our reception if you wish to attend. Our "graduating" parents are organising the festivities in conjunction with the American Club, so look forward to a night of family friendly celebration and send off. The graduation dinner is set for the evening of Thursday-31-May, enabling departing and vacationing families a clear weekend to prepare their next steps.
I wrote to the Teachers this week, expressing my thanks and appreciation for their work over this past year. Starting an essentially new school in 2 July weeks to open in August, was an auspicious beginning for a renewed school community. Turning a near million dollar annual loss into a break-even result in 12 months was a brilliant effort. Taking a short term lease, extending it and turning that into a purchase option was no mean feat in itself. Delivering a professional and committed education program in a time of change was a thoroughly professional and admirable effort by all the school staff. And throughout all this time we received unwavering support from our committed school community.
I would like to thank you all, parents, students, staff, family and community, for your commitment, passion and support over this past year. Please give yourself and other school members the recognition and praise that you all so richly deserve. All have made this year an amazing result of toil, heart and human spirit. I am so proud to have partaken in this endeavour - it seems more like a work of spirit, that is in itself its own reward. At American International School, it really is about community and, you have all demonstrated to me that, an International Education if not a right, is surely an inspiration.
In our daily lives too, we continue to "See the difference at American International School, where international education is for everyone".