Dennis Phillips
Head of School
As long as I have been connected to schools, I have had the advantage of celebrating endings and beginnings. In fact, every year is a new ending and a new beginning at a school!
One of the great privileges of being an educator is seeing students transform from the beginning to the end of the year. There is no greater joy than watching a reticent Junior Primary student hold on tightly to their mom or dad on the first day of school. They may not fully appreciate the extent of the journey they are undertaking, but they know they are beginning something big; something they have heard others talk about.
They can sense they are on the path to being a “big kid,” even if they’re not sure what that even means. It’s always a remarkable and rewarding experience to watch.
It’s likewise remarkable to see the endings. Right now, there are feelings of sadness and joy, relief and excitement as our Grade 12 students go through the cherished end-of-school rituals like writing exams, getting dressed up for prom, and walking across the stage, diploma in hand. I know these students are thrilled to reach this milestone. Many of them are also equally trepidatious about starting a whole new academic journey, one that will launch them into adulthood and a career. In many ways, it’s like the new Junior Primary students on the cusp of transformation. They won’t be “big kids,” that’s for sure, but they will be “young adults”.
As I look upon these beginnings and endings, I vividly recall my own experience as a new student and, later, as a relieved graduate. I hope I never forget the feelings I had — the fear of the unknown, absolutely, but also the joy and satisfaction of working hard and receiving my first degree. In speaking to hundreds, possibly thousands, of Junior Junior Primary students and Seniors over my career, I have had the opportunity to convince them both that I know what they are feeling, even if each person is travelling their own path. Sometimes, helping a student through this kind of beginning or ending simply takes an encouraging word or an empathetic nod to let them know they are safe to let go.
As this school year ends, I can’t help but dwell a little longer on this one. It marks an ending for me, too. I began my time as the Head of School at Sacred Heart School of Halifax in a new city and country four years ago. I am now leaving this wonderful role, school, and city behind as my term ends and I wind down my career. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for those with whom I have shared my passion for the Sacred Heart Mission, both here in Canada and in the United States. I remember very clearly my beginning moments in this gracious community, and now I am to experience some of my last — the in-between has been joyous, challenging, and memorable. All I could ask for, really.
I believe that every ending is really masquerading as a new beginning. So, while my time here is ending, a new chapter in my life is about to reveal itself, just like it is for our Seniors. What an exciting time. I plan on ritualizing the end, but then, acknowledging and savouring the surprises, the opportunities, and the thrill of a new beginning. So, as I say goodbye, somewhere else, I will say hello.
