PHS Friday Letter

The philosopher Plato once said, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” Truer words were never spoken. Not only am I grateful to be at the beginning of a new phase in the life of the school, but I also look forward to participating in Presidio Hill’s future as a leading school in progressive education which is rooted in maintaining respect for our common humanity and the principals of true democracy.

In my visit, I saw that the children at PHS are happy, bright, smart, funny, committed, ethical, and caring to boot. I am impressed with the families who choose to be part of this wonderful community. I very much look forward to getting to know the children, their families and their teachers better as I begin my work at PHS.

During my visit the most frequently asked question by parents, board members, students, and community members was: “So, what would you bring to our school?” From the beginning, the question struck me as being different each time it was offered. The word that stood out each time was “our.” I do not believe that “our” was uttered as an exclusive “our,” nor do I think it was meant to separate or to define. “Our” from the very beginning included “us”— my family and me. That one word (and its welcoming message) was telling.

I am excited, humbled, and awed by the board’s confidence in me in thinking about what I would bring to the school Here’s what I will bring: a shared vision of education; a knowledge of diversity, equity and fairness, and multiculturalism; an appreciation of what is involved in fundraising and its execution; a commitment to the fiscal health of the school, the ability to meet children and their families where they are; my background in independent schools and beyond; the readiness to laugh at a good joke; a can-do personality; a willingness to learn and grow professionally, the ability to ask the important questions and search for possible solutions to financial issues; a cooperative spirit in all things; the capacity to handle tough situations with some grace and tact; and my wonderful, glorious, and thoughtful family who are already beginning to fall in love with a school they barely know. I would bring all of these things because I care deeply about what happens at PHS in the future.

So, we begin. With gratitude, we remember the bright past, meditate on a promising future, and place one foot in front of the other to launch a journey that remains a continuum.

Namasté,
Brian Thomas