Hello, everyone,

 As winter is upon us, and students’ thoughts turn to exam preparation, let’s take a look back at what was a very busy November. This past month, we’ve (finally) been able to get lockers and coat racks, a mail room, laundry room, and study hall in place in the first floor of the north wing. Work on the tunnel will be complete in time for snowfall. The senior mural has been hung in the student lounge, and the victory bell sits proudly between the gym and our sports fields. We placed some extra exterior lighting in place in time for the theatre production of Our Town – and what a production it was! Congratulations to the cast, crew, producer, and director, as well as to all the parents and others who worked so hard to put on an exceptional show in The Little Theatre. Thanks to the families who supported our student-thespians during the always difficult run-up to the show.

Last Wednesday, our Varsity Girls’ and Boys’ basketball teams started their seasons, and on Sunday, we were finally able to get our intramural ball hockey program started on the tennis courts. It was great to see over 100 fans out to see our Boys’ Varsity team start the season with a dominant performance. As noted on the website, the School has been sponsored by Nike, and the first evidence of that sponsorship will be seen in new uniforms and shoes for the Boys’ Varsity team. For more dates and times of games, check the athletic calendar on our web site. This past month, I’ve visited with about 25 parents for “Coffee with Steve”. I want to thank those parents who were able to attend. We were able to discuss more deeply the School’s commitment to enhancing the Athletics and World Languages programs, and the path to building an auditorium. Parents who attended were also able to be heard on a number of other issues. For me, the topic that impressed me most in our discussion was that of day-boarder interaction. I’m glad that our day families are concerned about the boarders’ experience, and to that end, I’m working with the Parents’ Association to ensure that we have more points of contact in the future.

 Speaking of points of contact, expect “Coffee with Steve” to make another appearance in the New Year I also want to thank those of you who donated to the “Movember” cause. I’m now happily clean shaven, but I have some embarrassing photos on the website as permanent proof.

As we move into December, the Key Club is running food, toy, and clothing drives, and any donations would be greatly appreciated. Another great awareness-raising event that you will hear more about soon is “Stand Together”. Sirdeaner Walker, parent of MacDuffie 2010 graduate Dominique Walker, was featured on Extreme Home Makeover last Friday. Ms. Walker’s 11-year-old son died by suicide after experiencing bullying in his school, and she has dedicated her life to ending bullying of all kinds, including bullying based on race, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or anything else that makes people different. Our school will take a stand against bullying, and you can, too, by visiting ([ http://www.standtogether.tv/ ]http://www.standtogether.tv/). We’re also doing some thinking about communication here at MacDuffie, and the old model of a monthly newsletter seems destined to be replaced by a Head’s blog, and a constant stream of news on the website. We’ll keep you posted and, as always, feel free to contact me if you have questions or comments.

Best regards, and happy holidays,

Steve