As staff prepare for return of our students, we took the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Blayne Addley, Head of School, to learn a little more about what he is most looking forward to for the coming year and to see if he will spill the beans on the name of this year’s musical (spoiler: he doesn’t).
How are you feeling as we lead up to the start of school, Mr. Addley?
Back to school is always very exciting for me. As a former English teacher I think of the year like a Shakespearean play: same themes, new plotlines and some new characters each time. You’re excited for the familiarity of the school year but it’s filled with fresh possibilities, like who are your new classmates and your new teachers? What will be different now that you’re a year older? I share in the students’ excitement.
What advice would you give to students?
Get involved early and make new friends. Whether you’re new to us this year, or a returning student, you belong here. Be open, engage and embrace all we have in the school.
What are you most looking forward to for this new school year?
I’m most excited to get back to my daily rounds, popping into classrooms and having chats with the students and teachers throughout the year. I just love that part of my job.
Do you have any back to school traditions?
I always look forward to the Back to School BBQ (September 12 this year). It’s a great time to connect with everyone, catch up on their summer stories and meet the new families. There are several things the school does year over year and the BBQ is one of my favourite events.
What do you think our goal as a school should be for this coming year?
Balance. It’s important for students to work hard but it’s equally important they enjoy student life. Focusing on that balance helps students thrive personally and academically. I hope for students to be involved; play a sport, be in the band or join the school play. Did you know next year’s production will be revealed on September 15?
Any guesses as to what the production will be this year?
Oh, I know what it is! I’m very excited, and the students will be too. They can try to get it out of me but I won’t tell.
We’ve got an exciting year ahead of us. To kick things off, do you have a dad joke of the day?
What do you call a pod of singing killer whales? An Orcapella group.
