Message from the headmaster

It was still light last night when the SJA boarding community–students, proctors, leaders–gathered in Fuller Hall for “Dorm Chapel.” The days are growing longer here in Vermont, and signs of a new season are everywhere, from receding smudgy snowbanks to balmier air and a sun that actually warms. After a long winter in the Northeast Kingdom, it’s hard to overestimate the optimistic energy we feel with the prospect of spring.

Dorm Chapel was focused on getting ready for “ResFest,” which is a spring term tradition here that brings the resident students together to dance, make banners, compete in futsal and other games, and generally be much sillier than they usually are. Howell Hsu and Paula Guitierrez spoke about what a wonderful tradition it is, and kicked off the dorm competition preparation.

March, April, and May always go by faster than you’d think, and starting now, we’ll have lots of important activities on campus unique to the Spring Term. In addition to ResFest, these include the week-long visit from a group of students from Kaijo, Japan; Spring Concerts with the Hilltones, Band, and Jazz Band; the Spring Musical, “Into the Woods;” Spring sports like tennis, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, and track and field; numerous international trips, including to Japan and Mongolia; Spring Day and Culture Fest; Last Chapel; and of course our end-of-year celebrations for seniors: Senior Breakfast, Tea, and Prom, Class Day and finally Commencement on June 1st.

Please know that St. Johnsbury Academy remains a safe, steady, and caring place for our students. We are always conscious of making sure that students feel absolutely at home–that we see and care about them–and wanting to understand better how to do that.  Especially in times like these, when there is news flooding in relentlessly from around the world that can be confusing and often distressing, we are mindful of and grateful for the trust you place in us when you send your children so far from home.

When Mr. Robillard and I visited several cities in Mexico in January and met some of you, we heard clearly how much you value that safe and healthy environment. We’re far from the hustle and bustle of cities and surrounded mostly by nature and rural communities. We are a progressive state where all are welcome. And just as important, there is a long tradition here of close-knit communities that look after one another in good times and bad. Our small town, our campus, and the broader region are particularly calm and secure–something we value and work hard to maintain.

Your children bring extraordinary energy, perspective, and downright joy to our school, and we couldn’t be more grateful for that. I want you to know how deeply we admire them—their courage in studying far from home, their kindness to one another, and the many ways they contribute to the spirit of the Academy.

I for one can’t wait to see their spirit and goofiness at ResFest in a couple of weeks-the three-legged races and the dance-off are my favorites. It also means that spring is definitely here at last.

Please never hesitate to reach out to me or any of our staff–I and they are tremendously grateful for the partnership we share with your families.

Take care,

Dr. Howell