Gratitude for What Truly Defines Us: The Three C’s
As we settle into the rhythm of the school year, I find myself reflecting on the core pillars that have shaped our school for decades—Character, Curriculum, and Community—the Three C’s of St. Thomas School. These guiding principles are more than just words on a page; they are the essence of who we are. Today, I want to take a moment to share why they matter so much to me—and to all of us at St. Thomas School.
Gratitude for Character: What Sets Us Apart
At the heart of St. Thomas School is our commitment to developing strong, compassionate leaders. Our students are not only encouraged to excel academically but to grow into thoughtful, engaged individuals who make a positive impact on the world around them. Our character program, rooted in nine core virtues—gratitude, responsibility, respect, courage, integrity, tolerance, compassion, perseverance, and generosity—is woven into the fabric of our curriculum and culture.
I’m constantly inspired by the way our students live out the core virtues: they’re evident in the way they treat one another, in the ways they step up to help their peers, and in the way they take on challenges, not just for themselves but for the greater good. Our commitment to character is directly tied to our mission of developing “responsible citizens of a global society.” After all, we aren’t just preparing students for school—we’re preparing them for life.
In fact, our alumni consistently tell us that the foundation they built at St. Thomas School continues to guide them in high school, college, and life beyond. They attribute much of their success to the strength of our character education, and for that, I am both proud and thankful.
Gratitude for Curriculum: Fueling a Passion for Learning
A robust academic foundation is essential to preparing students for a rapidly changing world. But at St. Thomas School, we believe education is about more than just absorbing information. Our curriculum is designed to foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning. From the moment our students step through the doors, they are on a journey of discovery—learning not just to answer questions, but to ask them.
And let me tell you, that doesn’t happen by accident. Our teachers are remarkable. They inspire our students to reach their fullest potential. They don’t just teach content; they teach students how to think independently, how to solve problems creatively, and how to collaborate with others to find innovative solutions. Our students leave St. Thomas School with an impressive academic foundation and the skills they need to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Gratitude for Community: Where Everyone Belongs
This one hits close to home for me. Community is something we talk about a lot here, and that’s because it’s real. St. Thomas School is more than a place of learning—it’s a place of belonging. One of the things I value most about our school is how each member of our community—students, teachers, parents, alumni, and friends—works together to create an environment where everyone feels supported and valued. We embrace diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and we celebrate the unique contributions each member brings to our school. It is this spirit of inclusion and belonging that makes community a defining characteristic of St. Thomas School. It is what enables our students to take risks, to challenge themselves, and to learn from failure. It is what gives our teachers the freedom to explore new ways of teaching, knowing they are backed by a community that values creativity and innovation. And it is what makes parents feel like true partners in their child’s educational journey.
The sense of belonging doesn’t end with graduation. Our alumni, along with their families, remain an integral part of the #FalconFamily long after they’ve moved on to new adventures. It’s always a joy to welcome former students back on campus, to hear about the paths they’ve taken, and to reconnect with their families. You always have a home at St. Thomas School.
A Year of Gratitude
As I move through this final year as head of school, I am filled with gratitude: for the opportunity to have served this incredible community, to have witnessed the growth and success of so many young leaders, and to have worked alongside such dedicated and passionate educators. All of which are built on our pillars, the Three C’s – Character, Curriculum, and Community.
Thank you for being a part of this extraordinary journey and thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we will continue to ensure that St. Thomas School remains a place where students are known, challenged, and inspired to lead.