September 2023
Dear Oak Knoll School Community,
This year, I have officially turned a corner. My husband and I dropped our youngest off at college two weeks ago. For the first time in 20 years, we do not have any parent-teacher conferences to attend, nobody performing in a concert or play, no report card comments to read. It is definitely a new world in that regard, but it is all good.
I have learned over the years that as our children get older, they need us less and less. Or, at the very least, they need us differently. They become more independent, chart their own path, and make their own decisions. I always try to remind myself that the less they need us, the better we are doing.
I certainly care deeply about my relationship with each of my children, and it has been hard to let them go and let them grow at each stage of their lives. I also know that my husband and I cannot be the only resource in their lives. The relationships our children have with one another, with their classmates, and with their teachers (or professors, in my case) are powerful. These relationships will continue to help shape and strengthen them so they become the best versions of themselves.
This is why school communities are so important. We recognize that the relationships they develop here with each other and with us in the context of this school community are essential to their positive self-concept, the healthy development of their best selves, and their increasing independence and autonomy. At Oak Knoll, this is reflected in our deep commitment to Holy Child education. We focus on developing the whole child socially, emotionally, cognitively, spiritually, and physically, and see our work as an extension of the lessons they learn from you at home.
As Cornelia Connelly said, “Be yourself, but make that self all that God wants it to be.” The teachers and staff at Oak Knoll, whom I am proud to call my colleagues, work together to actualize these goals for your children, helping them recognize their gifts, find their voices, and be their best selves. We have spent our in-service days preparing for their arrival and can’t wait to welcome them to campus.
As one teacher said the other day: “When Wednesday comes, it’s go time!” We are so looking forward to go time and the year ahead with the families at Oak Knoll.
Sincerely,
Jennifer G. Landis
Head of School
