A Message from Rector Connell

1/8/2021

Dear Chatham Hall Families,

In the words of Chaplain Barksdale in our Thursday evening reflection, the events of January 6 "will leave an indelible stain on US history. From the siege on the Capitol to the record number of deaths from COVID, we are enraged and saddened by such tragedy."

Chaplain Barksdale also reminded us that January 6 was Epiphany, a day in the Christian tradition that marks the end of the journey from Advent to Christmas; a day that invites us into a new season of hope and discovery. Liturgically and historically, she shared it is a day for remembering love is more powerful than hate, and light will always overcome darkness - emphasized in the story of the Magi we will read together in Chapel this morning. Chaplain Barksdale’s words echo those of Bishop Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, that I have shared previously: Our nation’s heart breaks right now because we have strayed far from the path of love.

Here at Chatham Hall, the adults in our community immediately looked to being here for your daughters even though most students are still learning virtually. We have had challenging, heart-wrenching, and critical conversations with students and colleagues over the last few days. As a community, we have made ourselves vulnerable, found strength in one another, and learned from one another. We have asked difficult but important questions about recent events. No doubt conversations will continue on our campus, in our community, and across our nation. Parents, I would like to offer the following resources if you are in need of assistance as you have your own conversations:

Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers (National Association of School Psychologists)
Explaining the News to Our Kids (Common Sense Media)

Additionally, Dr. Lisa Damour, psychologist and author of bestsellers Untangled and Under Pressure, authored the column Parenting While Shocked for the New York Times yesterday. Dr. Damour has been a wonderful resource for Chatham Hall in terms of our professional development, and she made herself available to parents at the start of this year.

If you would like to personally discuss how you might speak with your daughter(s) about current events, our School Counselor Jenniel Gross-Kriever is always available to assist you.

We will all keep your children at the forefront of our minds and make their well-being our top priority. I thank you in advance for your support in these endeavors.

Stay safe, be well.

Esto Perpetua,

Rachel Connell
Rector

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