I recently drove a familiar route, from Toronto to Kingston, to pick up my daughter and bring her home, along with her newly adopted cat and her worldly possessions, after four years of study at Queen’s. Not with a bang, but with a whimper, four great years were behind her. We took one last drive through the beautiful campus, but, as she pointed out, she hadn’t actually been in any of the campus buildings in 14 months, so even this acknowledgment of something ending was diluted.

For those hitting significant milestones in 2021, especially our Grade 12 graduates, there is something muted in the celebration of your accomplishments. Please know that this does not diminish these accomplishments, your hard work or the promise of what comes next.

As I write this, we are also preparing to say goodbye to two long-standing and accomplished leaders in the school, Catherine Kirkland and Nick Van Herk. Again, as we’re unable to gather and raise a glass together, our gratitude is shared on these pages.

Catherine is finishing her 20th year of leadership of the Junior School. Her vision of elementary education has transformed the Junior School, pedagogically and physically, and put us at the leading edge of progressive, independent education. Catherine’s colleagues are as loyal to her as she is to them, and, for 20 years, she has shown her authentic love for the boys in her care in every action and interaction. For me, Catherine has been a teacher and partner, challenging and supporting me. She is also a dear friend and I shall miss laughing with her every day. Her leadership, particularly in this difficult year, has been remarkable.