Len's Back to School Letter

Dear Saint Mary’s Hall Community, 
 
Today marks our first day of the 2022-2023 school year, and the 144th first day of school at Saint Mary’s Hall. On behalf of all of my colleagues, I want to welcome you back, and let you know what a pleasure it was to welcome our students home at the Hall.  
 
Our day was full of joy, and so many highlights: Mariachis welcomed our community with music at the gate. Smiles, hugs, high-fives, and fist-bumps were exchanged as classmates reunited with each other and their teachers. And it was always heartwarming to see parents on the first day of school as they snapped photos, walked their children to class, and more than a few wiped away their own tears.  
 
The first day of school is a really big day, a milestone, and the moments that are most important underscore the meaning behind our School motto - “teach us delight in simple things.” The joy of seeing each other again, the satisfaction of opening a new book, the wonder of learning something new, and the shared experience of beginning again. 
 
It occurred to me during lunch in the Dining Hall that this is the first time since I have been here that I have been able to see all of our students in that space, sitting safely together at full tables, enjoying lunch and relishing their days. I am so glad that we begin this year together, face-to-face, with a sense of closeness and camaraderie. We have been prepping for this day for three months, and it was well worth the wait.  As Dr. Brock would remind us, “Today was a great day.”   
 
I hope you enjoy a few favorite photos from our first day back on campus. We are excited for what this year holds for our community. Thank you for trusting us with your children.  
 
Congratulations on a great first day, and welcome back. 
 
All my best,
 
Len Miller