Tag: opening

Rascal’s Reflections

Volume 1, Issue 1

The story of the observations of a trusted confidant of a school leader.

Greetings, esteemed Heads of School. My name is Rascal. I am a Shih Tzu of distinguished fur and refined tastes, and for the last thirteen years I have loyally served at the side (and often on the lap) of my master, a school director. From my vantage point—whether curled beneath his desk, or lending moral support on those endless Zoom calls—I’ve picked up a thing or two about the art of headship. Consider me your four-legged leadership consultant. I may not have opposable thumbs, but I do have perspective.

As the school year kicks off, let me share a few reflections—gleaned from years of wagging through the ups and downs of international school leadership.

1. Start with the Students in Mind

I noticed something: my master’s mood always brightened when he greeted students. Whether it was a kindergartner proudly showing off new shoes or a senior stressing about university applications, those early encounters set the tone for the day—and, more importantly, the year.

My advice? Before you get lost in budgets, board reports, and inbox avalanches, remember that the first impressions students have of you and the school shape the entire year. Kneel, look them in the eye, and wag your proverbial tail. They’ll feel seen, and you’ll be reminded of why you’re there.

2. Pause and Look Deeper

Dogs are masters of sniffing beyond the obvious. That barking at the fence? It’s not really about the squirrel—it’s about protecting the yard. I watched my master learn this lesson often: the issue presented by a parent, teacher, or board member was seldom the real issue.

As a head, when a concern arises, resist the urge to pounce immediately. Pause. Reflect. Consider what lies beneath—past experiences, cultural perspectives, unspoken anxieties. In international schools, context is as layered as a well-stocked treat jar. Take time to find the real source, and you’ll often solve more than just the presenting problem.

3. Build Relationships Everywhere

I’ll let you in on a secret: I never cared who had the fancy title or the corner office. I wagged for everyone, from the facilities team to the finance director. And you know what? They all responded with warmth and trust.

Schools, much like dog parks, run on relationships. Build them intentionally—within your leadership team, across departments, and with students and families. A strong circle of trust will carry you through the inevitable storms. When people know you care, they’ll follow you anywhere (even if you smell faintly of wet dog).

4. Take Care of Yourself

Even I know when to curl up for a nap. My master sometimes forgot. Heads of school are expected to be endlessly resilient, but resilience is not an infinite resource. It’s replenished by sleep, health, laughter, humility, and yes, the occasional long walk.

Demonstrate to your community that well-being matters—not just for them, but for you, too. Your students and staff will see in you a model of balance: strong yet humble, resilient yet human. Trust me, nothing undermines authority faster than a leader who looks like they desperately need a biscuit and a nap.

Closing Thoughts

So, as you stride (or stumble) into the new school year, remember: start with students, sniff beneath the surface, build your circle of trust, and guard your own well-being. If a little Shih Tzu can figure this out from the corner of an office rug, I’m confident you can, too.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I see someone in the kitchen opening a packet of treats. Until next time—stay pawsitive.

The First Day is Upon Us!!

This morning we opened our doors for the soft opening of New Family Orientation and packed the theater with more than 100 families and their kids. I enjoyed greeting everyone with a brief introduction from the Newbie to the Newbies. Over the last 28 days, I’ve learned much about the American School of Warsaw.

In particular, I looked up the instrumental founding influencer of the school, Colonel Frank Gilchrist (1938-1969). In 1953, while serving as the Assistant Military Attache at the American Embassy, Colonel Gilchrist was the driving force behind the opening of a school for 12 students from 5 nationalities: American, British, Swiss, Israeli, and Yugoslav.

Then, as is the case now, the reports were of a school with a special sense of community. A place where this mix of nationalities could connect and define themselves as a collaboration amongst diversity. Writers of that time and throughout the growth and development of the school noted the warmth and welcoming spirit of the school community.

That spirit was on display today as PTO and returning parents and students helped new families navigate their orientation day. Touring around the building, teachers and support staff welcomed their presence in classrooms throughout the building. Their first impression of their new “home” was a powerful one leaving all of us ready for the coming opening for all.

One of the key messages that I’ve woven through new staff orientation, full staff meetings, and the new parent orientation yesterday emphasizes what I consider to be a critical component of the program we offer. After the hard work of designing curriculum and architecting instruction is completed, I suggest that a critical test of a school is the understanding that “Small Things Matter.” Like a drop of water in a still pond, the ripple effects of empathy and service toward others cannot be underestimated.

I taught the new kids today another important phrase that I will test them on in the parking lot tomorrow. For those returning, you’ll have to share it with your children as the mantra of the year, the motto of the new director that I give you as a gift to inspire all your future accomplishments:

“If it is to be, It is up to me!!”

May the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year bring you special joy and a true sense of anticipation for all that is yet to come! Let the learning begin!