A Successful Start to Fall Term
With almost a month of classes under their belts, students and faculty at the School and College have settled into the new routines in place for in-person instruction—sanitizing hands, wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and so on. While these protocols alter the learning experience, they do not define it. Students on both campuses are still discussing ideas, collaborating on projects, conducting experiments, playing sports, making music, rehearsing plays, and spending time with friends.
The School is operating entirely in person while the College is taking a hybrid approach, with both in-person and remote instruction (based on student and faculty choice). Some College students take either all in-person or all remote classes, while others, even though they’re living on campus, take a combination. The School has had no known cases of COVID-19. At the College, two employees have recovered from cases contracted during the summer. There have been no known cases in the student body. (One student tested positive earlier this month, but a second, more reliable test showed the original rapid result to be a false positive.) Testing is not being required on either campus, but some are voluntarily choosing to test.
Fortifying the campus heads’ handling of pandemic-related issues is this year’s metaphysical theme: “. . . perfect love casteth out fear:” (I John 4:18). A potent, five-word antidote to any sense of alarm, it’s also a good reminder that complying with local health department directives is one way to “love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39).
Ever since students went home in March, three priorities have guided planning: keeping students safe, lessening fear, and demonstrating to others that we are safe neighbors. These priorities have not changed. In fact, students’ return to campus underscores their importance, reinvigorating the metaphysical work that faculty, staff, administrators, parents, alumni, and friends have engaged in for months now to support Principia during this challenging time. Prayer paved the way for a smooth start to the school year and continues to direct decisions.
So far this fall, many of the traditions tied to the start of the school year have still taken place (with a few adjustments). As always, Head of School Travis Brantingham (US’94, C’98) delivered the all-School opening chapel in Ridgway Auditorium, but students listened in cohorted groups in their classrooms. His message illuminated the year’s metaphysical theme. At the College, President John Williams (C’76) delivered the fall Convocation address, which also touched on the metaphysical theme. But this year Williams spoke in the Chapel instead of Cox Auditorium, and only new students sat inside the building. Faculty and other students listened to the address transmitted through speakers on the Chapel Green. Then a socially distanced version of the traditional “clap in” of new students took place. See photos of the “clap in” and read about Convocation in the Pilot.
Events for alumni and friends are not yet taking place in person, but that has not hampered activities—or dampened attendance. The College’s virtual Race and Faith speaker series was extremely well attended. Hundreds tuned in for the summertime virtual events sponsored by Alumni & Field Relations—Bible talks, book talks, and speakers. The next event is Monday, September 28—a book talk on Countdown 1945 by Chris Wallace, led by former faculty member Dr. John Glen. Homecoming will also be virtual this year, October 15–18, featuring campus tours, an alumni concert, and a virtual 5K, among other activities.
There’s no denying that things look a little different this year. But what matters most remains the same—teachers still see their students as having “equal opportunity and equal ability in the sight of God” (Principia Policy 3). And students, buoyed by that view of themselves, are navigating challenges, conquering limitations, and embracing new people and ideas. The pandemic notwithstanding, they are learning to “think clearly, vigorously, fearlessly, tolerantly, unselfishly” (Policy 6).