Through the Rose Window

Working at Canterbury is a "dream job," Part 1

Thu, 31 Mar 2022

Faculty members feel valued and respected as professionals at Canterbury School, leading several teachers and administrators to recently proclaim that working here is their “dream job.”

Here, in their own words, are the reasons why.

Jacqui McDowell, Middle School Language Arts:

"Matilda"…

Working at Canterbury is a "dream job," Part 2

Thu, 31 Mar 2022

I accepted this position the second former Head of School Phil Spears offered it to me under the late Founder’s Tree. I knew what I was signing up for. I knew that Canterbury would…

Starting the school search for your young child

Fri, 10 Sep 2021

One of the things I enjoy the most about school admissions is helping parents of young children who are planning ahead (sometimes far ahead) for the start of their children’s school journey.

These parents realize that even though kindergarten may be years away, it’s to their benefit to start the school…

Q&A on the COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents

Mon, 17 May 2021

As a pediatrician with 17 years of experience in caring for infants and children, I have spent a tremendous amount of time teaching families about the importance of vaccines in children. Sadly, I have cared for infants and children that have been hospitalized and have even died from vaccine-preventable illness.

Over…

The Canterbury School Prayer

Wed, 03 Mar 2021

Each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, Canterbury students and faculty pause for a brief chapel service to pray, listen, and reflect on the things and relationships that matter most in their lives. Each service concludes with our community joining together in saying the words of the Canterbury School Prayer.

This prayer is still just as resonant and meaningful as…

6 Tips on Talking with Kids about Work

Mon, 28 Dec 2020

While I can only speak from a mom perspective, since I have never been a working dad, I do believe as kids get a little older, it is important for working parents to talk more about work. This is true, as well, for parents who volunteer their time leading community…

The gifts of low-stakes testing

Fri, 11 Dec 2020

As the standardized testing season ramps up, I am grateful once again to be part of Canterbury's whole-child culture that isn’t centered around high-stakes student testing.

I came to Canterbury four years ago from local public schools. Although I chose to teach 1st and 2nd grades to avoid the heavy emphasis…

Reflections on moving to an independent school

Tue, 10 Nov 2020

When Ed and Sally Winslow’s two children started at Canterbury in its second year, the school was in many ways a grand experiment, much the way Canterbury is striving to offer school in a pandemic today. Their children, Margaret and Ted, thrived here, and Ed went on to serve on…

Canterbury birthdays are like a warm hug

Tue, 03 Nov 2020

I’m a big fan of birthdays - who isn’t?

I’ve been lucky enough to have some pretty great ones, especially my 10th birthday, when a shared party with two other girls meant a bouncy house for all the kids in our grade. It was epic for the 1980s and something we…

5 ways to help your child adapt to the new school year

Fri, 31 Jul 2020

One thing is certain in the upcoming school year: a lot of things are going to be different.

From wearing masks to new classroom spaces, the familiar learning environment will be altered as Canterbury implements protocols to make it safe for students to attend classes in person.

Parents can help their children…