Dear GWA Family,
How should I start my first message to this community?
With prayerful gratitude … on behalf of our faculty and staff, we thank you for having faith in us to educate your child. And on a lighter note - GO BULLDOGS!
As many of you have told me, our teachers and coaches have long been called to love, to nurture and to challenge every child. We embrace that college-preparatory academics, extracurricular excellence, and citizenship are not mutually exclusive. GWA develops the whole child, preparing each for college and a life of purpose and service.
Our mission statement is short and powerful:
GWA provides challenging instruction, engaging experiences, and global perspectives designed to inspire lives of intellectual curiosity, integrity, and purpose.
I look forward to seeing how this mission is realized each day in the life of our school. This school year the faculty and I will spend time ensuring that everything we do is aligned with our mission.
The Chocolate Challenge – I always keep a stash of chocolate in my office. My offer to your children is a free piece when they memorize and recite to me – in my office - the mission statement. I am confident many are up to this challenge!
I’m also grateful for Gary Hobbs. He has been a steady shepherd for the past two years and a source of wisdom for me, as I get up to speed to learn the practices, culture, and traditions of a great school in a wonderful small town. As I expressed to the faculty, we will build upon the shoulders of strong leaders who have come before us – both educators and volunteers – to move forward. Together.
I am excited about this year. GWA has momentum: new academic leadership, new buildings, many new students, and a renewed enthusiasm for the great potential within our grasp.
I look forward to seeing you on campus.
Godspeed,
John D. Marshall
Head of School
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
