Why The Layby?

While I have a beautiful office in See House and love the special places on campus, such as our gorgeous Chapel and stately Ketchum Hall, the Layby is my favourite place. For more than a dozen years, my morning routine is to walk through the school, turning on lights and opening classroom doors and then make my way to the Layby by 8:00 a.m. to welcome our boys as they arrive. Along with colleagues Anna Magor, Stefanie Turner and Jim Leatch, I try to be on the Layby everyday to say good morning, by name, to every student who arrives at the Howland entrance. 

 

Learning is a risky business. The best learning is usually founded on the boys making mistakes and encountering setbacks. An important component of our “known and loved” promise is that we create for them here at school a safe, predictable place where they are prepared to take the risk to push themselves to that vulnerable place of authentic learning. The simple “good morning” everyday is a reminder that they are in a safe place, they are expected, they are known and they are loved.

 

It is normal for all students to have times in their education when they are reluctant to go to school. Sometimes this is as simple as homework not completed or it can involve complicated social situations, work anxiety or uncertainty about expectations. In addition, all families go through ups and downs and, unfortunately, many will go through grief and challenge. As much as we all do our best in our homes and lives, we are all human and will experience the challenges of life. It is especially in these times when the predictability and reliability of school is so important for our children. School is safe; it is the same adults playing their same roles daily. While their world and their lives can sometimes be unpredictable, the steady, reliable sameness of school is a great comfort to kids. A smile and a wave and a “good morning” is a gentle reminder that their day will be grounded in love and that this is a safe place. Whatever potential anxiety may be imagined in the early hours of the day is very likely not the reality of what the day will really be. A good start generally means the day will play out much better than expected.

 

I think parents are often surprised by the response we get to our morning greeting. The same adolescent who has been stony silent or half asleep on the way to school is polite and responsive and sometimes even cheerful as soon as they get out of the car. It somehow doesn’t seem fair! Please know I have three children and I have experienced the same ennui with my own kids over many years of school drop-off. We remind our boys that, “Georgians say goodbye to their mums and dads” but that’s about all I can offer.

The Layby is very personal to me. On my own challenging mornings, it is the beacon that I rely on to begin the day. I get hugs and high-fives from 8 year-olds to 18 year-olds. I have inside jokes and regular routines with kids, often that have dated back for the better part of a decade. I’m often proudly shown karate, skiing and hockey medals, piano certificates, newly lost teeth and fresh haircuts. It is the place of transition where they are handed over, with trust, from you to us. Our children are the best and most important thing in our lives and your trust is never taken for granted. It is such a privilege to be invited to walk alongside while they grow up. 

Fall is turning to winter and I’m another year older. Nonetheless, I’ll bundle up, fill my pocket with dog biscuits and see you on the Layby.