Dear Rumsey Hall Community,
At this time of year, when the days are at their shortest and the nights stretch long, we are reminded how often the world has turned to light in search of hope. As Edith Wharton once wrote, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
Here at Rumsey, we see both kinds of brilliance every day. There are times when our students are unmistakably the candle: aglow with new ideas in the classroom, shining on stage at the winter concert, and inspiring others as they break school records of generosity in service to the broader community. Equally often, they serve as the mirror, reflecting what has been given to them: the guidance of a teacher, the encouragement of a coach, or the quiet reassurance of a friend. In those moments, they amplify the gifts of others; listening with care, cheering from the sidelines, and celebrating the accomplishments of their peers.
This term, our students and faculty have moved between these roles with grace and humility. Their kindness, their curiosity, and their willingness to lift one another up are an inspiration.
This season reminds us, also, that education itself is a source of light. When our students engage with literature, music, art, language, history, science, and mathematics, understanding flickers to life; an insight, a connection, a deeper sense of themselves and their place in the world. Learning brings the joy of discovery, the pride of real growth, and the ability to appreciate the wonder of the world around us. And, this is a flame that can never be extinguished.
As families gather for the holidays, I encourage each of us to reflect on how far we have come since September and to give thanks for those who have helped along the way. This season, let us celebrate the light of learning, the light of friendship, and the light of our community, both the brilliance we kindle and the radiance we reflect. May that light guide us into the new year, ready for whatever comes next.
On behalf of all of us at Rumsey Hall, I wish you joy, peace, and light this holiday season.
Warmly,
Brooke Giese P’23, ’27
Head of School
