DATE: 01 March 2006 Dear Parents, Guardians, Alumni/ae, and Friends of Good Hope,

Funny, how my daughter keeps reminding me that there are only 14 days until her birthday, and I keep trying to remember which year is next. Time is also relative for a school community and each school year. The months have sailed by since last August, graduation is just around the corner for thirty seniors, and we already know some of the changes that will make next year different from this year.

I fully realize that change has been a tired and worrisome word in the recent years for The Good Hope School. Knowing that, I also realize that change is inevitable, can be healthy, and always should be done with respect. Looking forward to assignments in 2006-2007, I have been motivated by current budget restraints, personal requests, and the alignment of skills with current school needs. At this time, somewhere before enrollment is known and employment contracts are issued or returned, I want you to know about the following changes for next year.

• Gretchen Freehling - has asked for and received a leave of absence
• Charlene McGowan - has taken on the challenge/opportunity to teach 2 nd grade
• Ditty Layton - has accepted my decision to reduce administration by one, and asked to be the new librarian
• Cat Austin Franks - has agreed to return to teaching in the Rockefeller Building
• Raquel Boucher - has agreed to being the Director of Lower and Middle School until our enrollment returns to previous levels
• Patricia Swan - has accepted the position of Director of Upper School
• Elizabeth Tilden - has accepted the position of Director of Enrollment and Student Programs

By now, I hope that you all have seen the noteworthy changes to our Web site. The Daily Bulletin, the year-long calendar, and the Athletic Calendar are all working. Thanks to Eileen Hill , Carol Sanford, and Dion Christopher they are updated often. Please let these folks know about any improvements that we can make to www.ghsvi.org

The Sound of Music will come to life on April 20-22 in the James C. Savage Theater. Students are already rehearsing, directors directing, and behind the scenes we are looking for help, especially with props and costumes (please contact Mrs. Kathy Newman 773-9863 or the main office if you can help).

All of you know that The Good Hope School has an extensive computer network. All the classrooms, library, offices, and technology center are linked. However, did you know that the Upper School Campus is now a wireless campus? You can now go "on-line" from the parking lot to Campus Center and the Canaday Library to the soccer field using your personal wireless computer. The details are in the bulletin or you can be in touch with Bob Freiburghouse ( rfreiburghouse.ghs@gmail.com ) with any questions. Yes, Upper School students may bring their own laptops to school, but please remind your child never to leave a personal computer unattended.

And of course, re-enrollment contracts are due back on March 10 in order to reserve your place and receive the discounted registration fee. If your child hasn't reminded you already, spring break begins on Friday afternoon, March 17. I look forward to seeing you soon and I know that there will be much to discuss.

With much appreciation,

Michael Mongeau

Head of School

Addendum

Sincerely,

Michael Mongeau - Head of School