DATE: 22 August 2005 Dear Good Hope School parents and guardians,

I feel quite fortunate to have spent the month of June working and getting to know many of you in the Good Hope School community. It seems like only last week that my days were filled with graduation, assemblies, and many people to meet. I returned to St. Paul, MN on July 1, lived through eleven days with temperatures in the 90's, held three garage sales, almost emptied/packed/cleaned our home, and have thought daily about how privileged my family and I are to be part of the Good Hope School.

Schools and their students, families, teachers, staff, administration, alumni, and board members are the people that have filled my adult life. I deeply appreciate the opportunities for learning and growth that I have received "on the job" at each school where I have worked. As each of you go off to work this week or plan your daily schedule, just imagine that everyone you meet is "committed to each child's success" while on a mission "to think critically, creatively, independently, and globally."

Since returning to Minnesota I have been asked many questions, all sounding like - What is it like on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, and just what is it that attracts you to "living in paradise?" While my response surprises some, it is clear to me and my family. My family and I are most attracted by the opportunity to become members of the Good Hope School community.

By sending your child/student to the Good Hope School , I recognize how much you believe in the importance of education. When stripped down to its barest bones, I believe that education is the continual construction, and reconstruction of three distinctly different types of relationships:

• Appreciation for the unique nature, gifts and challenges of every person
• Connections to and understanding of information, experiences and patterns
• Awareness of and empathy for others.

I look forward to getting to know you and your children/students. If you have a 6 th grader or an 8 th grader in your family, you will likely hear something about new kids named Eliza and Theo.

Please mark your calendar with these important dates, the enclosed calendar will give you lots more.

• Friday, August 26 - Registration for all students - 9:00AM-1:00PM .
  Please have your enrollment packets ready to help speed this process along!
• Friday, August 26 - First Annual Back to School Picnic - flyer enclosed - 6:00PM .
• Monday, August 29 - First day of school - 7:40AM is the start of the day at Good Hope School .

I hope that your summer is restful and your adventures are many. See you soon.

Best regards,

Michael Mongeau

Head of School