Confidentially

“He who establishes his argument by noise and command, shows that his reason is weak.”  ― Michel de Montaigne

Dispute resolution is important

Everyone at Northfield ... including teachers, administration, directors and other families ... wants you and your family to experience the lifetime rewards that flow from securing a liberal arts education. And yet, we are all imperfect people in a fallen world ... so what shall we do? Talk to one another !

We do not teach our students that sound and patient dialogue is an option ... but rather that it is a necessity for those who wish to probe and test the truth of a matter in honesty and humility. As such we encourage direct dialogue between all parties when questions, issues or downright disputes arise at Northfield.

However, we also realize that there are times when dialogue is unable to resolve a matter in a way that permits all parties to go on together [pergimus una]. And yet even this is not a sign of failure. Indeed, it has happened to some of the greatest and most humble servants in our midst ... Paul and Barnabus always stand out in my mind. And yet, when it does happen, the administration and trustees at Northfield want to make ourselves personally and confidentially available to you ... if you will ... to take another shot at resolving any troubling matter.

We have all invested alot in one another ... and, perhaps, there is a straight way for us to go on together after all. We pledge to you that we will use our best efforts to search for it with you ... and to find it together ... if we can.

Feedback is more important

Finally, establishing a good channel of feedback from you on how we are doing is vital to us. Please do not "wait" for some formal "opportunity" to tell us what you think about the quality of our instruction ... the competence of our teachers ... or anything else that you think might help us improve what we are offering to you and to other Northfield families.

We are not proud ... and we are not quitters ... we will listen ... and we will change what we can when we can ... and we will hope for the same from you.

your servant,

Becky Elder  [belder@northfieldschool.com]

Head of School