For those of you who are still asleep … missing your bed … or for those of you who are still convinced that we need to be here as learners together, that’s okay. I hope that you’ll warm up to the idea that we are always gifted new opportunities for growth every day the sun rises, and every day we are part of the Seabury Hall ‘ohana.

Speaking of ‘ohana, family, as we welcome the New Year, it’s good to recognize that this is the Gregorian calendar’s new year. It’s the calendar that gets used around the world in many places and helps set the tone and pace of our days. But there are many other “new years” as well. 

The Jewish New Year, for example, started back in September, and the Christian New Year started in December with the 4 Sundays before Christmas. The Lunar New Year in 2024 starts next month on February 10. These new years remind us of the beautiful, rich diversity of our school, our islands, and our world. 

2024 is also a leap year–we are given a whole “bonus” day this year. The Gregorian calendar makes it possible. This is one extra day to give thanks for the breath in our lungs, to give thanks for the opportunity to love and care for ourselves and one another.

As we celebrate this new–Gregorian calendar–new year, I’d like to share a favorite thing from my childhood–that remains a thing of dynamic wonder today. The Sydney, Australia, fireworks are internationally recognized as one of the most extensive, elaborate, big and beautiful celebrations on this planet. 

Finally, friends of Seabury Hall, I’d like the opportunity to offer an intention–or prayer–for our journey of 2024. This is different from a resolution. It’s not about being hard on ourselves to “get something done,” but it’s an intentional reminder that we can–and will be strengthened by–going gently with ourselves and others. This is an intention that we might celebrate the amazing people we already are–and the wonderful things we are already doing. 

That we might walk the good road of compassion and peace in 2024:

O God of steadfast love,

trusting in your Divine creation and in one another,

we devote our hearts to learning

and our lives to walking.

Teach us truth, that we may walk with courage.

Teach us mercy, that we may walk with humility.

Teach us forgiveness, that we may walk with compassion.

Teach us grace, that we may walk with strength.

Teach us wonder, that we may walk with praise.

Teach us goodness, that we may walk with those in need.

O God of steadfast love,

Learning from you, from your Divine Creation,
and from one another may we walk well. Amen.

Happy … Gregorian … New Year!