Kent Place School Begins 122nd School Year

On Tuesday, September 2, Kent Place School kicked off its 122nd academic year. Cars and buses lined up to drop off more than 600 students hailing from 80 different communities across New Jersey.

The morning began with the traditional Opening Convocation, a ceremony where the entire school gathers together to ring in the new academic year, reflect on the school’s mission and honor the spirit of community. Each person received a single daisy, the school flower, as they joined together in the Field House.

Head of School Susan C. Bosland delivered opening remarks and shared her thoughts and hopes for the new school year: “I wish for great possibilities for this school year; the possibilities each day brings, the possibilities you find within your selves and the possibilities we see in each other,” stated Bosland. Then, three students, one from each division, offered remarks and words of encouragement for their fellow classmates.

“An important part of our school year includes welcoming new students to Kent Place and making them feel welcome and comfortable,” said fifth grader Tara Ghose of East Hanover. “Kent Place gives us all kinds of opportunities to stretch and grow. This year, we can focus on challenging ourselves with our studies, participating in sports and trying new activities!”

“My challenge to you for this new school year is to find things you’ve never done, and try them out. ‘If you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done,’” stated eighth grade speaker Stacey Espiritu of Livingston.

“I would like to welcome the newest members of our community, whether you are just starting kindergarten, a student transferring from another school or perhaps a new teacher starting a new job. Whatever path you are on, today marks a stop along your journey,” said senior Michaila Kaufman of Berkeley Heights.

Convocation is marked with a special candle lighting ceremony symbolizing the school’s maxim —With Wisdom She Lights the Way. Mrs. Bosland lit the first of four candles, followed by the student representatives. A moment of silence, to give thought to the year ahead, followed the lighting of the candles. Everyone joined in singing the alma mater before returning to their classrooms and offices.

Also that morning, student “lifers,” who have been at Kent Place for 12 years or more, visited students in the Preschool and Kindergarten classes to present them with daisies and share thoughts about their early years as youngsters at Kent Place.

The 2015-2016 school year at Kent Place has officially begun.