Director's Wave | Volume 5 Edition 23

Something to Ponder
“My mother always used to say, the older you get, the better you get. Unless you’re a banana.” - Betty White

Early this morning I received two unexpected, yet very welcome phone calls from two dear friends. One, from Jimmy. We have been friends since 1978 when we were in the same grade 7 class - you know, old friends who to this day we still remember each other's land line phone numbers and know how to sneak in the basement window of our childhood homes. The other greeting call was from Linda. Linda and her husband, and I and my wife have been friends since 2010 since sharing a meal together - you know the type of meal that starts at 7:30 pm and when you look at the clock you notice it is 12:45 am and the restaurant is closing soon. In their respective greetings, both Jimmy and Linda asked about my mom. My mom is wonderful, disciplined (she exercises everyday and has eaten an apple and a cup of yogurt for lunch every day since I can remember), fiercely loyal to family and friends, caring, and a perfectionist - she can paint a perfect straight edge without taping, and I remember her parking her company car in our carport so the tires stopped on four small pieces of carpet, because she did not want snow from the tires making the carport floor wet.

Mother's Day is celebrated this weekend in the Cayman Islands. The impact of moms within our vibrant school community is immeasurable. Mother’s Day presents a wonderful opportunity to pause, appreciate, and celebrate moms and mother figures who shape not only our students but our school culture, and the culture of the Cayman Islands and beyond for that matter.

Moms at CIS wear countless hats – they are volunteers who transform our events into memorable celebrations, professionals who balance demanding careers with unwavering support for their children's education, and partners in our educational journey who ask thoughtful questions during conferences that push our thinking further. They are early morning homework helpers, late-night project supporters, play date taxi drivers, and steadfast advocates for their children's growth and development.

Indeed, our CIS mothers embody our core values in action every day. They model kindness through countless small gestures, demonstrate partnership through their collaboration with faculty and staff, demonstrate good intent in their advocacy for their children, whilst guiding their children through both challenges and triumphs.

This Sunday, I hope all of us, children, and adults alike, take a moment to truly see and acknowledge everything our mothers or mother figures contribute to our lives. A sincere "thank you" can be more meaningful than the most elaborate gift. Aside from flowers, homemade art, breakfast in bed, peace, and quiet -  we can all appreciate that perhaps the most valued celebration for mothers is having their children nearby in person or call.

Wishing all our CIS mothers a day filled with joy, appreciation, and rest - all of which and more that you so richly deserve - and hopefully such joy and appreciation is prevalent each day too.

Wishing you a pleasant weekend - sincerely,

Jim Urquhart
Director - Cayman International School