Director's Wave | Volume 6 Edition 19

Vol 6 Ed 19 2025-2026 SY 13 February 2026 JU

Dear CIS Community,

Something to Ponder

“For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love” - Carl Saga

Today is Friday the 13th - a day that is sometimes associated with bad luck in various western cultures. In contrast - Saturday is February 14. On this day multiple countries around the world consider this Valentine’s Day. Over time, lore, history and most certainly marketing ploys, Valentine’s Day has morphed into a day to celebrate love. Western pop culture has told us that love is a many-splendored thing and money can’t buy us love. We have asked questions such as, is this love, what is love and what’s love got to do with it? We have also learned that some people can’t help falling in love, love is what you want it to be, you give love a bad name and that others say love stinks. Personally, if love is the subject, I am fortunate to be crazy in love. At last, please note the above comments about love are compliments of the Four Aces, The Beatles, Bob Marley, Haddaway, Tina Turner, Elvis Presely, Alana Myles, Bon Jovi, The J. Geils Band, Odds, Etta James and Beyonce.

Often unfairly maligned when it comes to love, is mathematics. In reality, there is a mathematical formula for love, it is not Love Plus One by Haircut 100, it is, (x2 + y2 - 1)3 - x2y3= 0.  This formula, expressed in graphic form making the classic heart shape. Whilst mathematics and music may indeed be universal languages of love, we cannot rule out the written word as a form of expression - just be sure to use proper punctuation when expressing your love in words, as illustrated in the examples below.

Example One - Punctuation use that indicates a love letter.

Dear Chris,

I want a person who knows what love is all about. You are generous, kind, and thoughtful. People who are not like you admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me for other people. I yearn for you. I have no feelings whatsoever when we’re apart. I can be forever happy–will you let me be yours? Sincerely, Kelly

Example Two - The same words with different punctuation, turning a love letter into a break-up letter.

Dear Chris,

I want a person who knows what love is. All about you are generous, kind, and thoughtful people, who are not like you. Admit to being useless and inferior. You have ruined me. For other people, I yearn. For you, I have no feelings whatsoever. When we’re apart, I can be forever happy. Will you let me be? Sincerely, Kelly

As far as love goes, if you still haven't found what you’re looking for, may you still have a beautiful day.

Please be reminded that student classes resume Monday 23 February 2026.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend and I hope you all receive love and appreciation as families and friends may reunite during the February holiday week - sincerely,

Jim

Jim Urquhart

Director - Cayman International School