Monsoon Return

July again, the monsoon is in full force and Woodstock staff, new and returning have arrived on our mountain to prepare for the new school year. Some of the highlights:

• We welcomed our new principal, Dr. David Laurenson to the school. After a week of informal meetings with him last spring, staff are looking forward to working with him and hopeful that his leadership will mark the end of a long transitional time at Woodstock.
• In anticipation of the renovation of Clifton Hostel, the High School Boys' Dorm, the dorm staff with the help of many employees have been working diligently to prepare alternative places for the boys to live. They will be housed in Community Center, Mt. Hermon, Ridgewood Dorm and Rokeby Guest House.
• All new staff are involved in orientation for these first two weeks. While orientation is important in any business, the unique nature of Woodstock makes this process crucial to success. In addition to the usual information we offer seminars on culture and diversity, staying healthy in this setting, introduction to the Himalayan environment, specific information on Indian culture, and how the Christian foundation of the school impacts staff and students.

As all staff gather together for the first time this year, our focus is on moving beyond being merely an organization and building community. In the devotions during our staff retreat, chaplain Tim Eby-McKenzie is focusing on what it means to be community, which is primarily to live out love for each other in concrete and practical ways. The year is rich with possibilities and our hope is to see the love and investment we put into each other and into our students bear lasting fruit.