On behalf of the Board of Directors I wish you all a wonderful 2008.

We have a fantastic beginning to the year as I am delighted to announce that Dr. David Laurenson has accepted our offer of the post of Principal of Woodstock. David will be joining by mid July 2008.

Born in New Zealand, David earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Auckland in 1966. He moved to Canada in the 1970s and earned a master's degree in mathematics at the University of Waterloo in Ontario. After moving to the United States in the early '90s, David earned a Ph.D. in Teaching and Teacher Education from the University of Arizona. David is currently the Professor of Education at Queens College. This position involves collaborative efforts with various educational institutions in the Borough of Queens, New York City. In his career spanning 40 years David has held positions as Director of Hunter College Campus Schools, Executive Director, Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, Mobile, AL, and Assistant Principal, University of Toronto Schools.

I am glad that this has been a truly participatory, transparent process at the end of which we have a well accomplished international educator to take Woodstock to the next level. More importantly we have a Principal to whom the Woodstock distinctive has made a difference and his choice of Woodstock has been unambiguous, clear and above other considerations. We are truly appreciative of his commitment to Woodstock.

David is excited about his appointment and has the following to say:

"I am truly delighted to have been selected as the next Principal of Woodstock School. My experience during the few days I spent in Mussoorie last December was uplifting. The school has so much to offer through its curriculum, its constituents, and its history as an excellent educational institution. The potential of the school is of great interest to me. The Outdoor Education Facility, for example, is just one of many aspects of the enterprise that I am interested in working on together with the staff and the board, developing programs that will make it a world class educational experience for our students and others who use it.

I look forward to bringing my expertise and experience in curriculum, development, strategic planning, staff relations, technology, management and leadership to the school. Born and raised on a sheep farm in New Zealand and now living in New York City, I come to India as one who loves new ventures, and I believe that Woodstock and I will be a great match. I believe that the success of a school lies in the cooperation of its constituents to better the educational experience of its students. Based on what I know of Woodstock with its long history of commitment, I am very enthusiastic about my appointment and look forward to working with you all."

Please join the Board in welcoming David Laurenson to Mussorie. As David takes on his new role, let us support and rally behind him to make Woodstock 'greater, better and more beautiful'.

Yours sincerely,

Thomas Chandy, President, Board of Directors of Woodstock School