As the start of school gets underway, President Mike Latham ’86 shares his thoughts on the new school year in this video message to Punahou students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff and donors.
Transcript:
Aloha, I’m President Mike Latham. As we prepare for the start of the new school year, I want to personally thank you for your continued confidence in Punahou. These are uneasy times, and schools across the country have all made many adjustments to protect the health and safety of their communities.
Here at home, both public and independent schools are doing what they can to help flatten the curve. Each of us in our own lives also has an important role to play by wearing a face mask, observing social distancing, washing hands frequently and staying home when sick. Working together, we can and will bring this virus under control, and when we do, we will create the conditions for the safe return of students, faculty and staff to our beautiful campus.
But while this time is unlike any other, there are still things that haven’t changed. Our dedicated faculty cannot wait to teach your children with the same care and commitment that they always have. They’ve prepared and trained for this moment and are eager to provide the very best teaching possible. Our technology team, which remains second to none, stands ready to keep us all connected during this time. Our Pandemic Response Team and campus workers have laid the ground work for the return of students through unprecedented health and safety measures.
And our extraordinary parents and alumni all recognize that Punahou is more than a singular place – it is a global community of 40,000, joined by the idea that together, we can make a better world. This pandemic reminds us of our fragility and of the precious nature of human life. It also reminds us that while we cannot always control what happens to us, we can control how we respond. So let us meet this challenge with the compassion, creativity, innovation and courage that Punahou has long been known for. Let us always work together to prepare our children for a future in which they will thrive, grow and lead. It is such a privilege to pursue that mission alongside and in partnership with all of you. Please take care, stay healthy and know that this is work we can all be proud of. Mahalo.