Philip’s Message on First Day: ‘We’re All in It Together’

After members of the Class of 2018 processed hand-in-hand with first graders into Dann Gymnasium — a longtime tradition of First Day — Headmaster Thomas W. Philip opened Brunswick’s 115th year by addressing the faculty and student body.

 

Philip began by asking the audience to consider the word “together.”

 

“It’s an important word — here at Brunswick and in the world at large,” Philip said. “In the course of the year, we will all grow to appreciate that, together, we represent and serve Brunswick School.

 

“In everything we do, we’re all in it together.”

 

Philip armed students with a “to-do” list for their time ahead on Maher Avenue, King Street, and beyond — encouraging them to be welcoming to new students, to know the name of everyone with whom they interact, and to be proud of their school.

 

In addition, he urged them to be forces for good, to enjoy themselves and have fun, and to thank their parents for the opportunity to attend Brunswick.

 

Philip, though, saved his most meaningful message for the conclusion of his remarks — referring to summer events that have dominated the news: North Korea, terrorism, protests in Charlottesville, flooding in Texas, and contentious debates about statues and memorials.

 

He reminded students of the two statues on Brunswick campuses, one of a Lower School boy reading a book and the other of a special and caring teacher, Mr. Robert Cosby, extending his hand in a good-natured gesture of welcome and greeting.

 

“A curious student and an inspiring teacher: Together, they represent everything that Brunswick School is about,” Philip said.  

 

“We stand for courage, honor, and truth. We stand for inclusion and intellectual curiosity. And, in turn, we stand against dishonesty, exclusion, laziness, and excuses.

 

“In the end, if you can strive to live by those things we stand for and work to fight against those things which we stand against, not only will you be better, but together, we all will be better.

 

“At our individual and collective bests, we can make this school and this world great.

 

“I wish you all the best for a fantastic year ahead.”