On Wednesday, September 4, Wyndcroft opened its doors for its 105th first day of school. The air was crisp, and the sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow on the eager faces of students and parents alike. School supplies in hand, they flocked to campus, and were greeted by the faculty and staff. Their excitement palpable as they made their way to the Auditorium for the much-anticipated welcome gathering. As the room filled, the air buzzed with a joyful cacophony of laughter and elation, setting the tone for the day. Dr. Pernambuco-Wise soon approached the podium, ready to address the community with her heartfelt message. The following excerpt is from her opening speech:

Good morning all and welcome to a brand-new school year! Of all the schools and all the institutions I have been a part of for many, many years, this day of each year is one of my favourites. On this day, I awaken with an extra spring in my step, a wider smile on my face and I sing extra loudly in the shower before picking out an extra special flower for my hair. This is the day I get to stand here and look at all of the shiny, eager new and familiar faces.

This year, Wyndcroft celebrates its 105^th birthday. Many of the shiny new faces that have sat where you are sitting today have taken the foundation that Wyndcroft has given them and gone on to do great things. Everyone is connected to each other by a thin thread created by the lessons learned here and our motto of Non Sibi, not for oneself. I was recently reminded of the strength of this connection by Alice Marshall Sharp, an alumna of our school. Some of you may remember her when she came to cut the ribbon for our Woods playground last year and recognise her middle name as the same of our Marshall House building.

Mrs Sharp provided me with a newspaper article written 35 years ago by Matthew Hoffman describing his wonderful memories of growing up in Pennsylvania and attending a charming private school. That school was Wyndcroft, of course. It is good to know that the values and treasured memories that Mr Hoffman and Mrs Sharp took away from Wyndcroft are still the values that we pursue with you today. And that is a thread that connects all of us.

From your initial days as a new pupil to the end of your days as alumni/ae of Wyndcroft, each of us here will be connected by our common experiences. I sincerely hope that this thread brings you the joy that it brings Alice Sharp, Matthew Hoffman and indeed me to the end of our days.

Our mission states that The Wyndcroft School is where innovation happens, caring connections are made and leaders emerge. It is a pithy and poignant mission statement. Whilst this year our institutional theme focusses on the emerging leaders part of it, the part that will stay with us forever is caring connections. May this year be one where each of us makes at least one significant caring connection, as we all Go Forth and Do Good. Welcome, welcome, welcome!

Following the welcome gathering, students returned to their classrooms, their faces alight with excitement for the day ahead. The energy in the hallways was palpable, as the hum of chatter and the soft shuffle of new shoes echoed through the building. Teachers welcomed their students with open arms, ready to dive into lessons. The first day had begun, and with it, the journey of learning had been set in motion.

Later that day, Officer Andrew of the Pottstown Police department joined Wyndcroft to assist in afternoon dismissal. With a friendly smile and a wave to the students, Officer Andrew helped to direct traffic and kept a watchful eye on the bustling activity. Dismissal went off without a hitch, marking a safe and successful end to the first day back at Wyndcroft.