The end of August has arrived, which means one thing: school is just a few days away!

Having spent twenty-five years in education, as a teacher, coach, advisor, and now Head of School, the start of a new year always fires me up. Each fall promises growth, transformation, discovery, and achievement that will positively shape our students. Each new school year at Holderness allows us to write a new chapter together.

Before campus buzzes again with students connecting in our dorms, racing across our fields, and filling our classrooms with questions and ideas, I’d like to warmly greet our families. To new families just joining Holderness, welcome—you are about to become part of a community that will both care for and challenge your child in equal measure. To our returning families, thank you for entrusting us again with this pivotal season in your child’s life. We’re thrilled you’re all here.

The Places That Shape Us

This year, we’ve chosen to explore the theme “The Places That Shape Us,” inspired by our all-campus read, Remarkably Bright Creatures. The novel by Shelby Van Pelt tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a grieving woman and a remarkably perceptive octopus in a small coastal town. At its heart, it’s about how people and places help us grow to discover who we’re meant to be and how we can support each other.

That lesson rings true at Holderness. Our classrooms, dorms, playing fields, and remarkable geography—the rugged White Mountains and the Lakes Region—aren’t mere backdrops. They are catalysts where meaningful things happen in every student’s journey. These places push us, support us, and remind us that growth rarely happens alone.

Living Out Our Values

As we dive into this theme, we also recognize that our distinct culture sets Holderness apart: servant leadership, respect, and the pursuit of well-being of mind, body, and spirit. We actively live out these values every day in the focus of a study hall, the effort of a team on a hard practice day, or the simple kindness of a student helping a friend.

After more than two decades with teenagers, I can tell you this with certainty: what shapes our students most isn’t just what they learn in a textbook; it’s how they live and learn alongside one another. 

Building a Habit of Presence

In that spirit, we are introducing a new cell phone policy this year. While our seniors have worked hard and successfully for years to discourage students from using phones on the paths, we are now formalizing a policy that prohibits phones on campus paths, in classrooms, and in the dining hall. Our adults will strive to do the same. 

This isn’t just about collectively limiting screens; it’s about building habits of presence. Research shows that reducing screen time supports well-being, so we’re fostering habits that encourage presence, self-regulation, and genuine connection. 

We ask parents to join us in this effort by limiting non-emergency contact with students during the class day. When we put our devices away, we look up, we connect, and we notice the people and places around us. That is where authentic learning and collaboration happen. 

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As we embark on this new year, I’m grateful to partner with you all in this critical work. I look forward to seeing how the places that shape us—and the people within them—will continue to inspire, challenge, and transform us all.

Welcome back!

Sincerely,

John McVeigh
Head of School