Lost in Translation, Found in Community

Jason W. Smith, Head of School

Summer is a time for unwinding, but as mid-July approaches, my mind naturally shifts toward the upcoming school year. I find myself thinking about what makes our international, bilingual community so incredibly special.

Often, we talk about community in big, abstract terms. But true community is actually built in the small, everyday moments - and sometimes, it’s built in a bright pink shirt.

The "Pretty" Head of School

A while back, I came to school wearing a new, casual pink shirt. As I was walking down the hall, a teacher (who joined us from another country and is navigating English as an additional language) stopped, smiled, and said, "Mr. Smith, you look so pretty today!"

Then, she cheerfully went on her way.

Inside, I chuckled. I graciously accepted the compliment, safely assuming she meant "handsome" or "sharp." I didn't correct her or react negatively; in an international school, navigating the nuances of a second language is just part of our daily rhythm.

Later that afternoon, after a bit of reflection, she approached me again—this time, apologizing profusely. She had realized her vocabulary mix-up and felt terrible.

I smiled and assured her that absolutely no apology was necessary. In fact, that brief interaction beautifully highlights exactly what makes our school community thrive.

The Anatomy of a High-Trust Community

When we dissect an interaction like this, we see the invisible pillars that hold a bilingual school together:

• Assuming Positive Intent: In a diverse environment, cultural and linguistic wires will occasionally cross. When we start from a place of "seeking first to understand," we create a culture of grace rather than judgment.

  
  

• Embracing the Beautiful Mess of Language: Learning and operating in a second language requires immense courage. If we are too afraid of making mistakes, we stop communicating altogether.

  
  

• Radical Authenticity: I loved that this teacher felt comfortable enough to give me a spontaneous compliment. We want our staff, students, and parents to bring their true, authentic selves to school every day- mistakes and all.

  
  

Looking Ahead to August

As we prepare to open our doors for the new school year, we will be welcoming new families, new staff, and new language learners into our fold. There will inevitably be moments where things get a little "lost in translation."

But my hope for this year is that we continue to lean into that deep sense of trust. Let’s commit to assuming the best in one another, laughing through the slip-ups, and building a space where everyone feels safe enough to be exactly who they are.

And who knows? You might even see me in that pink shirt on Day One.

Whether we say it in English, French, Spanish, or through a shared smile, we can't wait to welcome you back.