Dr. Palmer’s Update: April 2011

Principia students returned from spring break to a surprising sight—greening grass and flowering yellow daffodils covered in snow.

Mary Baker Eddy writes about nature in spring being “like a thrifty housewife . . . taking up the white carpets and putting down the green ones” (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 329). This year the spring and winter carpets got all mixed together, making for a startling combination.

Yet a tenacious winter is not stopping our students from launching into the excitement of spring term. In fact, they are jumping in with both feet!

Rehearsals for upcoming musical productions are keeping many students even busier than usual. Upper Schoolers will present the Broadway classic The Music Man this weekend. Our College students will offer the collegiate premiere of A Tale of Two Cities: The Musical May 19–21. We look forward to hosting the author of this Broadway musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale during the show’s run at Principia.

The College’s 62nd annual Public Affairs Conference, the oldest student-run conference in the country, takes place this weekend. This year’s conference addresses human trafficking, bringing global experts on the topic to Elsah for solution-oriented workshops with Principia students and delegates from other campuses.

This month brings the early stages of the School’s annual spring traditions. Upper School girls will soon be participating in their Senior Tea and Swing Out, opportunities to reflect on the people who have impacted their Principia experience and their individual growth and progress. The boys’ Senior Dinner provides a similar time for reflection for the boys. In May, all of the Upper School seniors will delve into month-long Senior Projects, stretching themselves through travel, artistic endeavors, and self-directed, experiential learning.

This is the last spring quarter ever at the College, since we transition to semesters next fall. The groundwork is laid for a smooth shift to the new schedule. In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming parents to Elsah for Parents’ Weekend at the College at the end of the month. They will get a peek into the classroom and have the chance to hear a talk by Dr. Laurance Doyle, a senior investigator at the SETI Institute.

No matter where you are located, you now have the opportunity to participate in Principia’s first online enrichment courses. Three four-week classes will be offered during the month of May. Initial course offerings focus on the New Testament, global affairs, and writing for publication. These online classes are designed for all Principia alumni and any Christian Scientist worldwide. Check out the full course descriptions and make plans to take advantage of what Principia has to offer—no travel required.

For more details on Principia’s plans for online education, tune in to the next Principia Chat on Principia Internet Radio. Director of Online Academic Programs Gary Gentry will share details on Principia’s current and future online course offerings on Tuesday, April 26 at 8 p.m. (central time).

Like the inevitable victory of spring over winter, Principia consistently moves forward with the times. “The problem of education is ever before our thought,” as founder Mary Kimball Morgan put it, “demanding successful solution. It is a demand we shall continue to have with us as human thought and experience unfold. To be progressive, education must constantly adjust itself to meet these changing conditions” (Education at The Principia, p. 5).

While our educational delivery methods are adjusting with the times, Principia stands firmly on the foundation provided by Mrs. Morgan and her early workers. Come join us on campus or online to experience the Principia of today. We’d love to have you!