Principal’s Corner

Principal David Wilce

A Final Q&A with Principal David

As a parent, what words of advice can you share?
You can never get back the time you miss with your children; it’s lost forever. Celebrate your time with them, every moment. It doesn’t have to be perfect or even fun. Life isn’t always a good time, but your life and theirs is richer for sharing. A camping trip in the rain isn’t a bad trip unless you make it so. You are the adult in the room; make magic.

Apologize when you should, model, and don’t lecture — show them what it means to be safe, considerate, honest, empathetic, a caring citizen, and an advocate. Show them how to contribute, to do good, and most importantly… never do for a child what they can do for themselves. Trust them, have their back, hug them, show them that you love them unconditionally. Throughout their lives, your actions mean more than your words.

What was your first impression of Village and how has it changed and/or stayed the same?
My first experience, as the incoming Principal of Village School, was at a PTA Community Meeting when Teacher Aisling and Teacher Chris’ wife Shannon, one of our Village first grade teachers at the time, presented our “No Bully” program. I was struck, first by the number of members in attendance — there must have been well over 150 people. Second, I was struck by the fact that they were all, with humor and joviality, demonstrating ownership, responsibility and a commitment to a common value. Days later, I enjoyed the annual student talent show and was impressed by the overwhelming support and kindness students demonstrated for each other. I remember thinking, “I don’t know how they are doing it here at Village, but it’s obviously working and I’m all in!”

Who did you first meet at Village?
As I began my tenure at Village, I remember my first formal meeting with our PTA President at the time, Diana. We had lunch together and, representing the community, she had many questions and concerns about what I was planning to do. I spent our lunch together reassuring her I hadn’t been sent to be a disrupter and had no intention of messing things up. She was a brilliant advocate for children and protecting their process of discovery. I quickly learned that my Village experience would be a growth opportunity — both emotionally and intellectually.

In retirement, what part of Village Mondays will you miss?
When I retire I will not miss my alarm clock going off at 5:00am. I will miss the morning arrival of the students and their joy-filled innocence and enthusiasm. I will miss sharing weekend stories with friends. I will miss being part of this caring learning community.

What will you miss about the students?
When I am no longer in my role of Village Principal, I will miss helping students and their kind and honest smiles and hugs. I will miss being absolutely amazed at the talents, skills and insight they have when you give them time to talk and listen to them. I will miss my role as an educator and an advocate.

What will you miss about your staff?
In retirement I will miss the daily interactions with my colleagues, their camaraderie, collegiality, professionalism, diversity, honesty, support and kindness. They are an impressive group of educators committed to the Village community of learners.

What will you miss about the community?
When I leave Village School I will miss the warmth and caring that is our learning community. I will also miss the respectful and positive advocacy parents and guardians exhibit on behalf of children. The Village learning community has a history that cannot be duplicated by a promising school name, new buildings or expensive furniture. The Village culture has been built from the ground up — by the staff, the families and alumni. It is instilled in everything we do and yet is ever-changing, always with the spirit and emphasis on adventure, on the whole child, and on the developmentally appropriate social-emotional health of the child above all. Our district’s new ‘Profile of a Graduate’ initiative clearly articulates what has been the bedrock and philosophy of our pioneering Village learning community for well over 20 years.

What are you looking forward to in retirement?
First, I know that I am incredibly fortunate to be able to retire, to step away from the rewarding and generous position I have held. This luxury isn’t lost on me. Earlier this year I had an opportunity to reflect on where I’ve been and where I want to go and decided that it’s personally time to slow things down. I found that the days, weeks and years are simply going by too quickly.

Our lives can, sometimes, be consumed by expectations of urgency, limiting opportunities for simpler, perhaps greater and always deeper experiences. I am looking forward to baking bread, curing anchovies, taking my son out to lunch, feeding an orange cat and riding my bike, among other things.

What is your family looking forward to in your retirement?
My spouse Kristy is looking forward to the gardening, dishes, laundry, and housekeeping being done with dinner on the table when she gets home from work. At least until she retires — then my life will surely get more complicated.