New Canaan Country School Kicks Off Centennial Year

Founded in 1916, the school originally was administered by a small board of trustees, assisted by committees of teachers and parents.

This tradition of parent support and involvement continues today and has been instrumental in the school’s success and perhaps is its most valued heritage.

“Country School’s centennial is an opportunity to honor the forward-thinking leaders who have come before us,” said Head of School Robert Macrae. “We will celebrate their foresight and success in building a school which fosters academic excellence while respecting and preserving childhood.”

The school kicked off the celebrations with an assembly that included all 750 students, faculty and staff. They performed skits, songs and creative presentations, each honoring the school’s 100-year history. Students and faculty reflected upon how they personally, or collectively as a school, have been impacted by past generations.

Highlights of the assembly included an entertaining performance of the school’s historical milestones performed by an energetic team of faculty members, as well as the unveiling of a centennial flag to be raised during the celebratory year. The cast of the winter musical performed a new school song.

Students in the pre-school program (called beginners) through the Upper School (grade 9) took turns participating in a multi-media performance, which had them singing, acting and reciting original compositions.

A modern take on the school’s Latin phrase, Audentes Fortuna Juvat (Fortune Favors the Bold), was in evidence on T-shirts and banners, which proclaimed "100 Years Bold."

Country School will celebrate its 100 years with a yearlong series of activities designed to highlight the values that have remained constant throughout Country School’s first century and will continue to shape a bold agenda for the future.

Activities open to the public include a historical lecture April 3 at the New Canaan library.

For more information about the school’s history and planned celebrations, please visit countryschool.net/100.

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