New Canaan Country School Kicks Off Centennial Year
You are here
New Canaan Country School has officially begun its centennial year. Founded in 1916, the school has a rich history rooted in the town of New Canaan. At its inception, the school occupied several locations on Park Street during the 1920s and 30s. During these early years, the school 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 to the school’s success and perhaps is its most valued heritage. View a photo slideshow and video of the assembly.
“Country School’s centennial is an opportunity to honor the forward-thinking leaders who have come before us,” said Head of School Dr. Robert P. 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 which included all 750 students, faculty and staff participating. 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 preschool 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 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 which will be held at the New Canaan library on April 3.
