In 1988, Micheal Jackson’s hit album Man in the Mirror swept our nation and much of the world. Regrettably,  the tune and the beat may have captured more attention than the powerful lyrics of the song. As we move deeper into another school year, I find it to be appropriate to spotlight a few of the words from his award-winning hit. It is my hope that a few of his words resonate, as parents and all of humanity wrestle with being true commanders and chiefs of our lives.

“I’m starting with the man in the mirror. I’m asking him to change his ways.

And no message could’ve been any clearer.

If you want to make the world a better place,

Take a look at yourself and then make a change”

At St.Philip’s we are unabashed in our assertion that it is not the school's job to educate children! The role of Commander And Chief belongs to the parents. Schools are simply tools to be partnered with to get the job done. We urge parents to look in the mirror deeper: beyond your daily three to thirty minute grooming regimens. In parenting there is no election, but there can be deflection. The principle job of the parental commander and chief is to serve as the primary influencer. This responsibility is broad. It covers physical, emotional and spiritual shielding, development and growth guardianship.

Far too often we abdicate our Commander And Chief authority as parents to social media, gaming, clubs, sports and various pastimes. As CAC, you have power and authority to disrupt anything that works to supersede the positive influence you desire your child to have. The CAC has to make demands that align with their child's best interests. They have to accept that their children will not like every rule, restriction or consequence established. The CAC must insist that their parental love reigns over children’s contentment. A great educational outcome is based on starting with the mirror and embracing the role and responsibilities of the Commanders and Chiefs of our children's academic pathways. We make the wold a better place when this is embraced by our student’s parents, along with St. Philip’s embrace of a never-ceasing open invitation for God, enrollment and perfect attendance in all we do.