As I enjoy doing each January, here are some high points of the school year ahead, somewhat random, but always worthwhile. For me the date I find most on my mind is the 100th anniversary this June of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, his wife Sophie and two others which of course marks the beginning of World War I and the loss of nine million people during a horrific four-year conflict. (For a full account see this link) My Great Uncle Ernie served in this war and one of my prized possessions is a collection of postcards, magazines and photographs from the time. For some reason the causes of this war, drilled into me by Mr. Hadfield, my history teacher in middle school, have remained in my mind. I often wonder why I still remember them—what was it about the way this unit in my classes was taught that meant I held on to it?

Here’s what else you might like to know about our upcoming year together:

JANUARY
• Janet Yellen becomes the first female head of America’s Fed.
• Greece takes over the European Union’s rotating presidency.
• The Chinese Year of the Horse (sociable, energetic but also impatient) begins on January 31.

FEBRUARY
• Sochi “stages a wildly expensive winter Olympics” opening ceremonies February 7.
• 50th anniversary of the American success of ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ by the Beatles.

MARCH
• Comet Holmes reaches its perihelion, the point where it is closest to the sun on March 29.
• Spring Break for CSW students and teachers begins the afternoon of March 14.

APRIL
• Afghanistan holds a presidential election; South Africa goes to the polls.
• Michael H. Feldman Social Justice Day, CSW’s 39th annual takes place April 17.
• Around 36,000 runners will compete in the Boston marathon on April 21—a first after the horrific events we experienced in 2013.
• Earth Day is April 22.

MAY
• Elections to the European parliament.
• Geek Pride day on May 25.
• CSW holds elections for student trustees, A-Board, J-Board, and other leadership positions.

JUNE
• The G8 summit in Sochi is held June 4-5.
• CSW commencement of the 128th class on June 6.
• The soccer World Cup begins in Brazil on June 12.
• Archduke Ferdinand assassinated in Sarajevo, 100 years ago.
• CSW Reunion is June 14.

* Courtesy of The Economist, “The World in 2014”

May 2014 be a happy new year to you all!

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Pocket Change is a web diary written by Jane Moulding, head of school.