As CSW delves into the strengths of its whole program in our Learning and Teaching Initiative, this inaugural Walrus was a jewel of a moment.

Well not really the first. As we know, the idea of a gathering of people discussing ideas came from the events that Head of School John French held at his home in the 1930s, was emulated by Dolph Cheek who hosted seniors at his home each Friday during the 60s when he was head. Carrying on the tradition, this head of school has continued to invite seniors to her home for tea and conversation each fall.

Nevertheless, this past Monday evening we held our first re-invention of the Walrus Series at CSW: informal TED-like talks and conversations designed to showcase ideas featuring a thought leader, or change maker within the CSW community and hosted by a member of the staff or faculty.

We talked 'of many things' on Monday. The power of social connections, the influence on public health issues and the positive power of peer pressure. What a thought-provoking, idea-generating presentation by CSW parent Nicholas Christakis P ’11, ’13, '16. Kemarah Sika, our director of library and media services hosted the evening and engaged with Nicholas and the audience with insight and knowledge of social networks and teenagers. And how nice to see so many of our CSW constituencies represented in the intimate setting. The quality of conversation at the end of the evening was thoughtful and deep.

As CSW delves into the strengths of its whole program in our Learning and Teaching Initiative, this inaugural Walrus was a jewel of a moment. Lewis Carroll in his eponymous poem proposes we talk:

“Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--Of cabbages--and kings--And why the sea is boiling hot--And whether pigs have wings."

Perhaps not quite, but stay tuned for our fall Walrus--like this one, it will be worth your while.

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