In a “Happy First Day of School” message posted on Richmond Public School’s website, Superintendent Jason Kamras describes spending part of his summer in Hokkaido, Japan, where his mother-in-law, Megumi, grew up.
“While there, we had the opportunity to experience a formal tea ceremony, a beautifully choreographed and almost spiritual event,” he wrote. “Underlying the ceremony are four principles: Wa, Kei, Sei, and Jaku — which translate to harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
“I can’t think of four better principles to guide us this year. I pray that we all find harmony amidst the many competing professional and personal demands we face every day; respect for ourselves, and for our students, colleagues, loved ones, and for those with whom we disagree; purity of heart in our commitment to embracing every single student — no matter the language they speak at home, how much money their family has, the color of their skin, whether LGBTQ or not — with love and high expectations; and tranquility despite the storms that sometimes surround us.
“Harmony, respect, purity, tranquility — and, of course, love — is my prayer for the RPS family this year. Please hold these four principles tight — during the highs and the lows — and please hold me accountable for doing the same. If we do, I truly believe this is going to be our best year yet!”
Mr. Kamras and Mayor Levar M. Stoney were among city leaders who greeted students on the first day of the 2023-24 school year at John Marshall High School on Monday.
