Welcome from the Head of Schools

Thank you for your interest in The Balsam School. When I founded Balsam, my motivation was fuelled by the belief that children need to be deeply connected to Nature and their Community. There have been social, cultural and economic shifts over the past thirty years that have caused children to become disconnected from the natural, civic and community resources all around them. This has caused isolation, ill-health, social skill decline and a general delay in feeling both empowered, and responsible, to contribute positively to their communities.

At The Balsam School, our students are challenged to look inward to understand who they are and how to become and remain healthy humans, and to look outward to see how deeply personal health is the result of connection and contribution to their community and nature.

In a world where hearts and minds seem to be shrinking, and the doors of welcome that used to be open are now closing, The Balsam School is a place of warmth, acceptance and care for all. There are no strangers at The Balsam School, only people we do not know yet. Curiosity replaces prejudice and an open hand replaces a fist. We hold each other accountable to always be brave enough to stand up for what we believe (there is room for everyone’s ideas) and to also be humble enough to be proven wrong. ‘Listen-first conversations’ replace ‘Siloed-monologuing’. The Balsam School is a community where families, community partners, students and staff can be their authentic selves and accepted for it.

Sincerely,

Erin J. Hussey
Founder and Head of Schools