New Parents Learn About Punahou's Aspirations

The annual event, hosted by the Parent Advancement Council (PAC), welcomes new parents into the Punahou community and introduces them to some of the School's current priorities and programs.

"There are so many opportunities for your family to engage with Punahou," said PAC Co-Chair Russell Ogawa '87. "Being connected with PAC is another way to engage. Our mission is to welcome and connect fellow parents and share that parent participation in giving is vital to the School."

PAC was founded in 2010 as a volunteer resource for Punahou. Since then, its members have provided advice and ideas on ways to engage and educate parents about the essential role that philanthropy plays in supporting a cohesive and healthy school community. Annual giving drives, social gatherings and educational forums are among regular PAC activities.

Scott highlighted several ongoing campus projects that will unfold in the near future: "In the years ahead, your children will experience some important transformations here, from the new community for grades 2 – 5 to the creation of a K – 12 Learning Commons that will expand our sense of what instructional spaces can do, and embody a collaborative, innovative and student-driven paradigm for teaching and learning in the 21st century."

Punahou's thought leadership and aspirations are a direct result of its financial health, Scott noted, thanks in large measure to the generosity of the School's donor community. "You have joined us in an important and transformational time in our School's growth," he said, referring to the Ku'u Punahou campaign, which will reimagine children's educational experience in the years to come and position the School for its bicentennial by investing in campus renewal, faculty professional development, student financial aid and programs for public purpose.

Inviting attendees to tour the newly opened Sidney and Minnie Kosasa Neighborhood, Junior School Principal Paris Priore-Kim '76 shared her gratitude for the creative and highly collaborative learning environments that students in grades 2 and 3 are experiencing this year: "I wish you could see them as they stream down into the future Hawaiian forest and race across the lawn each morning, eager to learn and grow in this amazing environment that we've created for them."