Headmaster John Munro, Jr. is the face of the family-focused and community-oriented Fairfield Country Day School, an all-boys private school that prides itself on a safe environment wherein each boy is known—but Munro, the faculty and the students he represents are much more than that.
Patch: Fairfield Country Day School teaches students from prekindergarten through the ninth grade. How does that level of educational continuity benefit students?
Munro: Students benefit from the emotional, social and educational development that occurs when educators collaborate professionally and observe students at a wider range of ages. FCDS boys range from 4 to 15 years old. Whether a school is all-boys or co-ed, there are distinct opportunities for student role-modeling, and such learning environments facilitate collaboration between older and younger students, not just teachers. We have also found that students who have the continuity of starting their education at FCDS in our Lower School are more academically prepared for their years beyond Fairfield Country Day School.
Patch: What’s the best piece of education advice you’ve ever received?
Munro: That’s simple. Keep a long-term perspective. Go. To. Class.
Patch: What are the core values of Fairfield Country Day School?
Munro: "We are judged by our deeds." It’s emblazoned on our walls and is at the core of what we do best—educating the whole boy. We challenge each boy to reach his full potential through small classroom settings and a boy-specific curriculum that increases student engagement and escalates overall academic performance. Beyond the academics, we intentionally develop each boy’s character. In our ongoing efforts to successfully prepare our graduates for the 21st century, we have identified ten core competencies that are currently bench-marked and measured from prekindergarten to ninth grade. These competencies are introduced and reinforced in all facets of our program; academics, the arts and athletic in the classroom, on the stage, at the athletic fields as well as in the community to serve those less fortunate. The 10 competencies include: scholarship, resiliency, stewardship, leadership, digital citizenship, empathy, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and communication.
Patch: What is your definition of success?
Munro: As a headmaster, I measure my success every morning. A happy boy racing out of his car or bus to get into school is true success—a confident, eager, young man.
Patch: What is the key to running a successful school?
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Munro: The key to running a successful school is a careful balance of transparency, teamwork, trust and respect. It's about creating a culture of caring and laughter and turning failures into teachable moments.
Patch: If you had to recommend three books to someone, what would they be and why?
Munro: My office is always filled with a stack of new books. And while my favorites rotate, there are a few that are always at the top of the stack.
"A person is a person no matter how small." The life lessons on empathy and resilience in Dr. Seuss's Horton Hears a Who teach such timeless lessons. From a professional standpoint, Roland Barth’s Learning By Heart inspired me to think differently about my role in academics and how everyone can strive to take risks, be inventive, stretch the limits of creativity and the story’s message reinforces the need to empower students to take ownership of their learning. Wild Ones by Jon Mooallem is such a fun book about animals in the wild becoming extinct and the mix of characters—scientists, environmentalists, philosophers—desperate to save them. There's a touch of comedy as the author creates this memoir and journey for his daughter.
Patch: Fairfield Country Day School has inclusive events such as Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day. What role does family play at Fairfield Country Day School?
Munro: At FCDS, we place a lot of value on the concept of family and community. With the busy schedules of today’s families, we take the time each day to have family-style meals at FCDS. Every lunch is served with faculty and different-age students sharing a meal together. The boys are involved with every aspect of the meal including table setting, serving and clean-up. Older students serve as role models as they dine with students in younger grades. The lunch table is where conversations come alive, bonds are formed and brotherhood blossoms.
Patch: What’s the best thing about working with students?
Munro: Joy. Observing self-discovery. Watching struggle through trial and error.
Munro: Joy. Observing self-discovery. Watching struggle through trial and error.
Patch: What advice would you give to someone looking to become an educator?
Munro: "“Go for a test drive." Spend some time in a school volunteering in the library or serving as a sub. Teaching is an "all in" commitment so you need to find your passion.
Munro: "“Go for a test drive." Spend some time in a school volunteering in the library or serving as a sub. Teaching is an "all in" commitment so you need to find your passion.
Patch: How can readers contact you or learn more about Fairfield Country Day School?
Munro: Come for a visit. There is no better way to learn about our school than to see it in action. Watch the magic of our teachers and the joy of our students. Visit our website, and check out FCDS on social media for daily updates.
Munro: Come for a visit. There is no better way to learn about our school than to see it in action. Watch the magic of our teachers and the joy of our students. Visit our website, and check out FCDS on social media for daily updates.
Photos courtesy of Fairfield Country Day School
