Bullis Community Update: December 14, 2025

Dear Bullis Community,

On Saturday night, for once having not consumed my evening diet of current affairs and news, I went to bed full of festive spirit. It had been a day of variety for Bullis, and in many ways showcased the richness and depth of our community.

Saturday started at 7:00 am with busloads of our community heading to Arlington National Cemetery to, in the words of Wreaths Across America, “Remember the Fallen. Honor those that Serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.” I am proud that Bullis took part in this nationwide event and am very grateful to the many participants and to Jenna Borrelli, Director of Wellness, for organizing. Saturday continued at lunchtime with our Varsity Girls’ Basketball team beating national power house, IMG. Saturday concluded with the most wonderfully joyful Upper School Festival of Light concert. The singing, band, orchestra, and jazz ensembles were truly excellent, and the entire production was magical. Many thanks to the students for their hard work and to their teachers and supporters, Cheryl Terwilliger, Stephanie Mayer-Sattin, Charles Johnson, Chelsie King, Lerna May-Franzen, Mark Robinson, and Harriet Polun.

To then wake up on Sunday morning to the grotesque news of the shooting at Brown University and the antisemitic terror attack on Bondi Beach in Australia was beyond upsetting. Early Sunday morning, I received news that our six alumni currently at Brown are mercifully all physically safe. That the terrorist attack in Australia should deliberately occur on the first night of Hanukkah and the most joyful of seasons is testament to the evil of the perpetrators. Tomorrow evening, the Jewish Affinity Group will move forward with their pre-planned and inclusive Hanukkah potluck in the evening. This event was, and will continue to be, one based in joy and hope, while remembering those who are suffering.

While these events are a dark start to the final school week of the year, we shall move forward tomorrow, and for the remainder of the week positively. In the morning, Santa Claus and Mr. Dreidel will make their annual appearance, greeting our families as they arrive. For those who do not celebrate Hanukkah or are unfamiliar with the dreidel game, the dreidel is the spinner that is used in the eponymous game that children and adults love to play at this time of the year. All can play–try it! I do want to say that Santa and Mr. Dreidel will be outside school tomorrow intentionally because not being cowed is the right and respectful thing to do. We will move forward thinking of those in mourning and those less fortunate, but with hope in our hearts.

While we only have five days before the winter vacation, much will be happening. There are lots of student activities, many athletic events, the Lower School Festivals of Light, the faculty holiday party, and the young alumni visit day on Friday. It might be a little chilly, too!

In somewhat different news, the chair of the Board of Trustees and I will write to the community at the very beginning of January with a report on the state of the school and with news of tuition for the 2026-2027 school year. We will send reenrollment contracts out to eligible students on January 9, and the hard deadline for their return is Friday, February 6th.

Well, that seems like a rather prosaic bit of writing to conclude my last letter to the community for 2025! Sorry about that. While the Thanksgiving holiday was a mere two weeks ago, it seems like ages, and I know that the students and faculty are very ready for a vacation. I hope that however you celebrate, you are able to spend time with those you love and are able to relax and rejuvenate during this joyful time.

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and a Peaceful New Year.

Warmly,

Christian G. Sullivan
Head of School