It doesn't matter if leaders and born or if they are made. Nor does a title automatically gift a person with the privilege of leadership. True leaders are those with a special combination of experience, vision, integrity, and humility. Our little community school is blessed to have just such a person at the helm.
I dare not think where St. Francis of Assisi would be today without the steady hand of Mr. Gerard Rumsey steering it these so many years. Through threats of closure, down sizing, and amalgamation, Mr. Rumsey has been our Rock of Gibraltar. One only has to meet him briefly and you realize that you are in the presence of a man who has parked his ego someplace far away from the pothole infested parking lot of SFA. He is warm, thoughtful and engaging. This principal has all of the right principles.
There have been rumours of late that this may be Mr. Rumsey's last year and that he is planning to sail off into retirement. I refuse to believe such nonsense. One reason is that I've been hearing these same rumours every spring since my oldest started there six years ago. Yet, every September that has followed, the statuesque figure of Mr. Rumsey has met my daughter at the door on the first day of school. The second reason I have chosen not to believe that retirement is imminent is that Mr. Rumsey has the dream retirement job already. His staff consists of teachers who are all committed and capable, thereby making his job that much easier. It also just so happens that almost all of the teachers are ladies and they aren't too hard on the eyes either. I'm sure Mr. Rumsey has noticed that. Wouldn't he have had a hand in hiring them? Nice going Sir.
The school has 200 wonderful kids. A major incident of "bad" behaviour may consist of forgetting to return a library book or not flushing after doing a number 2. There are no pre-orchestrated fist fights in the playground; no kids hanging by their underwear from coat hooks; and no tires flattened or teacher's cars being egged. There exists an air of mutual respect, between principal and staff, teachers and students, and all of the kids adore Mr. Rumsey.
Mr. Rumsey, when you do ultimately decide to retire, my wish is that you do one thing before you leave. Simply put, that one thing is - tell us. Although seeking fanfare is not your nature, it really is no longer just about you. Your school community will need to have that time to accept that "Sir" will no longer walk the halls and grounds of our treasured little school. Your school community will need to say goodbye the way it deserves to be told.
I think you have lots yet to give, so please don't go anywhere just yet. I need you to stay for at least three more years, as that is when my youngest child will graduate from St. Francis. Okay, that may be selfish on my part, but to keep you longer I don't mind playing dirty. Retirement is synonymous with the sun setting on a career. I truly do not see it in your case. You are the ever present light of goodness that shines on and from St. Francis of Assisi. Don't pass the torch just yet Mr. Rumsey, we are still all following your lead.
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