Every day for the four years that I was a student at Castilleja I walked by the mural in the Administration Building that spelled out the Five C's. On a lovely background of gold leaf with California Poppy and the "Indian Paintbrush" from which the school takes its name, are spelled out the words that are forever associated with my alma mater: Conscience. Courtesy. Character. Courage. Charity.
Five words. Just like that. Plain and simple, or are they? On the one hand they are; on the other hand, when challenged, one has to stop and think, what do those five little words mean? And do I really have to abide by them? Aren't they a little archaic, a tad bit arcane? Aren't they a little out of touch with today's modern, high tech world? And don't they apply to students and faculty and administrators alike?
I have come to think of the Five C's as the equivalent of our country's Constitution. Two hundred plus years later, the words of our founding fathers still ring true. We are still bound by them; they are the standard by which our conduct is measured and by which we must all abide. So it is with Castilleja's Five C's.
Plain and simple.
In the opinion of some of us, the school appears to have lost sight of the true meaning of those five words. It appears to have moved outside of those bounds that quite simply and clearly state who and what we are. It appears as though, in its haste to move into the 21st century, to keep abreast, if not ahead of that rapidly changing curve, that Castilleja has lost its moral compass.
I think its time for a check up. I think its time for us to slow down, to sit down, to talk openly and honestly about the very heart and soul of this once great school that has educated girls for over a hundred years. Sure, change with the times; keep up with today and plan for tomorrow. But never, ever, lose sight of our roots. Never, ever abandon the practice and meaning of:
Conscience
Courtesy
Character
Courage
Charity
Honor Spitz, '62
Distinguished Alumna 2000
If you would like to post a letter, send it to post@fivecs.org.
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Castilleja School.