During the first week of school, Viewpoint and its parent volunteer group, the VSSA, hosted its annual Community Life Breakfast, a long-standing and beloved tradition and joyous event. In addition to welcoming new and returning families, attendees were presented with volunteer opportunities for the year all in one place.

Upon arrival at the Calabasas Country Club, attendees were able to grab coffee and breakfast while socializing with each other and making new connections. From Homecoming, Book Fair, and Annual Giving, to Parent Clubs, the Benefit, and Employee Appreciation, attendees discovered all the ways they can get involved and make a difference.

Following breakfast, everyone took their seats for a program that featured welcome remarks from VSSA Co-Presidents Erin Urbina and Teresa Hames, Parent Alysse Boomfield, President and Head of School Mark McKee, and Chief Belonging and Community Officer Patricia Jackson.

“We want VSSA to feel like your village - one that is welcoming, inclusive, accessible, friendly, and fun,” said VSSA Co-President Erin Urbina. “Whether this is your family’s first year at Viewpoint or you’ve been part of this community for decades, we want you to feel that there is a place for you here.”

VSSA Co-President Teresa Hames added: “We’re also creating new ways to bring our families together. Our Holiday Boutique is becoming a Holiday Market, which will be a festive winter community event held on a weekend so the whole family can participate. And our Book Fair will be back on campus this year, giving us another chance to gather together at school. None of these things happen without parent volunteers.”

Long-time Viewpoint Parent Alysse Bloomfield shared her thoughts about the power of volunteering: “The best thing about Viewpoint, aside from the academics, the beautiful campus, the teachers, the administration and the opportunities our children have, is the community. There isn't one right way to volunteer. You can chair a committee, help at an event, assist a teacher, welcome a new family, attend a football game, support annual giving, or simply show up. Every gesture, big or small, matters.”

President and Head of School Mark McKee spoke about this school year’s theme. “For the past five years, we have centered each school year around one of Viewpoint’s core values. And in our 65th year, perhaps no value could be more fitting, or more needed, than Love. Love has been part of Viewpoint from the beginning. Our original Latin motto, Fide et amore, means “through faith and love.” Today, Love means a love of learning - the curiosity, passion, and creativity that propel our students forward. It means belonging - creating a community where every student and every family can feel that they have a place. And it means seeing the value and promise in every individual - making sure our students know that they are seen, known, respected, and believed in.

Chief Belonging and Community Officer Patricia Jackson wrapped up the program with a word about the work coming out of her office: “The work of belonging and community is not static, but dynamic. Something dynamic adapts, responds, and evolves over time rather than staying locked in place. It’s a daily practice of listening, of thinking, and of improving. Here, at Viewpoint, we update our approaches, realizing that true inclusion is a continuous effort. You, the parents, are essential partners in this mission that is rooted in LOVE. The community that we build together at home and at school forms and nurtures a solid foundation for this growth - this continuous evolution of our young people.

We are excited to partner with our dedicated new and returning parent volunteers this school year as we continue to advance our mission of preparing students to be World Ready.