Canterbury’s Next Chapter: Caroline Blatti Installed as Seventh Head of School

On October 3, students and their families, alumni, current and former faculty and staff, friends, and current and former trustees gathered for the Installation of Caroline Blatti as the seventh Head of Canterbury School. The celebratory afternoon served to officially usher the School into an exciting new era.

After the Invocation led by Chaplain Father Brendan Horan, S.J., Sixth Form Council member Grace Gretchel welcomed the assembly. Caroline’s former colleague and Hutchison Head of Upper School successor, Katy Nair, offered words of introduction, recalling their time together as colleagues at the Hutchison School in Memphis, Tennessee. 

“We worked side by side, dreaming of and building the kind of culture every school longs for: one grounded in trust, curiosity, and care,” she said, continuing, “Today, Caroline’s future and Canterbury’s future enter into one another. Caroline, you bring vision, your grace, your love, and your humor. … May your leadership here be marked by the same authenticity, compassion, and courage that have defined your journey thus far.”

Board of Trustees president Nick Ragland ’88, P ’21 then took to the stage to give Caroline her charge, noting that such moments have been rare in Canterbury’s 115-year history.

“Each Head of School has brought their own unique strengths, yet all have shared one essential trait: a deep commitment to Canterbury’s mission and an unwavering belief in the power of this place. We honor those who came before—leaders whose care and conviction helped shape the School we know today. And now, Caroline, we look to you to carry that legacy forward and guide Canterbury into its next chapter.”

Caroline accepted her charge with humble grace to a standing ovation. In her acceptance speech, she spoke to all constituents of the Canterbury community—from current families to alumni, faculty to Trustees—honoring the role they play in the School and affirming her commitment to the Canterbury Promise:

“If you give your best to this institution, it will give back to you a thousand times over,” she said, concluding. “Everything you need to flourish already exists within you—in some form, waiting to be realized. Trust that. When you do, prepare to be astonished by what you are capable of achieving.”

While the ceremony, which was followed by a cocktail reception in the Academic Hub of Robert M. Steele ’72 Hall, had a lighthearted and festive air, the historic significance of the moment was palpable. Caroline’s vow to guide the School in the spirit of the Five Values—Honesty, Respect, Compassion, Spirituality, and Self-Reliance—carried a clear sense of ambitious optimism for the School’s next chapter.

The celebration continued that evening with a dinner in Ragland Commons, hosted by Nick Ragland ’88, P ’21, for Trustees, school leadership, and invited guests. Bob Steers ’71, P ’11, President Emeritus, offered remarks that reflected on leadership, legacy, and the enduring values that define Canterbury, followed by alumni John Donovan ’59 and Margaret Smith ’06, who spoke on behalf of graduates across generations. The evening’s conversation and camaraderie captured the same spirit of connection and purpose that marked Caroline’s Installation earlier in the day—a shared sense of gratitude and confidence in all that lies ahead.

Watch the Installation Ceremony Here | View Pictures