After a semester away from Belmont Hill that consisted of traveling around the world and reconnecting with himself and family, Mr. Harder has returned to teach Spanish and Math, as well as coaching Varsity Cross Country and Track.
While away from BHS, Mr. Harder spent quality time with his wife, travelling in Europe. Although Mrs. Harder unfortunately broke her leg a week before they departed for Europe, they still made the most of the trip. After some modifications to their plans, they had a great time. In March, they went to Rennes, France, and actually visited the SYA school located there. Later, they also visited Madrid and Zaragoza in Spain, where Mr. Harder reconnected with professional and personal friends while at the SYA school in Zaragoza. On those days, Mr. Harder had a packed schedule, doing 2-3 activities planned every day.
The following month, Mr. Harder got his hip replaced. He rested up and not even a month after the surgery, he was able to go scuba diving with his son in Bonaire, an island in the Dutch Caribbean.
In addition to international travel, Mr. Harder also traveled a lot within the United States. In the winter, he went around New England, watching his daughter’s college ice hockey games on the weekends. Additionally, Mr. Harder stayed in Maine with his family, celebrating his father’s 90th birthday with them in June. When he had the opportunity, he also visited his friends.
According to Mr. Harder, the most memorable part of his sabbatical was the day he got his hip replaced by Belmont Hill alum and parent, Dr. Sean Rockett. He says that it was memorable in a good way because Dr. Rockett made the process as easy as possible. The weekend spent in Maine celebrating his father’s birthday is also a cherished memory for Mr. Harder.
Mr. Harder made sure that he lived a healthy lifestyle while away, so that he could return to Belmont Hill refreshed. He spent time reading, gardening, taking daily walks with his wife, and going to PT several times.
Although returning to full-time responsibilities “was a shock to the system for the first few weeks,” Mr. Harder says that thanks to the sabbatical, he was able to recharge and return this fall eager to be teaching again: “I looked forward to every day of sabbatical, certainly, but I look forward to every day that I teach at Belmont Hill.”
