2 minute read
FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
I have written and spoken about our wonderful school community on many occasions in publications and at events.
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In one article I wrote that humans are social beings. The search for belonging is embedded in our DNA. We are designed to live and work together in caring, respectful communities so that individuals and communities can thrive. Positive experiences with communities allow individuals to feel more connected to their environment and the people in it. Schools are constantly challenged to provide an even better education for their students. On a global scale, all levels of societies in all parts of the world have been challenged this year by the global pandemic. We have witnessed individuals, communities and nations respond to this massive challenge.
On all scales, we know that if we stand together, bonded by a shared goal, then we will overcome.
Our school aims to inspire girls to become confident well-educated young women and to nurture our youngest learners to become future leaders. Our decisions are guided by our values – Diligence, Excellence, Respect, Integrity and Care. Our school community’s response to the challenges of the global pandemic has been positive because we worked together, bonded by a shared goal of wanting our students and children to continue to receive a good education during the turmoil created by the pandemic.
One of our school’s greatest strengths is that it is willing to listen, reflect and adapt, when and where necessary. The Board of Trustees and staff continually reflect on what is working well and how we could do things better. The School welcomes constructive feedback about its programs and operations. Destructive feedback can be hurtful, divisive, and unproductive.
Constructive, respectful feedback fosters a healthy environment, improves student and community engagement, and produces better outcomes. This type of feedback is important for our school because it can create new knowledge and skills that help overcome issues and further strengthen the opportunity for students and our school community to thrive. Student voice is valued in our school. The School has a range of student committees in the day and boarding schools to enable students to provide feedback to staff about their education. Student voice involves students actively participating in our school by constructively contributing to decision making by putting forward their views, concerns, and ideas.
Our school has been operating for 128 years. It is focused on academic excellence, and providing students with a personalised, holistic education by expert staff in engaging learning environments. We are committed to continually updating our programs and processes so that we can provide positive experiences for all members of our school community and allow students to feel more connected to their school and the people in it.
As Helen Keller said, “Alone, we can do little, together we can do so much.” —Dr Peter Britton
Principal & CEO
