From the Executive Trustee Beneath the Surface

In the recently released documentary about Ed Sheeran’s life, he candidly discusses his early years and the challenges he faced in forming friendships.

During his teenage years, he found solace and stability through a deep passion for writing music. While his path in life differed from the norm and he did not complete school, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the instability of a child’s inner world and the influence it has over school life and the learning process.

The emotional skills of students are constantly developing, but often not at a pace which can cope with their expanding social worlds. Thankfully, society has progressed from the bygone seen-and-not-heard era, but anxieties are still often hidden. We may only gather a superficial understanding of what is transpiring on the inside, which is why connecting dots through the parentteacher partnership is so critical. Skilled teachers possess the ability to empathetically navigate the social dynamics of a classroom while attending to the diverse needs of individuals.

For all our students, we strive to strike a delicate balance between providing adequate support and structure while also granting them sufficient independence and room for growth, including the opportunity to make mistakes. The ultimate goal is for children to cultivate a keen self-awareness and acquire the necessary skills to manage their emotions. This self-control and intelligence is only developed through a significant amount of trial and error. They learn to regulate their behaviour, concentrate effectively, and operate consistently across hours and days. One of the notable challenges faced by the current generation, we can assume, is the magnified pressure arising from the reach and visibility of social media.

At Saint Kentigern, we take pride in offering a holistic educational experience that allows students to pursue their passions. Through a diverse range of activities including sports, arts, community service, and cultural exchanges, our students learn to navigate novel situations, embrace diverse perspectives, and develop resilience. These experiences provide fertile ground for emotional growth as they gain the skills necessary to manage themselves in unfamiliar or demanding circumstances.

As we witness our students deliver stunning performances in the arts season after season, it serves as a reminder of the insights shared by neuroscientist Antonio Damasio. He eloquently highlighted how the evolution of humanity led to the discovery of music, dance, painting, and literature as powerful means of resolving the complexities of the human heart. Recognising the significance of emotional growth in the face of contemporary challenges, we strive to create an environment which nurtures students’ passions and accelerates emotional maturity through an array of experiences and supportive relationships. Through these efforts, we equip our students with the tools they need to thrive emotionally and intellectually in an everchanging world.

Fides Servanda Est. Dr Kevin Morris Executive Trustee