It is hard to believe that we are nearly at the end of Term 1. It is often spoken about how quickly the year is moving, yet there is a reality to the fact that a quarter of the school year is almost complete. In that time, we have seen new students enter the School and quickly adapt to the new environment with friendships and connections formed. We have witnessed learning and assessment take place, summer sports and summer Intercol come and go, and now Easter. At the risk of sounding cliché, “where has the time gone?”
This term has seen a focus in the Senior School on our Positive Engagement and Support Policy. This policy is about fostering positive relationships in our community and as such, searching for the positive actions our boys display each and every day. Whilst we know they do not get it right all the time, this term already we have seen over 3200 merits awarded to students across the Senior School. This is certainly something to celebrate as these actions are what contribute to our positive school culture. It is, in essence, students demonstrating a positive approach to their learning and life at SPSC.
In celebrating this achievement, we also look forward to Term 2 and the hope that students will build on the strong foundation. The upcoming holidays are an excellent time for the boys to reset, relax and set some new goals based on deep reflection of the progress made in Term 1. For those who haven’t yet received a merit, it might be an opportunity to reflect and think about what positive action needs to be made, and for those who have, what else can you do to demonstrate positive engagement and support across the campus?
Last year a number of our Houses trialled a wellbeing check-in app called Bloum. We recently received the analysis of the data which highlights the culture of our positive engagement and support. In their executive summary the Bloum team stated, “The 2023 data stands as a beacon to SPSC’s commitment to fostering an environment where students not only excel academically but also thrive emotionally and socially.” This data is not a collection of thoughts of staff, rather it is gathered from the response of the students who participated in the trial.
In Term 2 we are committing to all students in the Senior School being part of the Bloum check-in process. This information will help to inform us of how things are progressing across the Senior School and indeed help us to respond if there are areas of concern. This will further enhance our approach to positive engagement and support.
As we come to the end of Term 1, it is important to recognise and thank all the staff for their continued efforts in providing such a positive and engaging environment for our boys. Whether it be our grounds team who work tirelessly to have the ovals ready and keep the School looking beautiful, our Keystone team who ensure that technology is always working, or those in countless roles across the School, and of course our teaching staff who provide overall support and care for our boys as they go about their learning. St Peter’s College really is an exceptional community of learning.
David Nolan
Deputy Headmaster/Head of Senior School