From the Head of Junior School

In last week’s Assembly, Father Theo’s Bible reading was taken from the letter to the Hebrews, chapter 12, verse 11.

It is never fun to be corrected. In fact, at the time it is always painful, but later we will do right and live at peace.

I think we can draw a parallel between this message and the way in which teachers, parents, families and friends can help us learn. When I was at school, if I ever received a significant assessment task back from a teacher and it had a comment and corrections written on it with red pen, I’d get a sinking feeling in my stomach, and feel like I was in trouble.

I now know that the corrections teachers make shouldn’t be seen as red marks of negativity, but as an opportunity to improve. When we are given advice on how to interact with others, how to uplevel our writing, how to use a new mathematics problem solving strategy, it may feel uncomfortable. However, if you take advice on board and remember to use it the next time you approach a problem, a writing task, or a tricky social situation, you can demonstrate you have grown, and the uncomfortable feeling will have been worth it.

As we approach Three Way Conferences, remember that honest, specific and actionable feedback has a high impact on learning outcomes. I’m sure the conversations between students, parents and teacher won’t be painful in the way described in the letter to the Hebrews.

Junior School Friends of Saints

 The Junior School Friends of Saints Committee (JSFoS) extends a warm invitation, to those who are interested in joining the committee for 2023, to an open meeting this coming Monday 5 September 2022 in the Junior School Function Space at 7.00pm. At this meeting you will have a chance to learn more about the Junior School Friends of Saints and meet our current committee members. Please register your attendance by filling in the form below.

https://forms.office.com/r/1ZCN1qjh6F

Junior School Gates: Reminder

Signs have been fixed to these gates indicating that they will be closed between 8.35am and 2.50pm. During this time, any parents or visitors to the School must report to the Junior School Front Reception to sign in.

Thank you for your support in keeping our School secure and our students safe.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Jasmine Taylor
Head of Junior School

Dates for the Diary