Students & Wellbeing

Measuring culture by the way we shine

I often talk about school culture – what it means to me and what I believe it means to fellow staff, our students and families. This was brought into sharp focus last week with the opening of AngliSchools House. A former colleague and pastoral leader said: “The true barometer of a school culture can be measured by the way its students represent themselves and the school to visitors”.

Never a truer word was spoken. Our student body represented their school so well at the official opening that staff were able to take a step back and watch them show off their new school with such pride. The comments from our visitors were glowing. I think our culture is in very safe hands.

On a similar note, the process of finding our 2026 Student Leaders is moving forward. The Top Six were announced last week and they will now get the opportunity to let the school know about the kind of leader they hope to be in 2026. After a second round of voting we will find our School Captains for 2026. I have always enjoyed the Handover Assembly in Term Four and the anticipation is growing for this very special event. Parents are welcome to attend, aware that seating capacity at St George’s Cathedral is limited.

Tune into SchoolTV

If you have yet to use the valuable school resource of SchoolTv, please consider it. This is a wonderful resource available to all members of our community and is full of curated articles and videos covering most of the key topics that come up in a young person’s life, all compiled by leading experts in the field. They give tips, tricks, advice and helpful hints in supporting your child to manage these challenges in their lives.

Recently SchoolTV was shortlisted for Organisation of the Year by the Mental Health Foundation. This is a significant recognition of the work that has been done by this organisation, and I encourage you to log in and browse the library of resources. I assure you there is something for everyone. The information is clear, concise and easy to follow.

On that note, in a week which also featured RUOK? Day, can I wish everyone well and to please take the time to check in with family and friends. And if you are facing some challenges, reach out to those closest to you for support. This is a wonderful community so let us take care of each other.

Mr Ian Thompson

Dean of Students & Wellbeing