From the Head
The formal introduction of Prefect Study Buddies in a (Zoom) Head’s assembly this week and detailed in the last edition of eLink, reminded me of one of Girton’s strengths; older students looking after their younger counterparts. Ours is a long-standing culture of leading by example, whether wearing a badge to signify a formal student leadership position or not.
Our Prefects are a shining example of care and compassion in their work. Each week, many of them visit the Junior School and assist in the classroom. Not because they have to, but because they want to. Helping in the Junior School is one of the Prefect duties that becomes fully allocated quickly each year. The older students love “crossing the road”, some reminiscing about their time in the Junior School and enjoying the opportunity to catch up with teachers who must glance twice to recognise the now tall people before them.
On any given day of the week, Prefects can be seen doing Junior School gate duty, chatting with the younger students and wishing them a fun day. These small but important gestures of care from older to younger student is one of the unique things that make Girton a special place where the student body is connected and strong.
In the Senior School, Year 10 Peer Support Leaders are a regular presence in morning Year 7 House Tutor time, organising fun activities, and generally being a guiding presence for our newest Senior School students. Orientation Prefects offer further support to students new to Girton. On camps, older student Camp Leaders provide invaluable mentoring and guidance to their younger peers.
Multi-age events such as the Athletics Carnival, which will be underway in the Senior School when this edition of eLink is published, are precious. Without exception, at these events, we see older students supporting younger students in various ways. Because we expect all students to assume themselves to be role models to younger students, to take on a service role, give back to the School, and help meet the needs and goals of the student body, we enjoy an optimistic school culture that is a privilege to experience.
The induction charge that is read on Speech Night is a wonderful expression of the expectations of all student leaders at Girton;
“I receive and commission you as Senior Leaders of this School. May God guide and bless you in the work of this Office. I counsel you to act with firmness, to lead by example, to seek humility and, above all, to serve your fellow students and your School in every way you can.”
Our students accept this charge proudly, and we, in turn, are proud of them.
Dr Clayton Massey
HEAD
