Staff Spotlight

Understanding the Heart of Huntingtower

In joining Huntingtower this year, I knew I was becoming part of a truly extraordinary community. I knew this from the way I was welcomed from my very first day. I knew this based on how the School is spoken about, by staff, by students and by parents. And so I felt motivated to uncover what made this school so special – to “understand” the “heart” of Huntingtower, if you will. 

One of the privileges of being someone new to a community is that you have a unique vantage point and are able to identify elements that those who have been immersed into a culture may no longer see. Things that just are, the unspoken and instinctive components that weave together into the values and traditions that define a place. 

The first thing that resonated with me as a relative outsider to Huntingtower was not just the outstanding academic outcomes the school produces, but rather the strong and explicit values focus that commenced from the very first day, and that echoes through classrooms and corridors. A community where kindness is central to all that we do, and further, one where there is a belief in the unlimited potential of each student is so important, especially in an increasingly individualized and competitive world. 

As Term 1 progressed, I saw these values manifest in action as it became clear that this was a place where everyone contributes. That every student swims at House Swimming, and runs, jumps and throws at House Athletics may be accepted as standard at Huntingtower, but please know that this sense of collective participation is very much part of the unique “heart” of this school. 

Having the opportunity to join the Year 12s at their Lorne Conference this year allowed me a further insight into this culture of participation. Each activity was undertaken with enthusiasm and gusto, as students sought to better understand themselves and others. My colleagues on other camps echoed this, in relaying how kind, respectful and grateful our students were, and that they sought to get the most out of the opportunities they were provided.  

Indeed, each week that has passed, I have been impressed by the number of students participating and excelling in public speaking competitions, chess tournaments, debates, niche sporting events – the breadth of skill within this school seemingly knows no bounds. 

So I find myself now, one term in, feeling a sense that I have uncovered, and understood, a key part of the “heart” of this school. But I am mindful there is more to learn. In fact, I suspect I may have only scratched the surface, and I can’t wait to find out more. 

Ms Clare Mackie

Head of Senior School