From the Leadership Team

Love is the answer to nearly everything

Rev Janet Woodlock, School Chaplain and Science Teacher

After 7 amazing years at Kilvington, I plan to retire at the end of this year. I feel incredibly privileged to have worked with such a beautiful community of staff, students and families. You have all enriched my life more than words can convey. As I look to the next chapter of my life, I thought I would record a few distilled insights for parents from my personal life, teaching, and pastoral conversations. 

In my experience love is the answer to nearly everything. Young children feel secure when they know they are loved unconditionally. Love is not just words but action: listening, giving full attention, family conversations, games and rituals.

About 99% of parenting is modelling: children are natural mimics. Parenting is hard. No child appears with a manual. Clear boundaries make children feel safe, just as boundary fences and solid house walls make a home feel safe. The key principle is that self-discipline does not develop by magic in children: it requires rules, structure, and follow-through. No one gets parenting perfectly right. But love, respect, and kind, clear boundaries take us a very long way.

As important as the role of parents is in raising children, raising the next generation is a whole-community endeavour. Parents, teachers, school psychologists, chaplains, coaches, mentors, extended family and community groups can work together with shared purpose to form young people of character. No parent is meant to do this alone.

Positive connections with extended family and with community members also build strong self-confidence. Peer friendships are highly significant, so please contact teachers early if you sense problems are occurring with peer relationships. You have certainly sent your children to the right school: our amazing staff have created a positive culture at Kilvington, and will support those who are wrestling with peer relationship issues.

One of Kilvington’s great strengths is that you have a village around you. Our teachers know your children deeply and are always willing to talk through your concerns. Our School Psychologists bring professional insight and practical strategies. Resources such as SchoolTV offer guidance that is grounded in research and tailored to real family life. Please reach out early and often. When parents and the school partner closely, children feel surrounded by care, consistency and wisdom.

As I reflect on our school motto: “Not for our own, but others’ good”, I realise how deeply it has shaped the way our community raises children. When parents model perseverance in challenges, compassion in conflict, curiosity about the world, and respect for every person, children learn that life is not just about personal success but about contributing to the flourishing of others. These values are not abstract ideals; they are lived out daily in classrooms, playgrounds, family homes, and quiet conversations. They form the spiritual heart of Kilvington.

As I step aside at the end of the school year, I do so with deep confidence in this community. Kilvington is full of wonderful parents who love their children deeply, gifted staff who guide wisely, and young people who are growing into remarkable adults. My hope is that this reflection will encourage you as you continue the beautiful, demanding, life-changing work of raising your children. It is the most important role you will ever have, and its impact stretches into eternity. Thank you for letting me share this journey with you, and may God bless you and your family.