Michele Marquet, Acting Head of School

Dear Parents and Carers

In recent Link messages, I have been speaking about the importance of the partnership that needs to exist between school and home, and how vital it is that these interactions are based around respect on both sides: a valuing of the intimate knowledge a parent holds of their child and childhood developmental pathways and subject expertise that a teacher possesses as a professional. 

The exchange of these perspectives can make for robust conversations at times, but when we remember that families and teachers are on the same side, the side that wants what is best for the student, then we are on the way to being able to truly listen to each other and find a way forward. 

When we get this right, it builds trust on both sides and enables us to make the very best decisions for the child, both now, but most importantly for their long-term journey into adulthood. We always need to consider the bigger picture of what prepares them best for life beyond just the immediate.

I am so grateful for the many parents who work collaboratively with our staff, around layered issues frequently involving their child’s wellbeing and peer relationship challenges. It always impresses me enormously when a parent can see an issue not just from their own child’s perspective but from others involved as well – and how they can use that understanding to help their child grow as a person, through reframing the child’s perspective to be more balanced, broader and accurate. 

With multiple students, differing perspectives and concerned families, grappling with and navigating these situations with fairness, care and wisdom is undoubtedly difficult at times. Such complex situations require enormous amounts of time and effort to move forward. I am also incredibly grateful for the dedication and commitment of our Wellbeing Team across the School, particularly Angelique Sanders, Liz Fletcher and Matt Banes, along with our extraordinary Heads of House and Mentors, our School Nurses and Psychologists who carry the burden with positivity, resolve and a genuine love of the students in their care.

A reminder that our staff always endeavour to respond in a timely manner to families who email them. For their wellbeing, our staff are encouraged to disconnect and so, will usually not respond to evening or weekend emails at these times. They will reply as soon as practicable on their return to work.

We look forward to another week of productive learning and engagement.

Kind wishes

Michele Marquet
Acting Head of School