Angelique Sanders

Dear Parents and Carers

It has been wonderful to see our students return to school looking relaxed and ready for the new year. Welcome to all our new parents, be it in Year 7 or other year groups.

Our Year 7 students have started strong and are taking part in a four-day orientation programme which aims to set them up for success from the start. There are many changes and new things to learn and experience so they will be tired and a little overwhelmed. If they are feeling that way please try and encourage them to speak to their Mentor, Housemaster or one of the Peer Support Leaders.

Year 11 and 12 participated in the workshops facilitated by Tomorrow Man.

Year 11 explored how fear of judgement and excessive ‘banter’ affects individuals and the culture of a cohort. They also identified the ways in which men hide and protect themselves and the vast benefits and opportunities that they can experience by opening up and show vulnerabilities.

Year 12 explored adult themes of how your early sexual experiences can establish a sexual future blueprint. They discussed the current state of pornography and its impact on the brain. The aim was to gain an awareness of how to have healthy, balanced intimate experiences and relationships.

All students had time next Wednesday to record their goals for the semester. How students progress with achieving these goals will be monitored by Mentors. The satisfaction from achieving a goal is very powerful and allows students to build confidence, gain a sense of achievement and improve motivation. Failure to achieve a goal is also an important learning experience and the students are supported to understand why they did not achieve the goal and what they can do differently next time.

As we settle back into the rhythm of the term, my advice for you is to establish a routine around sleep, homework, exercise, and family time. There also needs to be clear boundaries around screen time. There will be push back but we need to teach them how to live with technology rather than have it rule their lives.

Angelique Sanders
Director of Student Wellbeing