The year is well underway and I do hope that everyone in our school community is feeling welcome and valued. 

One of the key messages to the school recently has been to look after each other. The Earthquake of February 15 and the death of staff member Richard Chandler have been unsettling events that can impact on different people in different ways. We are concerned and wish to offer support to anyone who needs it.  Please do be in touch if you need anything.

One reason that the start of the year has felt so busy has been the increased number of eLearning classes. We are increasing our use of eLearning to improve the feedback we give to students, to improve our monitoring of student performance and to provide deeper thinking opportunities for students. A learning curve is taking place for staff and for students. One of the surprising things we have found is that even though our boys may be growing up in a digital world they are not “digital natives” when it comes to skills like managing files. All Year 9 10 and 11 classes will be eLearning classes in 2017.

One of the interesting things to observe with the boys in their learning and in particular as they use eLearning more frequently is their perseverance. Carol Dweck is a Stanford Professor of Psychology whose work on motivation is highly regarded. Dweck believes people can be placed on a continuum according to their views of where ability comes from i.e. people have either a “fixed mind-set” in which they believe their success is based on innate ability or a “growth mind-set” in which they believe their success is based upon hard work, learning and doggedness. I recently discussed the ten minute video below with Year 9 and I do think it is worth sharing with the entire school community. It has certainly made me think about my parenting.

The news that our 2015 Senior Monitor is in remission from cancer has been very happily received by the entire school. Jake’s moving Prize Giving speech and the public response it received was incredible to witness. Congratulations to Jake for the integrity and charm that he has displayed in the media over recent months. Here are links to Jake appearing on Breakfast and on the Australian programme Sunrise.

As I walk around the school I am appreciating chatting with and greeting the boys. There is a great tone at school and it is a pleasure to be a part of it. I do want to mention and farewell my EA Mel Libeau who has looked after me in my first years at School and I wish her the very best in her new role. She will be missed and mostly by me.

Altiora Peto

Nic Hill
Headmaster