What a joy today... The Nursery children came to visit me in my study during their Scottish day, all dressed in various bits of tartan, so that Mr McFarlane and I could play the violin and the accordion for them. The children were incredibly well behaved, and by the time they left they were particularly good at clapping and swaying with the music! It was great to see pupils with their teachers, and even a few parents!
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Don't they look a happy bunch? My experience from the last couple of weeks is that it's reality, by the way - not marketing... Our Entrance Assessments for J1-3 are tomorrow (Sat17th Jan) from 8.45am. I am looking forward to welcoming the boys and girls, with our special visitor, Mrs Russell, who will be Head of Junior School from 9th March, Mr McPhail, Acting Head of Junior School, Mrs Haire, who is in charge of J1-4, and various other staff who will be in for the occasion. First J6-S4 Hockey of the new year are on the playing fields tomorrow morning as well, with Rugby away at Jordanhill. I'm looking forward to seeing the hive of activity this weekend. Pop in and see us, and find out for yourself what we have to offer. You'll have a warm welcome. It was a snowy start to the day but there were still plenty of smiling faces as pupils arrived at the College this morning.
My first week as Principal of Hamilton College has been marked by welcomes and introductions. On Inset Day, I was greeted by staff, a steady stream of whom came to introduce themselves with warmth and kindness. On Wednesday, I gave my first assembly to Senior School, in which I introduced myself, explained what my previous existence as Housemaster meant, and why this means that when I am at school, I don't make the distinction between home and work; that my hope for Hamilton College is that it will be as homely as possible for anyone who comes into it. Since I was appointed in August, I have met lots of people, and observed the fantastic facilities we have in this school. Where else has a nearly-new all weather pitch, a cardio suite(!), a newly renovated dining hall, enviable views across the Clyde Valley, an assembly hall that is big enough to hold everyone in the school, and Nursery, Junior School and Senior School in one building, growing together? Nowhere I have seen...! But we have all of these things and more at Hamilton College. It is certainly worth celebrating. I also spoke about the warm welcome and positive impressions I have had of staff who go the extra mile to support their pupils, and pupils who are polite, friendly, hold doors open for each other and look out for one another. What a fabulous starting point...! Talent was another theme, and I spoke about the production of CATS I attended back in October, which held great promise: fabulous voices, great performances, and set, sound etc. But the thing that stood out for me from CATS was the joy in taking part in something special; older pupils acting as mentors to their younger counterparts, and a community celebration of achievement. The thing which most pupils and staff have commented on, though, was my challenge to pupils to try something different this term in their activities and what they do while they are at school. While developing personal skills and interests, it is always worth trying new things, and I challenged pupils to dare to try something they have never tried before, to consider being bold enough to give something new a go. My hope is that by the end of term, we will have a list of new achievements to show for it. My expectations of pupils at Hamilton College are based on my class rules, which are simple, wide-reaching, and positive:
Our speaker on Friday was Chris Gordon from Bethany Christian Trust (http://www.bethanychristiantrust.com/), who told pupils of the work they are doing with the Homeless. The phrase 'This is my home', with an image of a cardboard box on a street was the beginning of the video he showed. It struck us that we should always be grateful for what we have, and having been talking about homeliness at school in my first assembly, this thought was even more meaningful. Chris pointed out that we have the power we have to make a difference, and the opportunity to help one another is profound and meaningful. It has been a great week, with friendly and supportive staff, pupils and parents. A great start to the year, and a positive beginning to my time at the College. |
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