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:
- Always do your best (‘Trust in the Lord, and do good’ Psalm 37:3)
- Respect Everyone
- Be Self-Disciplined
- Try something different
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.