A Handbook for Boarders and their Families
Introduction
In the school’s Ethos and Aims and the Manual for Pastoral Staff, the Headmaster states:
‘Our aim as a school is to meet the individual needs, foster the aptitudes and nurture the growth of each child. We understand education to mean all that a child learns from the world of school. We believe that emotional and social well-being and growth, self-esteem and confidence are of prime importance in themselves and are inextricably linked with academic progress.
We believe that respect for children, faith in children and an ability to see the world through their eyes should inform our teaching and our care. Indeed, we see teaching primarily as an act of care. If we care about children, we will wish to notice and respond to a need, spot and develop a talent, discover and resolve unhappiness. If we evidence this care, children will feel secure and valued, and will value themselves and others.
A sense of community is of immense value to children and to families and it stems from our wish to understand and care for the whole child. Our care does not start and stop at the school gate. School is an extension of family life and we aim to know, understand and care for the families from which our children come.’
The Boarding House exists within the framework of the School as a whole and is run according to this ethos.
Boarding at St John’s is based on the principle that the House should act as an extension of the child’s family. The House has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere which provides a happy and structured environment for boarders and their families.
As the Housemaster, I am responsible to the Headmaster for the care and welfare of all Boarders. A wide range of resident and non-resident staff also play crucial parts in the lives of boarders and their families. This is a task which we take on with enthusiasm. We try to be tolerant and forgiving and at the same time to provide a structure and sense of purpose to boarders and their families.
You are always welcome to visit your children. You may have a specific reason for coming or you may simply wish to spend some time with them. Perhaps you will want to take your child out for the evening or a treat (if so, please arrange this in advance with the Housemaster). Whatever the reason, you will need to know the routines and arrangements in order that you can best time such visits. If you are unable to visit your children frequently then you can be sure that they will be given a wide range of opportunities and access to activities which will seek to help them develop in the broadest sense.
St John’s is a warm, open and friendly school with none of the taboo often associated with Boarding Prep Schools. We all very much hope you will feel part of the excitement, enjoyment and sense of purpose that prevails amongst the Boarding community here.
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