Meet Fiona Cracknell, the new Housemistress of Reader Harris. She joins us in September, together with her husband Mark, who succeeds John Jenkins as Director of Music, and their daughter Clemmie. In her vision for the role, Fiona emphasises the importance of kindness and adds a modern twist to the House motto.
“As soon as I set foot in Sherborne Girls, I experienced a feeling of arriving home that I shall never forget. Becoming Reader Harris Housemistress is an opportunity to join the wonderful Sherborne Girls community and to continue the legacy of my predecessors in supporting my new extended family as they write their amazing stories. When I reflect on the ethos and values I will bring to Reader Harris, I think of kindness. I believe that a life with kindness and consideration at its heart will provide a solid foundation for the highs, lows and in-betweens we all experience. Upholding the school values of courage and curiosity will also be top of my list. I want to help every girl in Reader Harris to change that inner voice from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can!’
I will also encourage Reader Harris girls to discover the joy of being part of a team, either by representing their House in inter-house events or in smaller inhouse activities. This is a uniquely special time in the girls’ lives and helping them achieve a happy balance of learning, enrichment, friendship and fun is so important. As Housemistress, I will, of course, lead by example: expect to see me dragging myself along in the Castle
Challenge!
Joining a boarding house prompts me to consider what boarding offers young women in the 21st century. I believe it provides a uniquely special environment that facilitates the fulfillment of both personal and academic potential. It offers a vibrant, tolerant and supportive community where girls can express their views confidently, explore their interests to the full, learn to work independently and collaboratively, and form friendships that will last a lifetime.
The House motto, ‘Do unto others as you would have done unto you yourself’, is ancient but relevant. That said I would add a twist to its modern application: we also need to treat ourselves as we would treat our best friend. It is too easy to be critical of our limitations and to feel we are not worthy of others’ time or kindness. We are human and we make mistakes, yet we are all valuable and deserve to feel safe, happy and respected”.
