A new academic year means new Heads and Vice Heads of School. Kitty, Annie, Poppy and Selene talk sustainability, wellbeing and their vision for Sherborne Girls.
Kitty, Head of School
Since joining in L5, I have come to understand that education consists not only of the content taught from textbooks, but also of life – lessons that one learns outside the classroom. There is the perfect balance here at Sherborne Girls, and I am passionate about ensuring that all pupils can benefit from this best possible working environment, just like I have. Our visions for this year focus on the environment, wellbeing and pupil voice which tie into this year’s theme of wisdom.
One of our goals for this year is to focus on reaching our environmental objectives. I look forward to discussions with our first ever Sustainability Ambassador. Involving the eco – prefects, and the pupil body, I believe we can work together to achieve a common goal. In addition to this, we acknowledge the importance of looking after our mental health and well – being given the daily buzz of school life. With the launch of a new initiative ‘Press Pause Day’, emphasis is placed on taking a break from our busy schedules to reflect. Our main goal is to encourage pupils to think and speak out for the change they would like to see in the School. It is at the heart of this School that everyone’s voices are valued, equally. The prefects are determined to continue the legacy of the Peer Mentoring Scheme, listening and responding to feedback from mixed – aged boarding houses.
It has never been a more exciting time to be appointed the role of Head of School at Sherborne Girls, and I feel honoured to be in a position of leadership. We hope to have real impact.
Annie, Head of School
As one of the Heads of Schools this year, I am excited to work with our Prefect body and the Senior Leadership Team to further perfect the multiple aspects of the school, making our Sherborne Girls community an even more welcoming, friendly and suitable environment for our girls to develop and thrive. I remember the times when I looked up to the Heads of Schools full of admiration and reverence, now I have come to that position, and I hope that I will be able to have the same positive impact on everyone. Reflecting on the theme of Wisdom for this academic year, I hope that my influence will be constructive in guiding our girls to make wiser decisions in line with our values of Adaptability, Spirituality, Curious, Compassionate, Courageous. Having attended a Heads of Schools Conference with more than 100 other Heads from schools across the UK and abroad, I learnt the key features of leadership including respecting and upholding the values that you truly believe. So far, I have enjoyed being an equality and current affairs prefect, hoping to leave the legacy of introducing the Rights Respecting Awards to our school. Furthermore, as an international student, I hope to become someone who can inspire those who have travelled a long way to receive this amazing education.
Poppy, Vice Head of School
My time at Sherborne Girls has been the best years of my life. I know it sounds cliché, but I mean it with the utmost sincerity. I have been given the opportunity to flourish and grow in every area I choose. It is the most happy and joyful environment which is due entirely to the inclusivity and kindness of both the pupils and staff. All girls encourage one another and rejoice in their small or grand victories, willing each other to succeed. The school is constantly buzzing with excitement over house events, fixtures, or academic challenges.
Every girl here at Sherborne is given the chance to become whomever they want to be. Which I think is really special and important in our changing and growing society.
This is the legacy I would both like to continue and encourage during the remainder of my time here. It’s so important to acknowledge and appreciate peoples’ strengths and passions allowing them to prosper and develop into the path of their choosing.
Selene, Vice Head of School
Having been a Sherborne Girl since L4, I feel that I know the School’s rhythms well. This year, I have loved watching new girls begin to share this familiarity, seeing them come into their own, take up new things and find the areas in which they excel. The sheer variety of activities available encourages each girl to be an individual – there is something for everyone, whether it be in the classroom, on the sports field, or in the boarding house.
The other Heads of School and I hope to continue the legacy left behind by previous Prefects, with particular emphasis on pupil voice. We believe that there is real value in self-advocacy, so one of our aims this year is to make it as easy as possible for every girl to make change wherever she feels it is needed.
At Sherborne’s core is a feeling of community; every girl is so well known to everyone around her. There is a consistent sense of support, from teachers and peers alike. We celebrate success in every field!
