“My years of playing and being involved in competitive sport have not only lead me to living an incredibly healthy, active and social lifestyle, they have also allowed me to build a teaching philosophy based around trust, teamwork, respect, motivation, resilience and determination. My desire to be the best version of myself and to only ever settle for achieving my absolute full potential in all that I do, spills into the message I send to every child that I am fortunate enough to work with: 'Why would you ever give something less than your best?' which I normally follow with 'It just doesn't make sense to me'. This message allows me to lead by example and to motivate the children to always aim high, no matter what it is they are trying to achieve. 

After eleven years of teaching in a secondary school (a combination of PE, English and Science), as well as being Head of Sixth Form for the past three, it has been an absolute privilege to come over to Claires Court Junior Boys. The boys are a pleasure to work with and have shown such high levels of self discipline, motivation and commitment to all aspects of their school life. Their desire to learn and seek out ways to improve are admirable and their openness to take on new challenges impressive. I consider myself very lucky to be working in such a passionate environment which is the result of a fantastic staff body and equally fantastic boys. Thank you all for making my first few months so enjoyable. 

I know the next few weeks will be action packed and exciting with the run up to Christmas. This week has been incredible with many talented pianists given the opportunity to perform, an adventurous jump back in time to reenact a Greek battle (no one has admitted to the assassination attempt on Mr Hogg yet!) plenty of rugby matches, a Parent and Senior Leadership Team coffee afternoon, a Senior Boys Scholarship Information meeting, much rehearsing and bookended by two fantastic Year 3 Parent Assemblies. As well as a very loud joint Junior Boys and Girls panto - oh no it wasn’t - oh yes it was!

Only nineteen days to go... If you are struggling for ideas - do explore the PTAs Christmas Fayre next Friday afternoon. It rescued me last year!

Have a great weekend.