Page 12 - Demo

What drew you to education, and what continues to inspire you as you embark on your new role as Headmaster?My path to education was influenced in part by my childhood. I had some wonderful teachers through my primary education, in particular. I think we can all remember those teachers who were special to us for one reason or another - most likely because of their ability to connect and make us feel like we could do anything!My mother was a teacher as well, and my father worked within the education sector, initially with the Hamilton Education Board and later the Education Review Office. Consequently, much of my childhood was infused with educational %u201cchatter%u201d, some of it quite political during the 1988 Picot Report and the establishment of Tomorrow%u2019s Schools in 1989. There is no doubt that this influenced my interest in the academic view of education, its leadership, and its potential influence on a child%u2019s development.As I embark on my new role as Headmaster, I continue to be inspired by the delicate challenge of balancing rich history and enduring legacy with continuous reflection, adjustment, and growth. Southwell has thrived through adversity, built upon strong faith and community values. I am inspired by the challenge to ensure we remain aligned with the most recent research and evidence in best educational practices. This commitment will ensure our students enter adulthood ready to flourish, respond successfully to the world before them, and possess great confidence in their abilities.INTERVIEW WITH KERYN BINDONWhat do you believe students today need most to thrive in the world beyond school?Students today most need confidence, adaptability, and empathy to thrive in the world beyond school. They need to develop the skills to critically reflect on themselves and their personal growth, take responsibility for setting goals, and strive to be the best versions of themselves.Crucially, to thrive beyond school, our students must also be ethical, understanding that the head and the heart are equally important in developing into a well-rounded, successful person. This includes becoming skilled at generating quality relationships and making sound decisions. Thriving beyond school can also be influenced by key adults. Every student, regardless of age, benefits from the consistent support of at least one invested parent or mentor. I see how fortunate our Southwell students are to have greater access than most to caring adults with so many varied talents and interests, who want to see them succeed.How do you envision our community and alumni playing a role in the life of the school today? I envision our community and alumni playing a more vital role than ever, bound by our deep connection and shared heritage. This immediate and wider sense of community fosters a feeling of safety, trust, and belonging that stretches across generations. We have a unique opportunity to draw upon the wisdom of those who have grown within Southwell to guide and enrich wherever we go next as a school.When future alumni look back at your tenure, what do you hope they will say about your impact?I hope they will say that I fostered a deep sense of community and belonging, strengthening the connections among all members of the Southwell family. I hope they%u2019ll