By Lucy M. Gowdie, Head of School
I warmly welcome you to the first edition of School Spotlight, a weekly communication that will be written by myself, Mr. James Penstone, and Mr. Nathaniel Atherton.
Focusing on areas of importance across the School, we will shine a light on key developments that matter to our community and share with you the successes and the stories of our school.
Stepping into the School post ski-week, it has been wonderful to see the resounding energy of our staff and students.
We are full of excitement for next week, with the arrival of Ms. Shirley Blair, the Director, and Fundraiser of Shree Mangal Dvip (SMD), our partner school in Nepal.
I shine a spotlight on this most noble cause because, for the past two decades, our school has supported the students of SMD both on our campus and on theirs, and we have done so with a commitment to build this connection over time.
We want for our children to learn more than what money can provide; we want for them to understand that the power and influence they have does not come for the coins they carry, but from the effort they give, the innovation they create, the content of their character, and the education they use, to fundamentally change the lives of others and, by extension, their own.
It is my absolute privilege to welcome Shirley to the School, and to reconnect with her as we step into this most exciting time in our strategic development with SMD.
Mr. James Penstone, our Secondary Principal, will undertake the role of Chair of the SMD Committee of ICS in the next academic year, and will work with Shirley and both schools to build a framework that spans a sustainable environment, a series of expeditions, and, most importantly of all, a successful education for all.
This, together with our unshakable commitment to Round Square, will see us shape the service learning of our students and the servant leadership of our staff for years to come.
A profound opportunity for our school, we look forward to sharing with you the journey we undertake in shaping the strategy that will see the indefatigable work of Shirley Blair come to life through our school and the steps our students take to change the world.
Shirley will be presenting to students across the School, holding a whole school staff meeting, being present with the Parents Association for a morning tea, and attending the Round Square Quiz Night, to raise awareness and funds for SMD.
I know you will join with me in warmly welcoming Shirley to our school, as we take the first steps to ascend the mountains of possibility before us.