Published on: 31 August 2017

At Christ Church, we pride ourselves on ‘building good men’, which incorporates a focus on pastoral care, and staff relating skilfully and gently with our boys’ inner world. Commencing this Friday, and continuing for a week, there is an emphasis on pastoral care with our Year 7, 8 and 9 boys participating in a series of presentations that will challenge the way they currently think and motivate and promote deep thought regarding a number of subjects.

As mentioned in a previous CCGS World article, last week we welcomed a representative from CIS and Principal of Mercedes College in South Australia to Christ Church to commence the first stage of our CIS journey with interviews, discussions and observations. I am delighted to report that their initial findings are very positive. A high-level summary provided to the School at the conclusion of their visit stated that Christ Church is a well organised, mature school with visionary leadership and strong governance. In addition, the School is a leader in the care and wellbeing of students and it is positive to see that decision making, in and out of the classroom, is centred around what is best for the boys.

Staff wellbeing is a key plank of our strategic direction and in early September nearly 200 staff will take part in a global challenge focused on ‘getting healthy’.  Each year, for 100 days, employees all around the world compete in teams of seven with the hope of improving both their psychological and physical health. This year the School’s teams are aiming for more than 10,000 steps per person, per day for 100 days. Past competitors have reported  increased morale, job satisfaction and productivity, and a reduction to their Body Mass Index (BMI) and stress levels.

If you haven’t visited the campus recently, I can report that the Preparatory School build is on schedule with the footings and slab being poured this week.

The School’s annual MMG survey commences shortly and we will invite parents of our Year 3, 6, 9 and 12 students to participate. The survey is comprehensive, and does not need to be completed in one sitting. I encourage parents to participate and openly express opinions. Feedback from past MMG surveys has been invaluable in assisting the School with decision making and continuous improvement.

Alan Jones
Principal