This week in Huddle, we explored the idea of ‘Respect’. I shared with them something I remember being taught at school: that respect simply meant ‘treating others how you would like to be treated’. But, even as a child, that definition never quite sat right with me. There was a boy in my class who absolutely loved a ‘bundle’. For those unfamiliar with West Country school life in the 1990s, a bundle involved jumping on other people – often, loudly, and without warning. Unsurprisingly, I was never a fan. Whenever he was asked to stop, he would always defend himself with, ‘They can do it to me, I don’t mind.’ It highlighted perfectly why doing things to others simply because we like them is not respect at all.
So, this week, we reframed what respect really means. I shared with the children that respect is the act of showing others that they matter and that they are seen – through the way we speak, act and make choices. We explored the idea that every single one of us contributes to the level of respect within our community, and, in turn, to how valued we all feel here at Pennthorpe. My greatest hope is that every child at Pennthorpe feels noticed, understood and deeply valued. This is not just our focus as a school this half term; it is what we strive to live out, wholeheartedly, every single day.
If you would like to continue the conversation at home, please ask your children one simple question: ‘What does it mean to be a pen instead of a rubber?’ – trust me, they should understand!
Earlier this week, I shared the wonderful news that Leah Goddard will be returning to Pennthorpe at the start of the Summer Term as our Head of Pre-Prep and 1S Class Teacher. We are genuinely thrilled to welcome Miss Goddard back. In true Leah fashion, she has spent her maternity leave not slowing down, but training for the Brighton Marathon – with Baby Ziggy adding an extra level of resistance training via buggy-runs! Leah is fundraising for Marie Curie, and if you would like to support her, her sponsorship page can be found here.
In further staffing news, alongside Mrs Tso becoming our new Assistant Head of Teaching, Learning and Inclusion, I am also delighted to announce that Chris Lindfield will be taking on the role of Assistant Head of Academic Operations.
In this new role, Chris will continue to lead our whole school approach to assessment and data, ensuring our systems remain robust, accurate and strategically aligned. He will oversee the tracking of pupil progress and work closely with Vic Tso to ensure this informs planning, interventions and curriculum development. Chris will also coordinate the school timetable for future years and oversee Parents’ Evenings, Enrichment Sessions, Engagement Sessions, senior school scholarships and reporting.
Chris will continue as part of the Senior Leadership Team, where he will play a key role in shaping the school’s vision, policies and priorities. This is an incredibly well-deserved step for him, and I know you will join me in congratulating him.
The appointment of both Mr Lindfield and Mrs Tso represent exciting developments in the continued strengthening of our academic provision, and our commitment to the progress of every child at Pennthorpe. I will also be updating Reception parents next week regarding Teaching Assistants for the Summer Term. Thank you for your patience while we finalise these details.
Some of you may have already heard the brilliant news that the Pennthorpe Esports Team went unbeaten in this year’s DAIGON Esports competition. We are now awaiting the results from other schools to determine the final league standings, but whatever the outcome, the team did not lose a match or concede a single point – an outstanding achievement!
DAIGON themselves picked up the story themselves on LinkedIn, and as I wrote in my own post, this team was formed, trained and championed by Danielle Norwood. Danielle pitched the idea earlier this year, gave up lunchtimes for training, and supported the team at every round. I often talk about going ‘above and beyond’ at Pennthorpe, and this is a perfect example. Our children are shaped not just academically, but by the passion, care and commitment of the staff who guide them.
With World Book Day yesterday, standing at our new and improved gates watching the sea of costumes, smiles and pure energy pour into school was one of my highlights of the year so far. I have always loved World Book Day – partly for the costumes, of course – but far more because it captures the very essence of Pennthorpe and Prep School life: celebrating and protecting childhood.
Every child (and every member of staff!) let go of their inhibitions and embraced joy, silliness and imagination. There was laughter, nostalgia and unfiltered happiness at every turn. I often speak about why I love the Nursery to Year 8 model, and yesterday was the perfect reminder. Prep schools protect childhood – and childhood is something worth protecting – for as long as we possibly can!
Finally, with International Women’s Day on Sunday, please do consider sharing the significance of the day this with your children. There are some great resources, tasks and videos on the International Women’s Day website that you may enjoy exploring together.
Mr Jon Marler
Head of School
