Dear Parents,

A key theme over the last couple of weeks has been the importance of placing happiness and wellbeing at the centre of our children’s experiences, both at school and at home. When children feel secure, valued, and enjoy a sense of inner happiness, they naturally develop the confidence and motivation needed for learning and growth. It’s often said that a happy child is a learning child, and it’s worth remembering that our praise should highlight the effort and determination behind achievements, not just the end results.

Recent research by Sevenoaks School, in collaboration with Harvard University, explored how young people can thrive. It identified a range of activities and mindsets that support flourishing in school environments, including: exercise, curiosity and wonder, volunteering, acts of kindness, humour, connecting with nature, healthy sleep and nutrition, gratitude, social connections and mindfulness.

By embedding these elements into our school culture and the Compass curriculum, we aim to help our children grow into happy, healthy, and self-aware individuals. These qualities will equip them with empathy, resilience, and the ability to face challenges with confidence as they navigate new experiences.

Collaborative learning was seen this week with Year 4 visiting Maidstone Museum to investigate the archaeology section on the Ancient Egyptians. This is a fantastic opportunity to dig deep and see some extraordinary items. Year 7 delighted us with their assembly on our dreams and aspirations, looking at the challenges that there might be ahead and how people have overcome them. Well done to Year 7 for speaking so well and getting us to look to the future.

On a final happy note I am pleased to announce that Miss Styles is expecting her first child at the beginning of the Summer Term. Congratulations!

Best wishes,

Emma Neville

Head