A PLACE WHERE You Belong
WENDY MACKEN DIRECTOR , JUNIOR SCHOOL
At Crofton House School , we are dedicated to the development of the whole child . We know that the development of the whole self leads to a sense of purpose , overall achievement and , most importantly , a feeling of joy and fulfillment .
As educators , we understand this work begins with students ’ social and emotional growth . Social and emotional learning ( SEL ), while not a new concept , is gaining importance in the educational world . SEL is the process of acquiring the competencies to recognize and manage emotions , establish caring relationships , make responsible decisions and handle challenging situations effectively . These competencies will serve as foundational skills for engaged citizenship and school success ( CASEL , 2013 ). SEL expert Dr Kimberly Schonert-Reichl reminds us that SEL is not an addition to our plate as educators but rather is the plate on which everything else is built .
We know SEL is rooted in attachment and relationships . Meaningful relationships are the foundation for personal growth . Our girls see the world through a relational lens — through meaningful connections to themselves , those around them , their community and beyond . In the Junior School , we want students to feel known and valued as individuals and have the confidence to be their authentic selves . CHS has been a place where students have gathered as a community for almost 125 years ; we strive to cultivate a place of belonging . However , in these complex times where connection and togetherness have been minimized , fostering this sense of belonging holds real significance . This work feels more important than ever before .
Research tells us that establishing this sense of belonging begins with connection to adults . Are students guided by staff who know , value and believe in them ? There are many ways we strive to achieve this in our daily practices , including regular check-ins with students , daily dedicated time for community connection , and a responsive SEL curriculum to meet the specific needs
of our girls . This work is our anchor to achieve students ’ sense of belonging and is guided and enhanced by our SEL coordinator and the counselling team .
Within the final term , we gathered as a community to celebrate the joy of school life with events such as spring concerts , our Middle School musical and Sports Day . In these events , we can see the value of belonging and the significance of relationships for students . As your daughter reflects on the year , the associations with people will frame her most powerful images . Core memories are formed when we feel known and truly seen by others . This is central to everything we strive to do in the Junior School .
In these unique times , we have all rediscovered the value and significance of connection . We know that togetherness is the answer for our students to thrive . It begins with fostering this sense of belonging for all students , allowing each girl to find her place and be her authentic self .
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