Published on: 21 March 2019

  • Harmony Day
  • Streamlining communications
  • Parents’ Association
  • The Christ Church Grammar School Foundation

Global events over the past week have had an impact far and wide, and as we get ready to celebrate Harmony Day today, our thoughts go out to all of those touched by the tragedy that unfolded in New Zealand last week. I spoke to the Senior School boys this morning on this very subject and reiterated that our narrative needs to be one about acceptance, embracing differences and standing shoulder to shoulder with all people regardless of their ethnicity, religion or beliefs. I will deliver a similar message to our Prep School boys tomorrow morning.

Communication between the School and home is fundamental to forming a strong, open relationship and giving the boys every opportunity to succeed. I would like to confirm with all parents that your first point of contact in all instances regarding school matters should be your son’s tutor in the Senior School and classroom teacher in the Prep School. If the concern cannot be resolved, parents are able to then make an appointment with the teacher and the Head of the Senior or Prep School and perhaps the Principal. Soon we will be providing a link to the School’s revised enquiry/concerns/complaints process with a view to streamlining communication to ensure the best outcome for all those involved.

Congratulations to our Senior School swimmers who were magnificent last Thursday night, I was so impressed with the sportsmanship of the swimmers and the way the boys supporting the swim team behaved. Thank you to all of the staff involved – these events only run smoothly due to a lot of effort and planning and your presence on the night is appreciated by everyone.

We really are blessed to have such an engaged Parents’ Association. This group is open to all parents in the School and represents parents as well as supporting the School in many ways. If you are wondering who your year representative is, please visit this page for more information.

The Christ Church Grammar School Foundation receives the endowment fee when boys are enrolled at Christ Church and they prudently manage these investment funds to ensure the future financial security of the School. They also donate to the School in various ways. Recent examples of contributions from Foundation to the School include part funding of the new Prep School, the purchase, development and donating of St John’s Wood playing fields and the original purchase and recent additional acquisition of  land holding at Kooringal to future proof our Outdoor Education Centre. Every year since 2001, the Foundation has made a gift to the School in the form of investment grade art.  We know that art appreciation can begin at any age and by making the works visible it is hoped that we stimulate enquiry, creativity and discussion, and that boys learn to think and express ideas – ideas that do not require prior knowledge and where there are no wrong answers. This morning, the School is receiving a new piece of art courtesy of the Foundation. If you have ventured to the Sculptures by the Sea you may have seen the wonderful work of Korean artist Bongsoo Kim titled Thoughts of Pinocchio. This piece will sit proudly between the old and new Prep School and we hope it will continue to create a visually imaginative environment for all boys.

Alan Jones
Principal