Honourable Character
“To ignite a love of learning and life as we prepare our boys to thrive both now and in the future.” - Strategic Direction: Toward 2028
Positive relationships are foundational to loving learning and loving life. “Honourableness” is foundational to developing and maintaining positive relationships.
I have written previously about the importance of early years education. Connections between brain cells form faster in the early years than at any other time in life. Often the focus of discussion and action around these critical years relates to the academic domain. Equally if not of greater importance is the development of social and emotional intelligence.
Research tells us that paying attention to emotional intelligence, values, character and interpersonal skills, with Primary School aged children is crucial. It is during the critical early years, when a growing child‘s mind is like putty and can be easily moulded, that we can most successfully develop strong social and emotional foundations. Foundations which will support them during the challenges they will face.
Through values education, our boys learn:
- the importance of respecting themselves and others
- to take responsibility for their actions and to be accountable for their decisions
- how to engage in teamwork and leadership effectively
- what it means to have a shared purpose and a commitment to common good
- how to counter negative stereotypes of masculinity and promote healthy, positive attitudes towards gender roles
- to live a life beyond themselves.
Our school values (as seen below) and faith foundations are a lighthouse for our relationships and learning. They guide us towards a life of integrity, courage in pursuit of excellence, and a commitment to live ‘not for ourselves alone’.
RESPECT - We value each other and the world around us.
INTEGRITY - We stand up for what is right.
COMPASSION - We serve and care for one another.
COURAGE - We are bold, brave and embrace new opportunities.
EXCELLENCE - We strive for our personal best.
Since arriving at Mosman Prep, I have been approached by several ‘older’ Old Boys who spoke of their character foundations being formed more during their time at Mosman Prep than at any other time in life’s journey.
We desire for our boys to care about themselves, others and the world around them, and to have the capacity to give and receive respect, acceptance and unconditional love. We want to model and develop strong foundations of character, which will equip them to develop and maintain meaningful relationships, and a love of learning and life.
To support the targeted approach of our teachers in nurturing positive character development and broader social and emotional skills, I encourage you to print a copy of the attached School Values poster to display in an appropriate location at home.
Referring to the School Values, and being intentional about building them into discussions and interactions with your son, is likely to have a significant impact on their consolidation, as we help our boys to develop into strong, ethical, and responsible young men with a drive to live a life beyond themselves.
Peter Grimes | Headmaster
We had a blast at CRU this week learning in greater depth what it looks like to find rest in Jesus. Our sheep-wolf game has become a hot favourite, with one version involving a place of ‘rest and safety’ where the sheep cannot be tagged by the wolves. Another game involved a shepherd who could rescue the sheep from the robbers! For the next two weeks we will be in ‘The Loft’ which is a newly renovated games area at Mosman Village Church (formerly St Clement’s Anglican Church)
