Head's Blog: New Dining Room

Dear Parents,

There has been lots of excitement with the new dining room, and it reminded me of the importance of good manners and behaviour. There is an expression that is sometimes banded around by our American Deputy Head and that is ‘sweating the small stuff’.

I am on a real mission to highlight the importance of good behaviour, appearance and manners to the pupils – and I need the support of ALL the staff and parents – we are one family!

• Polish your shoes,
• Tuck your shirt in,
• Wear you tie correctly,
• Wear your uniform with pride,
• Open the doors for adults and your peers,
• Use your knife/fork and spoon properly when eating,
• Don’t speak with your mouth full, chew with your mouth closed,
• Sit properly in your chair,
• Don’t shout across the table when talking at lunch, breakfast and supper,
• Remember to say please and thank you,
• Treat others as you want to be treated,
• Be polite and courteous.

At home, one could create a ‘manners’ chart and your children could win points for good manners and, when they have reached a certain number, …win a prize!

Good manners make a great first impression in life and when one meets other people – a life skill. As we all know, in a professional environment or even when visiting a friend’s house , knowing how to behave, saying please and thank you and, dare I say it, writing a thank-you letter will more than likely get you a second invitation or even a job!

I was so glad to hear that some Year 4 children had been very polite to our recent prospective parents; they were very impressed. Thank you in advance for all your support in this endeavour.