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Our
strong Christian ethos informs our daily lives, at the core of which is our concern
for the happiness and well being of each child. We want all our pupils to absorb
the messages of kindness and tolerance and respect for others.
Form
Teachers
Each
form teacher is responsible for the direction and care of class members.
The
academic and social progress of each child is monitored and so she or he is the
parents' first point of contact for most issues. A teacher who is concerned
about any area of progress will initiate a meeting with parents.Teachers are
generally available at drop off and pick up times for brief and informal chats.
There are, of course, designated Parents Evenings for Middles upwards and the
Principal operates an Open Door policy on any matter regarding pupil welfare.
Developing
Responsibility
As pupils progress through the
school we expect that they will take on certain positions of responsibility.
At the youngest age they enjoy being register monitors, later they may take on
duties in the Library or act as a mentor in the role of Friendship Stop buddy.
A Head Boy and Girl are elected by popular vote each year, together with Heads
of House and their Deputies. The older children often help out with our Nursery
children, under supervision of course.
House
System
All children entering the school are placed in Houses. There
are no sorting hats involved; siblings are placed in the same House but otherwise
it is arbitrary, depending on numbers. Inter House competition involves merit
points for good work or behaviour, Sports Day, Swimming Gala, Gym contest,
Netball and Hockey competitions, a bi-annual mini Eisteddfod to name but a few.
Points are tallied at the end of the Year and a Cup awarded to the winning
House.
Whilst it is all good fun the
purpose is to foster team spirit and leadership skills, reward effort in all
endeavours, encourage mixing of the year groups and teach children to be
gracious winners and losers.
School
Council
All year groups from Middles
onwards elect a Representative to the School Council. The participants learn to
function as part of a body and present their group's point of view on a wide
range of issues relating to school life. They are empowered by the process,
there are some lively and often mature debates and they are able to see an
outcome. Meetings are formally minuted and chaired by a staff member.
After
School Care
As a boarding school Howell's
can also offer parents the most flexible childcare arrangements available
anywhere, as staff are on duty caring for pupils twenty-four hours per day. It
is very reassuring for Howell's parents to know that, should they be delayed
collecting their child, there is no need to panic. Pupils can be looked after
from 8am until boarders tea at 5.00pm In an emergency pupils can be taken to
the Preparatory School boarding house, although formal boarding does not start
until pupils reach 7 years old.
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