Dear Parents
This year, we are continuing to integrate our bespoke Character Education programme into the girls’ educational experience. Our aim is to empower our pupils to explore and nurture the various aspects of their character. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with the Channing Character Champions during Thursday breaktimes, where we exchange ideas and strategies to further promote the eight Channing Characters: Resilience Robin, Perseverance Squirrel, Empathy Rabbit, Responsibility Badger, Bravery Mole, Independence Owl, Respectfulness Hedgehog, and Curiosity Fox. Today in assembly, these girls helped me to promote being responsible like Responsibility Badger by encouraging all of the girls to look after their belongings, to ensure that their uniform and other items are named and to check in the Lost Property boxes if they accidentally lose an item.
I’m thrilled to share that we all thoroughly enjoyed watching the new Channing Characters animation, which some of you may have seen on our Channing Instagram Account and/or Channing Facebook Account. I’m particularly proud of this animation, as it was created by Cocoa W, a Channing alumna (and a former pupil I taught at my previous school when she was in Year 4), with me providing the voiceover. Additionally, the Channing Character Champions are eagerly diving into the books about each character, inspired by stories written by Year 6 pupils (now in Year 8) and beautifully illustrated by the talented Paul Solomons. Once completed, sets of these books will be available in every classroom and in the library for the girls to enjoy.
At Channing Junior School, we hold pupil voice in high regard. It is crucial for us to engage with different groups of girls who hold roles of responsibility and beyond to continually enhance our school. The girls offer unique insights into their experiences, and involving them in decision-making processes not only leads to meaningful change, but also fosters a sense of empowerment and inclusion. It is their school, so they should have ownership over it.
We often publish exciting initiatives, photos and films (depending on parental permissions) on our social media accounts. Follow us on: Miss_Dina_Hamalis Instagram Account, Channing Instagram Account, Channing X Account and Channing Facebook Account to keep up-to-date and see what the girls are getting up to at school.
Another way we share all of the wonderful things that the girls do at school is in our annual magazine. In line with our commitment to improving our School’s environmental sustainability following our declaration of a climate emergency, we have transitioned to producing and distributing digital editions of the Channing School Magazine. I am delighted to share with you the digital version of this year’s magazine, which you can access here.
We understand that many families cherish physical copies of the magazine, with some holding onto every edition since their daughter(s) joined the School. To minimise unnecessary waste, we kindly request that families who wish to receive a printed copy of the School Magazine for 2022-23 submit their request by midday on Monday, October 30, 2023. To order a printed copy, please click here.
As always, your support and engagement with our school community are greatly appreciated. I am enjoying another inspiring year of growth and learning. I can’t quite believe this is the last week before half term!
Wishing you all a happy half term and I look forward to seeing you on the other side.
With warm wishes for the week ahead
Miss Dina Hamalis
Head of the Junior School