Headteacher's Message, Friday 19th May 2017

The exam season is now underway.  It is a serious time for those who are in our year 11, 12 and 13 as well for the students all around the country who are going through the same worries and anxieties.  Many years ago, I read the book “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers and one of the key points I use with students I am mentoring, is learning how to handle our most natural instincts; including fear.  Being nervous is part of life and often it is because something is important to us; like exams.  As always, we are working just as hard to support students’ wellbeing as we are with their academic studies.

I am enjoying leading the House Assemblies this week, the theme is ‘the importance of family’.  As everyone knows, it is a constant theme whenever I give presentations or meet people in relation to CNS; we quite rightly see ourselves as a family as does Ormiston.  Families – whatever their structure – are about values and supporting each other.  During the assemblies, I emphasised different values including Social values; being respectful and supporting those in need and moral values; honesty, responsibility and adding value to whatever you are involved in. 

Looking back, I remember playing for various rugby clubs and there was a pattern in that no matter what part of the country I went to, around 10% of the members did 90% of the work.  I confess to having been one of the 10% and enjoying the responsibility of roles such a Club Captain or Player Coach, but they demanded a great deal of time.  Having said that, a rugby win always meant more to me as Club Captain and I enjoyed having an influence.  On reflection, I believe that it came from the values that I developed over the years including those that were instilled in me as child. 

Our eldest son Richard is home from his travels for a few days so I am thoroughly looking forward to a weekend with him before he flies out to Uganda for three weeks.  On Saturday morning, I am meeting Lynne Williams the new Principal of The Guildhall School of Music and Drama who is in school to see all the excellent work that takes place at CNS including Saturdays. 

Have a great weekend.

Jim Nixon