FAREWELL TO JAMES
FAREWELL TO JAMES
James
“Out of the heart springs life.
stumbled upon the job post of
The school’s motto resonates
a Deputy Head in the Lower
all the more now as I reflect
School. I absolutely, without
on my time at King Alfred. I
a doubt, had to apply. I was
joined the Lower School in
delighted to be invited for an
2013 as an enthusiastic and
interview and ecstatic to be
excited individual taking on
offered the role.
my first Deputy Head role. I am leaving as a confident and accomplished leader, ready to broaden my influence as a Headteacher in my new school. But even more significantly, I have a greater understanding of who I am. I have King Alfred to thank for this and when I say, ‘King Alfred’ I mean the people, the people, the people. He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata (Māori proverb).
years. From the inspirational KAS Conferences and moving TEDx events, to the spectacular fireworks and fun filled KAStonbury festivals. But at the top of the list are the amazing children I have had the pleasure of working with. King Alfred provides the adults with opportunities to truly tap into what makes a positive difference in children’s lives.
school was when a friend of
The reason why you entered
mine asked me to drop off her
the world of education can be
CV for a teaching role (as it
fulfilled in this truly child-
was a short detour from my
centred environment. Yet, it
daily commute). I remember
will be the positive impact
walking through the gates to
the children have had on me
be welcomed by the lush and
that will stay with me. They
expansive field which takes
have delighted me, surprised
centre stage. Looking around,
me, challenged me and have
I felt a strong sense that I had
brought me joy. I will be
arrived somewhere special.
eternally grateful for this.
That feeling stayed with me for the next few years until I
James as BFG
The Alfredian Magazine 2022
highlights over the past nine
My first introduction to the
James on camp
102
There have been countless
