Being a Gentleman is a Matter of Choice

When 2022 School Captain Robert Napoli addressed his peers at a special International Women’s Day (IWD) assembly in April, he shared a simple yet powerful quote to the auditorium of boys:

Being a male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of age. Being a gentleman is a matter of choice.

Robert told his peers that each year the School can gather to talk about International Women’s Day, but actions speak louder than words.

“International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating the wonderful women in our community. It is also a time for us to reflect on our actions and whether we have truly shown respect towards women. Every day of the year we should think about how we can become a better gentleman for the benefit of others,” says Robert.

The assembly was an opportunity for the boys to come together to celebrate the women of the King’s community. Joining Robert on stage were three women who have made significant contributions through their work at the School.

International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating the wonderful women in our community. It is also a time for us to reflect on our actions and whether we have truly shown respect towards women. Every day of the year we should think about how we can become a better gentleman for the benefit of others.

ROBERT NAPOLI, SCHOOL CAPTAIN 2022

When Dr Jen George joined the King’s community in 2017, she became a driving force for finding ways that the fortunate women of King’s could support the less fortunate women of the world.

“So many women around the world continue to suffer at the hands of severe inequality and discrimination. King’s Women’s Network (KWN) is about refocusing our good fortune as women of the King’s community through supporting charities like Mahboba’s Promise, which sponsor orphans and widows from Afghanistan,” says Jen.

She acknowledges that historically the School has been guilty of patriarchy. Fast-forward to 2022, and many women are working across the organisation in key executive and leadership roles, including the first female Chair of Council. Registrar Mrs Jo Grinham spoke about her role and how she contributes to shaping a positive community bonded through celebration and respect for one another.

“King’s is not just a school, we are an extension of your family. It takes a village to raise a boy, and we are all part of your village,” says Jo.

Jo also acknowledged the wonderful way the King’s community celebrates together, which is a testament to the respect and humility shown amongst students, staff and families.

Director of People and Culture Ms Katrina Boulton recognises she plays an integral role in creating a respectful culture. Her role is to recruit and nurture like-minded staff who embody the School Values to benefit the whole community.

“I believe staff play an integral role in creating the right culture, so our students know what it means to have and show respect for others,” says Katrina. The People and Culture team are focused on nurturing a culture of respect. Katrina believes the School is continuing to work hard to grow a respectful community, and the celebration of International Women’s Day is just one example of this commitment.

To be a Kingsman is to have Humility, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence and Gratitude. These School values are embedded in every experience through a boy’s journey at King’s. These values are not just based on a Christian way of thinking. They inspire young men to have a Christian way of living and to simply be gentlemen.