Affiliation Proposal - Exciting times!
What an exciting week this has been with its announcement of the Mosman Prep and Shore Affiliation Proposal. This is a project that our Council have been working through for over a year, and one which as Headmaster and a member of the Council, has been quite central in my thinking for much longer.
A Partnership Built on Security: At our core, we operate for the betterment of our boys and their families. Providing greater security for the next stage of their education is a key priority. We have invested too much supporting each boy as a ‘village’ to leave the secondary school journey to chance.
As Headmaster, I am "all in"—heart and soul. Seeing parents anxious about secondary school placement or feeling forced to leave Mosman Prep before Year 6 to secure a spot elsewhere, is truly upsetting.
Preserving the Mosman Prep Culture and Spirit: Our conversations with Shore Council and the new Headmaster, Dr Peter Miller, gave our Council confidence that everything we love about Mosman Prep will endure should the affiliation eventuate.
The unique identity of Mosman Prep and the spirit of its closely knit community would continue, honouring 120+ years of the School’s history, respecting the contributions made by past Headmasters, Council members, staff, Old Boys, boys, and families.
I believe that the highly valued cultural and educational features of our great school would endure alongside our School name, motto, crest, houses, school song, Old Boys Union, and P&F. Features such as:
- The deeply connected community: Authentic collaboration and partnership with parents built on trust and respect, including open communication pathways between parents and staff.
- The Known Boy: A relational environment where every student is understood, and where Christian foundations and their school motto support them to ‘live a life beyond themselves’.
- Academic Excellence: High-quality foundational learning coupled with future-proof skills like critical thinking and emotional intelligence (also maintaining adequate specialist staff, and additional teaching assistants to ensure boys are well supported).
- Character and Adventure: Commitment to building character and confidence through challenging outdoor pursuits (such as interstate and overseas trips, and sailing), broad ranging extra-curricular opportunities, and nature-based learning through our Terrey Hills Outdoor Learning Centre program.
- Valued Connections: Continued relationship with Queenwood School for Girls (which supports healthy gender connections while specialising in boys’ education), and Mosman Village Church).
Choice and Continuity: This affiliation provides an additional secure pathway, but it does not remove choice. We will continue to welcome and celebrate families intending to transition to other secondary schools through our existing partnerships.
Returning to Our Roots: Interestingly, this move feels like "coming home." Our founding Headmaster, Alfred Yarnold, was a Shore teacher and Old Boy who noted at our founding: “The main aim of this school will be to fit boys for the parent institution.” After decades of shifting enrolment policies, we are looking to restore that historic bridge.
Looking Ahead: Regardless of the outcome, Mosman Prep will remain an exceptional school for boys. Our enrolments are at a five-year high, our MMG Survey results are exceptional, our assets are significant, and we are debt-free. We are well-placed to thrive, but I firmly believe we would be even stronger and better placed as a partner school with Shore.
Peter Grimes | Headmaster
