Launching from a Relational Base
‘The best schools are neither educational institutions nor consumer-centric learning providers but authentic communities of learning, serving and belonging’ - McCrindle Research
My recent Messenger articles have centred around McCrindle Research’s recent ‘Building Thriving School Communities Report’.
The four identified qualities of high performing schools according to McCrindle are:
• Build a school community where people feel like they belong.
• Provide a quality future focused learning environment.
• Invest in teachers to provide a quality learning experience.
• Build partnerships between staff, parents, and students to achieve positive student outcomes.
An increasing amount of research in education is highlighting the connection between strong relational ties and supportive school communities, and student learning and wellbeing outcomes.
‘There is a revolution happening in our education systems, and it's so needed. We're realising the critical importance of focusing on how children feel at school before we focus on academic outcomes… Teachers and the schools who understand the critical importance of relationships as a foundation, and integrate it into their everyday, are life-changers.’ - Karen Young, Psychologist
I’m pleased to say that the ‘relationships revolution’ in schools (as outlined in the above quote) is not a revolution at Mosman Prep. Guided by our Christian foundations, we have long recognised and prioritised relationships, and continue to do so (as presented in our Strategic Direction: Towards 2028).
Boys need to be happy and feel they are connected, that they belong, and are valued before they can truly engage in learning and ultimately thrive. Staff and parents also need such an experience.
Class teachers must build and nurture relationships, gaining trust and respect and ultimately positive influence, and guard against erosion of that relationship. Partnership with parents, professionals and colleagues is critical (it takes a village to raise a child).
Living in the midst of warm relationships is protective of both body and mind. For children, the concept of protection and safety is a particularly important one. Life can be extraordinarily hard at times, but warm connected relationships protect against stress and the hardships of life, enabling children to develop grit, persistence and determination.
Supported by our School Values, our wellbeing framework (see graphic below) aims to promote positive and productive relationships within an inclusive learning community. We believe a healthy community is a serving community, where we find joy in living a life beyond ourselves.
‘The research is so clear - when children feel safe, cared for, and valued, the learning part of the brain opens wide up. Learning and engagement increase, anxiety is reduced, and critical incidents of big behaviour decrease. On the other hand, without felt relational safety, the brain will focus on getting ‘safe’ rather than learning.’
The Mosman Prep Community is defined by its open, trusting and respectful relationships, deep connections, partnerships, and the sense of belonging we all share. We are committed to prioritising a community where children (and adults) feel safe, welcome, cared for, and valued.
An education built on a foundation of relationship, trust and respect allows our boys to engage freely in learning, to make mistakes, to have a voice, to achieve mastery, and to develop their confidence, independence, and ultimately ownership of their ‘learning journey’.
Peter Grimes | Headmaster
Reference:
How to build relational safety at school - and why it's so important - Karen Young (Psychologist)
