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Dear Parents and Carers
The start of a new school year always brings with it such a wonderful sense of energy and possibility. From the joyful chatter of friends reconnecting after the summer, to the curiosity and wide-eyed wonder of our new Reception girls taking their very first steps into Junior School life, the atmosphere has been alive with anticipation and optimism for the year ahead.
Last week, pupils from Year 3 to Year 13 gathered in the Sports Hall at the Senior School for our first whole school assembly of the year. Normally, our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 girls would join us too, but with the exciting building works underway to create a brand new STEM block complete with DT facilities, space was a little limited this time. The assembly focused on Living the Channing Promise, a powerful reminder that our values are not just words on a poster, but actions we choose every day. Through reflections, role-plays and thoughtful contributions from our Junior and Senior School Head Girls, we explored how kindness, empathy, curiosity, resilience, fairness and inclusivity help us all to grow into the very best versions of ourselves. Agatha and Yaya, our wonderful Year 6 Autumn Term Head Girls, were simply outstanding – so confident, animated and inspiring as they represented the Junior School with such pride.
This morning, we came together once again, this time as a Junior School in its entirety, for our first assembly of the academic year. It was an especially memorable moment for our Reception girls, who experienced their very first Junior School assembly. There was a lovely sense of togetherness as they sat, wide-eyed and curious, watching the older girls carefully model how to sit, listen and participate, setting such a positive example of what it means to be part of our Channing community.
Under the theme New Year, New Start, we welcomed our new pupils and staff, revisited the Channing Promise and Channing Characters, and reflected on the qualities that will help us make the most of the opportunities ahead. From Empathy Rabbit encouraging us to think of others, to Perseverance Squirrel reminding us to keep going when things feel tricky, each Channing Character offers a gentle guide as we navigate the year together. We also introduced our updated behaviour policy and celebrated the many ways we recognise positive choices: from Channing Character stickers and House Points, to Girls Enjoying Success Awards, all designed to ensure every pupil feels supported, valued and inspired.
Both assemblies were a powerful reminder of what makes Channing so special: a community built on kindness, curiosity and courage, where every girl is encouraged to flourish. As I watched the girls embracing Curiosity Fox’s love of exploration, Resilience Robin’s determination to bounce back when faced with challenges and Responsibility Badger’s sense of duty, I felt incredibly proud. These are the qualities that will not only shape their learning this year, but also their character for years to come.
On the subject of celebrations, I am thrilled to share some exciting news: Channing has been shortlisted for the Talk Education Awards in the Community Engagement category! Huge congratulations to our Social Impact Team, this recognition is a testament to their dedication, compassion and hard work in making a meaningful difference in the world around us. Their efforts embody Bravery Mole’s courage to lead change and Empathy Rabbit’s unwavering care for others.
Finally, I am very much looking forward to welcoming many of you tomorrow evening to our Welcome Evening on Tuesday 9 September from 6.00 – 8.00pm. During the evening, I will be speaking alongside Mrs Brant (Deputy Head) and Mr Davies (Deputy Head Academic) before introducing our Form and CoForm Teachers, Specialist Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Support Staff. You will then have the opportunity to visit your one of your daughter’s year group form rooms, meet her year group team and gain an insight into the exciting year ahead.
This evening is always such a highlight at the start of the academic year – a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, connect with one another and celebrate our shared values. It’s also a chance for me to meet and chat with many of you in person, which is something I always look forward to as we embark on this next chapter of your daughter’s journey at Channing.
With warm wishes for the academic year ahead
Miss Dina Hamalis
Head of the Junior School
