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Dear Parents & Carers
Today we welcomed families to our 5th Open Morning for the 2026 4+ cycle. These occasions are always a joy for us as they allow us to open the doors of our classrooms and share the sense of purpose and happiness that fills them each day. They also give me time to reflect on a question I am often asked. What makes Channing Junior School different?
It is a question I love because it goes right to the heart of who we are. For us the very best start in life is not only about achieving academic excellence but about nurturing the character, courage and curiosity that allow each girl to flourish. Our vision of Girls Enjoying Success recognises that success looks different for every child. At Channing it is about becoming the very best version of yourself.
Our motto Conabor – I will try, captures this spirit perfectly. We encourage the girls to adopt a growth mindset where effort is celebrated and mistakes are recognised as essential stepping stones in the learning journey. This builds resilience and confidence which serve them throughout the Junior School and when they move forward to the Senior School and beyond.
What makes Channing special is the way this vision is brought to life in so many ways. At the heart of our approach are the Channing Characters which were co-created by pupils and staff. Resilience Robin, Perseverance Squirrel, Empathy Rabbit, Responsibility Badger, Bravery Mole, Independence Owl, Respectful Hedgehog and Curiosity Fox remind us every day of the values that shape our learning and our relationships. They ensure that kindness and responsibility sit alongside intellectual curiosity and ambition.
Our much-loved buddy system is one example of how these values are lived. For example, Reception girls paired with Year 6 pupils provides reassurance and friendship from the very beginning. These bonds of care and guidance create a strong sense of community across the school. As Agatha, one of our current Year 6 Head Girls, told parents during her speech this morning: “Channing is very homely and you get to know people quickly. All the younger girls have a buddy which is so comforting and helpful when you are finding your way.” Her words capture the warmth and security that sit at the heart of our community.
Alongside this we offer a broad and ambitious curriculum brought to life by dedicated and inspirational teachers. From the youngest years the girls experience specialist teaching in areas such as Music, Drama, PE, Spanish and Forest School. As they move up through the school they encounter new subjects and challenges which build on their natural curiosity.
The richness of our co-curricular programme ensures that every girl has the chance to explore her interests and try something new. With over one hundred clubs each term there is always an opportunity to discover a new passion or develop an existing talent. From robotics to drama, netball to creative writing, gardening to orchestra, the girls enjoy experiences that build confidence, spark joy and deepen friendships. These opportunities, combined with a seamless transition to the Senior School without the pressures of the 11+, allow them to grow in knowledge and character in a secure and supportive environment.
Alongside these reflections, I have also just returned from the annual IAPS (formerly the Independent Association of Prep Schools) Conference. This is always a precious opportunity to step back, consider the year ahead and learn from colleagues across the country and beyond. Listening to inspirational speakers and sharing ideas with other Heads is both refreshing and affirming. In my role as District Representative for 1N, which includes schools north of the river in and around London, I also have the privilege of representing Channing within this wider professional community.
IAPS has been supporting independent school Headteachers for more than 100 years. Today, over 650 schools are members, ranging from rural to urban, day to boarding, co-educational to single-sex. While diverse in setting and tradition, all share a commitment to excellence in education for children from 3-13 years.
I return from the conference each year reminded of the strength, diversity and generosity of our sector, and deeply proud that Channing continues to lead the way in giving girls the very best start in life.
Finally, as a school community we also take time to notice the rhythm of the seasons and the richness of different traditions. This week we mark the Autumn Equinox, a moment of balance between light and dark, as well as Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Both are occasions of reflection and renewal which speak directly to the values we hold at Channing. They remind us that every season brings the chance for fresh beginnings and new hope.
With warm wishes
Miss Dina Hamalis
Head of the Junior School
