From the Principal 02.12.2023

Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend my first the full day as a teacher here at KIS.

The role of a Principal is quite varied and a work day can entail anything and everything from budgetary and finance discussions to planning future building projects and quality assuring teaching and learning. There is not really a normal day aside from usually being quite busy and involving many cups of coffee. However one thing Principals miss out on a lot of the time is the joy of being in a classroom and simply being a part of learning.

Like most Principals, more often than not, when I am in a classroom I am there as a passive observer, dropping by to say hello and to check-in. Rarely these days do I get the chance to be an active participant in the lesson and immerse myself in the learning.

Fortunately yesterday I had that opportunity. I was able to spend the whole day taking on the role and duties of one our teachers so I could move around campus and take the time to get to know our school in a slightly different way.

On Thursday KIS had some visiting families who spent time in lessons as part of a school tour. Following their tour I had the chance to speak with them and get their thoughts. What they remarked on and were so impressed by was exactly what I was delighted to experience yesterday; students who were actively engaged in their learning, who asked questions, who were open to having their thinking challenged and most importantly of all, who were compassionate and caring for one another. While these attributes were things I knew students at KIS certainly possessed, to be able to spend time in classrooms and see first hand how students support one another and how open they are to new ideas, was brilliant.

Like all schools KIS has areas for development and as a Principal I will not be shying away from these. Indeed, facing our challenges head on and working to take KIS to the next level is something that I am very passionate about doing. However I believe that is important to pause and reflect on the incredibly strong foundations our school has. The strength of the community, the character of the students and great work that happens daily.

Friday was bookended by two great events that really showcased how wonderful our students are. During Form Time and Primary Assembly the team from UBUNTU, led by Grace Lee and emceed by Vivian Kim, performed for the students and presented certificates of appreciation to members of our community for work in their recent events. Yesterday evening was the Secondary Music Concert and the quality of musicianship was outstanding. What was brilliant about both events is that they were student led and placed the passions and endeavors of KIS students front and center.

We talk a lot about ‘Nurturing Global Citizens’ here at KIS and from my experience in lessons this Friday, seeing the great events that bookended yesterday and the many great things happening on a daily basis, I am confident in saying that our mission & vision is certainly being lived in our school.

I would like to remind parents that your movement around campus should be limited to the waiting benches, the Cafe, Front Office, upstairs Admin Office, Adult Toilets by the Hall, EYFS gate area, and picnic benches by basketball court at Primary pick-up time.

All other areas of the school are off-limits unless by invitation (e.g. a meeting or an event is taking place). This is to ensure we maintain high-quality, distraction free learning spaces and uphold our commitments to the highest levels of safeguarding and child protection.

Thank you for your understanding with this.

Mr Sam Gipson
Principal