The strength and importance of our pastoral provision is one of the fundamental elements of a Harrow Hong Kong education and is essential to the wellbeing and success of our pupils. From the day the School opened, there has been a significant emphasis on the quality of relationships in the School community and the emphasis has been on establishing positive, respectful relationships. This is summarised through our Social Vision statement, which makes clear to all stakeholders how we want to treat each other within the School community.
‘A caring, respectful community in which everyone thrives’
Our Social Vision statement is, of course, closely aligned with the leadership attributes outlined in the School’s overall vision statement, Educational Excellence for Life and Leadership. The School defines ‘leadership’ as making a positive difference through people, and the exemplification of this social vision helps to further equip and challenge our pupils to use their knowledge, skills and talents (now and in the future) to make life better for others – whether this is within the local or School community or on a global scale.
PARENTING PROGRAMME AND SUPPORT
The School Psychologist, Dr. Gregory, runs parenting courses. It is the cornerstone of the School’s pastoral care provision and it is heartening to see so many parents embracing the tenets of positive psychology. The stronger the philosophical alignment of parents and the School, the more effectively we will be able to work together to allow our pupils to thrive at School.
The Partnership Agreement between Home and School which all parents sign on their children’s entry to the School, is the formal outline of the expectations of the key stakeholders in the School community: the School, parents and pupils. Underpinning this is the expectation of a regular two-way flow of relevant information, observations and perceptions between parents and the designated people who oversee the pastoral care of our pupils: the Class Teacher in the Lower School and the House Master or House Mistress in the Upper School. We encourage parents to play their part in ensuring that an effective, positive partnership develops, because such engagement has a strong positive impact on pupils’ academic attainment, co-curricular achievement and emotional wellbeing.