“ I will miss seeing the students everyday... their enthusiasm is refreshing and their excitement is palpable.”


am so pleased by the paradigm shift, facilitated by the introduction of the International Primary Curriculum and the focus on the skills for the twenty-first century. This has brought inquiry based learning to the forefront of our teaching and learning. Working with The Institute for Excellence in STEM (TIES) and Julie Hasfjord has put us in a place where the students are enthusiastic about their learning and developing the soft skills that will hold them in good stead, both in school and out in the workforce. The Primary Department teachers have embraced the ideals behind STEAM and have modelled the way by challenging their own thinking, taking risks and trying new teaching and learning strategies.


TB: Please share a favourite anecdote


from your time as Head of Primary? Ms Harris: Occasionally, young students might have some difficulty settling into the routines, sharing with others or may upset others, as young children do. I would be asked to have a “chat” with them about their behaviour as they spend some “quiet time” in my office. One girl went home and shared that she made a new friend that day, and when asked who it was, explained that it was Ms Harris and that she got to spend time in my office instead of the classroom. While her parents were mortified, she was quite happy that she got “Ms Harris time”. As they get older, the students soon realise that “Ms Harris time” is not a privilege. Then there is the speculation around my ‘Sports Day’ shirt, that has each of the 4 houses represented, and which house


I am in. The girls do not believe that I could possibly be neutral and believe that there is a hidden clue somewhere.


TB: What will you miss the most? Ms Harris: I will miss seeing the students everyday; the cheery greetings in the hallway, the sharing of random stories, hearing them discuss the things they are doing and what they are looking forward to that day. Their enthusiasm is refreshing and their excitement is palpable. I will miss working alongside the parents. The relationships I have built with many families have been important. I appreciate the many volunteers who help us on a daily basis, supporting the school with their time. I have worked with several Primary PTA Committees and each and everyone of them has been an example of parents who genuinely care for the school and their daughters’ education. I find I do not have the words to adequately express how grateful I am to these parents and what an honour it was to work alongside them. I will miss the amazing group of staff that I work with. The Primary staff are a phenomenal group of people who are supportive and thoughtful. I will miss the camaraderie. The Administrative staff are the backbone of the school, without whom I would be lost some days. Each one of them provides support in different ways but I always knew I could count on each of them for help when I needed it.


TB: What will you miss the least? Ms Harris: Meetings.


TB: If you could share with parents three observations or lessons from


your time at BHS what would they be? Ms Harris: The Primary years are a time where a love for learning is developed. However, this is not done through extra work, a focus on grades or pushing through skills. It develops through experiences, engaging activities, shared time and productive struggle. All students should have appropriate challenges placed before them. Trust that this is happening and is in the best interest of your daughter’s learning. Help your daughters (children) develop independence; give them chores and let them do things for themselves. Hold them responsible. This cannot be emphasised enough. When children have everything done for them, they find it more difficult to work collaboratively, think critically and solve problems for themselves. Hold your daughters accountable and do not rescue them. Let them make mistakes and help them learn from them - especially when it comes to their relationships. At sometime, everyone makes a mistake, is unkind or does something they wish they could take back. Accept the consequences, discuss why there is a consequence and what she could do differently. Making excuses or deflecting blame does not help her learn life’s lessons.


TB: Any advice for the next Head of Primary? Ms Harris: Be flexible and collaborative but do not be afraid to make the final decision. Be available; to staff, students and parents.


Most importantly, take time for yourself every evening and on weekends.


Torchbearer Spring 2018 11


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