Revision 327: principals letter july 20 · Aitchison Collection Explorer

I trust that my letter reaches you and your families in fine health and your boys are enjoying a happy and productive Summer Break.This year, we welcome a record number of boys into K2 and new senior boarders into the newly constructed Shirazi House. The ratio of boarders to day boys across the school will approach 1:5 with the opening of Monnoo House in August 2024. This will complete our boarding strategic plan and position the College as a national educator offering the finest schooling to boys from all parts of the country, as we should. The integration of boys from the four provinces and administered territories enriches the Aitchison experience and contributes to the broader goal of inclusivity both in and outside the classroom.Our commitment to teaching and learning has produced very strong results across the school for a number of years. We do expect high standards but value effort equally as much. However, I am quick to point out that attendance in class and a healthy participation outside the classroom are both essential when it comes to assessing a boy's continuing suitability at Aitchison. Boys who fail subjects and who have low attendance are unlikely to be retained after two warnings and/ or academic probation. Senior boys whose attendance is disturbingly low are likely to be privatised or withdrawn. 90% attendance with approved leave is the red line. Attendance multiplies a boy's chances of attaining desired outcomes, while it is disrespectful to staff and other boys to deliberately miss classes. Please discuss long or unusual absences with your relevant Head of School, so adequate provision can be made. Challenging boys, feeding their curiosity, raising conversation, pushing intellectual and physical limits, while making healthy friendships, cannot be simulated anywhere else. We are educating the whole boy. Aitchison's uniqueness lies in the quality of interaction and the breadth of opportunity for engagement, expression and growth. In principle, no boy should be allowed to fail in peace and every boy belongs at school. Boys arriving at school poorly attired or wearing inappropriate clothes or incorrect shoes will not be able to attend class. Staff and prefects inspect uniforms on entry to school buildings. Please check your son's uniform needs before the recommencement of school. Be prepared. Boys with inappropriate haircuts (and they know) will go straight to the barber. The barber cuts my hair, so objections are ignored. Reacquaint yourselves with major College Rules. For example, 'Vaping' is banned and any boy's use or association with it will result in his immediate withdrawal. Bullying and fighting are abhorred. We have serious rules and real consequences for unwanted extreme behaviours. Regular spot checks occur at school. The school also employs security cameras. Notwithstanding, Aitchison is a relaxed and very friendly environment, but rules and protocols are there to ensure that our campus is a safe and productive place in which everyone can flourish.Term 1 is 18 weeks and our calendar is very busy. We have, for now, lessened the emphasis on outside sport in November to minimise exposure to pollution. Let us hope this unpleasant situation improves in 2023. Your son will be guided by his housemaster and tutor regarding activities and games. Sport in some shape or form is compulsory. College and House teams offer highly competitive competitions. After school sports are timetabled and open to all boys. Sports and games are also played during the school day during physical education lessons. The Games Master and sportsmasters of each school oversee the three Sports programs. Riding (when not compulsory) and shooting are available on application. These latter two sports are limited by number for safety reasons. Co-curricular clubs and societies are also a feature of Aitchison. Heads of School and Heads of Co-curricular Activities will advise boys of available groups and we will do our best to accommodate their interests. Throughout the year, we invite parents to exhibitions. Please watch for uploads on new texts and stationery distributions. This applies to all schools. Boys should come ready to work, well-equipped. Talk to your son about the importance of getting off to a good start. Achieving well at the beginning of term builds confidence. Trying hard establishes good habits. Now is a good time for your son(s) to read and to take an interest in upcoming work and topics. Neither is revision ever out of place. Parent-Student-Teacher meetings are scheduled each term. While junior boys are managed very closely, we expect increasing independence and responsibility to be shown from E2 and upwards, which includes accountability. By the time a boy reaches Senior School, he should be well-acquainted with our system and able to organise his own program with minimal guidance. Of course, help is never far away and advisory meetings and assemblies are regularly held throughout the year. New boys will receive additional mentoring in the early portion of Term 1.We are one of the few schools that offer drop-offs and collections inside the campus. We do this as a convenience to you and for added safety. Check gate times. Please drive slowly and avoid passing other vehicles. Follow the directions of guards. Beware of boys crossing roads. Please instruct your drivers not to litter. I will write again in more detail about the College's performance and achievements before the academic year commences in late August.

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