The Chronicle 682

12 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Katie Jones What were your first impressions of Teddies a decade ago? An overwhelming sense of welcome – even when we spent the first two weeks living in the Health Centre whilst our house was being painted – cooking our food in the little kitchen and sleeping in the beds. The staff party just before the beginning of term gave us a chance to meet everyone and I realised just what a large community the Teddies family was – and how many children there were! You’ve had official and unofficial roles – tell us a bit about them. I would say that over the ten years we have lived at Teddies, I have mostly been involved in an unofficial capacity, supporting Stephen at as many events as possible and appreciating all the wonderful work that is done at School – by pupils, teachers and all the other staff (from gardens to dinners, logistics to cleaning). I have always been so proud that when people come to visit St Edward’s they receive a genuinely friendly welcome. As an Assistant Chaplain I have had the privilege of leading and sharing numerous Chapel services, helped prepare pupils for confirmation, baptised babies and married teachers and OSE. Most importantly I have held before God those who are in need of comfort and guidance and asked for His grace in their lives. What does Chapel bring to the life of the School? The Chapel is the beating heart of the school – sitting quietly in the corner of the Quad – its grey stone setting it apart from the red brick and the door always open during term time to welcome people. In recent months we have not been able to gather together in the usual way but next term I hope that pupils and staff alike will find that both when the Chapel is full of singing and prayer and also when it is a quiet refuge from the busyness of life, they can have a sense that God is present in this special place. Just as the clock ticks continuously in the tower, so Chapel reminds us that both as individuals and corporately we are held in His love, when we remember God and when we don’t!

The Warden said in his end of term letter that ‘Teddies is no ordinary school’ – what marks us out in your view? I haven’t asked what Stephen had in mind but I do know that Teddies feels like a very modern school educationally, built upon sound traditions that have stood the test of time. Pupils are expected to take responsibility for the way they approach their work but are given every resource and support to enable this to happen. I am often taken aback by the mature comments I hear from pupils about how to cope with a challenge, be it academic or personal – and I honestly wish I had known these methods when I was a young girl! What marks us out, too, is how unstuffy and inclusive we are. I find it hard to cope with arrogance and entitlement and it is heartwarming to witness frequent acts of kindness shown by older pupils to the young ones – that is a Teddies tradition worth keeping! What have you enjoyed most about your time at Teddies? Two things: the wonderful performances (in the broadest sense) of the pupils – there is no greater pleasure than seeing hard work and practice rewarded by presenting work, arts, sports or whatever it might be to an audience who appreciates it. I often think –

encouraged to take part in all the many activities on offer and that they will be included regardless of whether they are at the top of the tree or not. School is a time of discovery and our pupils have more opportunities than many and can make the most of the support that is given. What are your hopes for the School and its community in the future? Teddies is entering a very exciting phase – we now have wonderful facilities that will encourage everyone to study, explore and become fully rounded individuals with a heart for others. I hope that we continue to work in partnership with friends beyond our gates so that when Teddies pupils become OSE they will expect high standards of themselves and be encouraging and compassionate towards others.

‘my goodness I would never be able to do that now, let alone as a teenager’. The second is being part of a community that lives and works together for the those whose talents and skills may not be publicly appreciated and yet are vital to the wellbeing of so many others. What have you valued as a Teddies parent? I’ve loved being a parent here – being invited to concerts, plays, sports events – and yes, even parents’ meetings! There has always been a feeling that every child is common good relying on the selflessness of