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Teacher Spotlight: Meet Mr Barrett

As the new academic year begins, we are excited to welcome Mr. Barrett, our new Deputy Headteacher. In this Q&A, he shares what inspired his career in education, his excitement about joining our school, and his approach to building strong relationships with students, staff, and the wider community.

1. Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to pursue a career in education?

I emigrated from New Zealand nearly two decades ago and have spent half of that time as a senior leader in North London. My journey into education was inspired by a combination of my upbringing in a vibrant community setting and my passion for nurturing young minds. It was a decision I made after having a single, but highly effective 'careers interview' with a school counsellor. Growing up, I was actively involved in sports and community activities, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for the role of education in shaping well-rounded individuals. I love working with people and I love the dynamic, changeable nature of working in schools. My other love is sport- training as a PE teacher was an easy choice. My professional path has included significant roles in diverse and challenging environments, all of which have strengthened my commitment to fostering excellence and supporting student development. My experiences have shaped my educational philosophy and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education.

2. What excites you most about joining our school as the deputy head?

What excites me most about joining St Clement Danes School as Deputy Head is the opportunity to contribute to and grow within a high-performing, values-driven educational environment. From my first visit to the school, it left me inspired by its vibrant culture and commitment to excellence. I am deeply excited to be joining such an esteemed staff body, and it is a privilege to be their deputy headteacher. I am particularly drawn to the school's community-focused ethos, which resonates deeply with my own values. The prospect of working in a context where I can bring my experience in pastoral care and safeguarding to enhance student support and wellbeing is incredibly motivating. 

3. How do you approach building relationships with students, staff, and the wider school community?

Building relationships is at the heart of my approach to leadership. I believe in leading by example and fostering an environment of mutual respect and open communication. With students, I strive to be approachable and supportive, taking the time to understand their individual needs and aspirations. For staff, I prioritise collaboration and professional development, working alongside them to create a positive and inclusive school culture. Engaging with the wider school community, including parents and local partner organisations, is equally important. The partnership with parents is of particular importance. I am looking forward to demonstrating to each family that the trust they place in me and the wider SCD team is well placed. Their full, unequivocal support of our work is one of the key reasons the school is able to continue to excel. I aim to be visible and accessible,  actively listening to feedback to ensure that our school continues to meet the needs and expectations of stakeholders.

4. What do you enjoy doing outside of work to unwind and recharge?

Outside of work, I enjoy a variety of activities that help me unwind and recharge- I am a big advocate for balance. I love getting to the gym when I can, as well as trail running with my dog, a Hungarian vizsla, which allows me to stay active and connect with nature. Building my modest but growing vinyl collection is another passion of mine- I am a massive music fan. Being an antipodean, I rather stereotypically love a decent BBQ! As a father of young twins, spending quality time with my family is incredibly important to me. Whether it's exploring local parks or simply being at home, these moments are invaluable for recharging and maintaining a grounded life. I am excited about the day I can share my passion for snowboarding with them both.

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29th January

Year 8 Swimmers Make Waves at County Championships

We are delighted to announce that two of our Year 8 pupils, Sam C and Grace F, have achieved significant success in the pool, qualifying for and competing at the prestigious County Swimming Championships. Qualification for Counties is a major milestone in the swimming world. To be eligible, swimmers must achieve strict published qualifying times and rank within the top 25 competitors in their age group across the entire county. Both students have demonstrated exceptional talent to reach this elite standard. Sam has secured his place in an incredible variety of events, demonstrating his versatility across both sprints and long-distance endurance races. Representing Berkhamsted Swim Club, Sam will be competing at the Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre in St Albans throughout January. His comprehensive schedule includes: Freestyle: 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m Butterfly: 50m, 100m, and 200m Individual Medley: 100m, 200m, and 400m Matching this high standard of performance is Grace F, who represents the U13 age group. Grace has already secured a fantastic 9th place ranking in the county for the 100m breaststroke. Beyond this individual success, Grace is a dedicated member of Ricky Swim Club and a vital part of the SCD team, regularly representing the school in the Herts League. Reaching this level requires a sustained and high level of commitment. Over the past eight months, both swimmers have balanced intense training schedules and regular licensed galas alongside their academic studies. Their success is a testament not only to their athletic ability but also to their discipline and excellent time management. Please join us in congratulating Grace on her top10 ranking and wis