6 February 2026
Dear Parents,
Just another ‘Clifton Notties’ day…
On Thursday, my day began with tea in the Pavilion alongside all our new children. It was a real privilege for Mr Quinn, Mrs Rautenbach and me to spend time connecting with each of them as we reflected on their first month at Clifton. Their confidence, joy and genuine openness were heart-warming as they shared stories of new friendships, small conquests and memorable experiences. They are already wonderful additions to our Clifton family. My sincere thanks to our catering team for the delicious treats, and to Mrs Rautenbach for organising such a meaningful gathering.
A little later, I wandered through Headmaster’s Woods for World Read Aloud Day. Children and staff sat together on picnic blankets beneath the dappled shade of the trees, older children and adults reading to younger ones, stories being shared, and a palpable love of reading weaving its way through the woods. Such a simple moment, and yet so magical in its sense of connection.
In the afternoon, I made my way to Howick to watch our Mixed Gala team in action. The boys and girls grit, teamwork, determination and spirited energy mirrored what I have seen at so many galas and sporting events over the past few weeks. Well done to all the children and staff involved.
Back on campus, two of our Junior Primary children enjoyed a riding lesson on their ponies that meandered through the school grounds, complete with a stop at Reception and a joyful escort from Benji the dog as they passed the Chapel. Only at Clifton!
As evening settled, the sounds of our boarders laughing, playing and sharing together filled the campus. Under the steady and caring guidance of our dedicated boarding staff and interns, the boarding houses continue to be places of warmth, belonging and growth. To read more about what our boarders have been up to, click on the Inside the Dorm newsletter.
Just another Clifton day… and a reminder that days like these are not the exception here, but the norm. These are the moments that make Clifton Notties special: meaningful experiences where children, staff and parents alike feel part of something bigger, something shared, something that lasts.
A special thank you to 6SW for leading our chapel message at the start of the week. They reminded us that life’s daily challenges are lighter when shared, and that none of us walks alone. This message resonated deeply with the spirit I witness each day at Clifton. On Friday, this was beautifully complemented in the Junior Primary chapel led by Mrs Fly. Using the story of Noah’s Ark, she thoughtfully illustrated the importance of planning ahead, reminding our youngest children that preparation, foresight and trust matter, especially when life feels uncertain. These chapel moments are deeply important. They ground our days in faith, strengthen our sense of community, and allow shared messages to take root in hearts and minds across the school.
On Wednesday for World Cancer Day, we issued pink ribbons to all our Clifton staff and children, to be worn as a symbol of solidarity, hope, and support for those affected. Wearing them helped raise awareness within our school community.
I am pleased to share that the roof will soon be going onto the new Grade 4 classrooms, and that work has begun on the refurbishment of Usher House, along with upgrades to our Library and IT spaces. A detailed letter will be sent to parents shortly outlining the building work and the temporary changes to traffic flow around the school. Thank you, as always, for your patience, understanding and cooperation during this time of positive change.
It was a wonderful experience for our Pre-School and Junior Primary parents to gather in the EAC Foyer this morning for our Parent Workshop, "Parenting with Intention: Values in Action." There was a beautiful sense of connection in the room as parents took a meaningful breath away from the "busyness" of daily life to reflect on the heart of their parenting journeys.
Led by parent coach and specialist Bronwyn Campbell, the session was both grounding and deeply affirming. It provided a safe space for us to explore how we can lead our families with greater presence, even when life feels pressured.
Key insights from the morning included:
Accessing Values Under Stress: We explored the idea that children (and adults) don’t "lose" their values during difficult moments; they simply lose access to them when their nervous systems feel overwhelmed.
Foundational vs. Aspirational: We discussed how foundational needs—like safety, attachment, and regulation—must be met before aspirational traits like empathy and kindness can emerge.
The Power of Return: A central takeaway was that parenting isn't about perfection; it’s about the practice of "return and repair" when things go wrong.
As the Japanese proverb shared in the workshop reminds us, "A child grows up watching the back of their parent." By modeling how we handle frustration and return to connection, we quietly transmit our most deeply held values to our children every day.
We left feeling inspired to approach family life with renewed integrity and heart. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a special morning of shared learning.
Good luck to all our horse riders participating in the show at Waterwoods this weekend, we are cheering you on!
With the unseasonably warm weather continuing, please remember to apply sunscreen at home and ensure your child arrives at school with a hat and water bottle.
Wishing you all a happy weekend ahead.
