Miss Hamalis, Headmistress of the Junior School, shares her assembly about our Unitarian history.

In this morning’s assembly, I delved into the rich history of our esteemed School, Channing. Originally known as Channing House School, it was founded in the 1880s through the collaborative efforts of Reverend Robert Spears and the dedicated sisters, Miss Emily and Miss Matilda Sharpe. Together, they forged a visionary path, driven by a profound mission: to extend exceptional education to the daughters of Unitarian ministers. Their foresight was revolutionary, especially considering the limited educational opportunities available to young women during that era. Through their unwavering commitment to this noble cause, they laid the cornerstone for the cherished principles that continue to define our School’s ethos today.

At Channing, we embrace and honour our Unitarian heritage, fostering an environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness and respect among our pupils. The term “Unitarian” derives from the concept of unity, reflecting our belief in the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of caring for one another and our planet. This principle is deeply ingrained in our school community, reminding us of our collective responsibility to foster compassion and stewardship.

During our assemblies, Mrs Hughes and I sometimes begin with a mantra adopted from the Children’s Service at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, Hampstead, that we have a strong relationship with: ‘We gather today with open minds, loving hearts and helping hands’. This very much encapsulates the ethos of our School, prompting me this morning to ask the girls to delve deeper into the meanings embedded within these words:

• Open minds: We encourage our pupils to be receptive to diverse perspectives and ideas, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and empathy. We champion open-mindedness as a cornerstone of learning and growth. This commitment to openness is beautifully embodied by the two Channing Characters: Curiosity Fox and Respectfulness Hedgehog. They symbolise our dedication to fostering curiosity, respect and a genuine appreciation for the richness of different perspectives.

• Loving hearts: We instil in our pupils the value of compassion, empathy and care for one another, promoting a supportive and inclusive community. Nurturing compassionate hearts is at the core of our educational philosophy. We cultivate within our pupils a deep appreciation for empathy, compassion and mutual care, fostering a harmonious and inclusive community. This ethos is beautifully exemplified by our beloved characters, Empathy Rabbit and Respectfulness Hedgehog, who symbolise our dedication to fostering understanding, kindness and solidarity among all members of our community.

• Helping hands: We emphasise the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need, teaching our pupils the significance of solidarity and support. This principle is epitomised by Empathy Rabbit and Responsibility Badger, who exemplify our commitment to compassionate action and shared responsibility within our community.