At the start of term Miss Hamalis, the Head of the Junior School, and Mrs Hughes, Headmistress, were joined by the Junior School and Senior School Head Girls to lead the first whole school assembly of the year. It focused on the Channing Promise, a special commitment that everyone in the Channing community shares. It's a promise that helps create a school environment where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. Written by the girls and upheld by all, we believe this promise is essential to our pupils’ personal growth, not just their academic learning.

The Channing Promise is made up of five core principles. In the Junior School version each of them is linked to a Channing Character animal to help students remember and apply them.

1. Treat everyone with respect and kindness (Respectful Hedgehog): This promise is about using kind words, helpful hands, and friendly actions. In assembly students were encouraged to give a genuine compliment to the person next to them to practice this value.
2. Think of others and be aware of their feelings (Empathy Rabbit): This principle reminds students to look after one another and make sure everyone feels included. It takes courage to be brave and do the right thing, especially when others are silent.
3. Create a supportive environment with freedom for thought and voice (Curiosity Fox and Resilience Robin): Students were encouraged to be curious and open-minded, like the fox who loves to ask questions. The robin reminds them that it's okay to make mistakes and to just try again.
4. Make the most of all the opportunities we receive with a positive and appreciative attitude (Independence Owl and Perseverance Squirrel): This promise teaches students to make the most of every opportunity, try new things, and keep going even when things are difficult.
5. Uphold fairness and inclusivity in all we do (Responsibility Badger and Bravery Mole): This final promise emphasises making sure everything is fair and inclusive, so that everyone feels valued and welcome.

The Channing Promise isn't just a set of words on a poster; it's something we are all expected to live out every day through our actions. In the words of our founder, Matilda Sharpe, ‘Life expects much of you and me’, and the Channing Promise helps students live up to that expectation and be the best versions of themselves. As explained to the girls, these five promises are the sum total of our school's rules. The values of kindness, respect and inclusivity should be a guide for their actions, both in the classroom and in their conversations with one another.