The beginning of the school year brings excitement and a touch of nervousness for everyone within a school community. I want to extend my gratitude to the children, parents and educators of Prem for making me feel so immediately welcome. I feel overjoyed to be joining this community, and blessed that my children have the opportunity to learn in a school that is encompassed within a truly remarkable natural environment. As I write this my 6-year old son is bubbling over with enthusiasm around his trip to the farm today, where he had the chance to plant corn he will one day eat. The vision behind this school, that is so much more than a school, is something very special.

During our teacher orientation week, I had the chance to deliver to our Junior School educators a survey with only one question. I asked, “What do you love about Prem?” The teachers’ answers were varied. They spoke of diversity, creativity, inquiry-based learning, and of course, the beautiful campus. Four of their answers particularly resonate with me, in that they speak to my own first impressions of Prem. I would like to share these with you here for your own personal contemplation.

• Warmth of community members

• The awesome students we get to teach on a daily basis

• Everyone is passionate about children, their learning and their learning to being ‘good’ humans

• Coming to school is a joy

I also wanted to mention that I have very much enjoyed the conversations I have had with some of our Junior School parents over the past week. Our discussions have afforded me a greater insight around how I might best work to foster student learning and well-being in the Junior School. Gradually, I am tapping into the institutional memory here and gaining an understanding of the rich context and tapestry which makes Prem the school that it is.

I am looking forward to this year ahead, and working with each of you, towards making the Junior School the best it can possibly be. I hope to see you all at our Junior School Information Evening next Tuesday, August 27th from 6-8 pm.

Justin Jarman

Junior School Principal