November 7th 2024
A focus on good manners
‘Good Manners’ has been the focus in Pre-Prep this week. Please don't think manners have been lacking here or that they aren't always a priority, but the children are still learning and we feel that it is essential to highlight and acknowledge how important they are.
Girls and boys have been encouraged to remember the magic words "please" and "thank you" and to listen carefully to one another without interrupting.
We talked in assembly about using forks and knives effectively and eating with mouths closed - all staff have been praising the children at lunchtime when they eat politely.
I am often greeted with a handshake or cheery "good morning" when I meet children as they arrive at school. Many boys and girls display the confidence to give eye contact, too - this is what we are working towards.
The old proverb "manners maketh man" is believed to have been the motto of the 14th century Bishop of Winchester, William Wykeham and was used as a quotation in Shakespeare's Hamlet. It is as pertinent today as it was then despite the gender reference - perhaps we need to update it to "Manners maketh Moulsford"!
