Editorial 12th January 2023

Dear Parent

In this week’s parsha Shemos, we are introduced to Moshe Rabbeinu, our greatest leader. At the burning bush, Hashem gives Moshe the responsibility of saving the nation of Israel. Yet Moshe says that he cannot do this due to his speech impediment. Hashem answers with the following “Who gave man a mouth or who makes one hearing or deaf, seeing or blind, is it not I, Hashem.” (Shemos 4,11). Hashem is teaching Moshe that he creates people how they are and that he cherishes them all. Hashem then goes on to say ‘וְאָֽנֹכִי֙ אֶֽהְיֶ֣ה עִם־פִּ֔יךָ’, ‘I will be with your mouth.’ This demonstrates to us that we all need to find the strengths Hashem gave us and that with his support we can overcome any issues that hold us back.

Every student in the school has their own unique abilities. I see that the role of the teachers to find the strengths of each student and to give students the support to cope with any setbacks. As the newly appointed Interim Headteacher of Hasmonean Boys’ School, I am keen to ensure that our teaching enables all students to reach their true potential.

Having walked around the school over the last week, I have been impressed by the behaviour in most classrooms and the excellent learning that is taking place. The majority of the boys behave in an exemplary manner and are a credit to the school and their parents.

In terms of improvement, I have noticed that the standards of uniform and the behaviour in the corridors are below expectations. Over the next few weeks, I will be working with the pastoral team and the teachers to improve on these aspects.

I am aware that all the stakeholders of the school have strong feelings about the school’s strengths and areas of development. Over the coming weeks, I will meet with parents and governors to discuss their concerns. I am also eager to hear the views of our students and will arrange to meet with student leaders and SEN students to gain insight into their impressions of the school. Finally, the school has an extremely strong ethos of Torah Im Derech Eretz and the Kodesh provision is vital to the school. It is the combination of excellent Kodesh and secular studies that makes Hasmonean unique. I will be working closely with Rabbi Golker, Rabbi Muster, Rabbi Hartman and the rest of the Jewish Studies team to ensure that the school continues to strive to improve in all areas.

Have a good Shabbos.

Mrs M Langdon
Interim Headteacher – Boys’ School