Annual Report 2015-2016 | Page 4

Being real

At the beginning of our 2015 ‒ 2016 school year , as part of our Whole Girl , Whole World speaker series , the Crofton House community had the pleasure of welcoming and hosting acclaimed author Rachel Simmons to discuss her bestselling book , The Curse of the Good Girl . In her time with us , Ms . Simmons focused on distinguishing the ‘ good girl ’ from the ‘ real girl ,’ explaining that so-called good girls are socially and academically successful , smart , driven , pretty and kind but also tend to be people-pleasers and rule-followers , often anxious about always doing the right thing . A real girl , in contrast , says what she feels and thinks , embraces her limits , and presents her true self to the world .
Being real was a theme that carried through our entire year , including Simran Cheema ’ s Valedictorian Address , entitled “ Real Talk with Simran .” An appropriate bookend , Simran remarked : “ I have watched every girl on this stage find an environment at CHS , whether that be the physical halls or just with individuals from this school , where they can unapologetically be their true selves .” That statement , in itself , is a profound testament to being real .
In 2015 – 2016 , being real also extended to the achievement of a major milestone in our school ’ s history with the opening of Manrell Hall and the new Senior School Athletics Centre . This striking new and important addition to our school is already making a difference in the lives of our girls , helping them be their truest possible selves . Welcome additions to our athletics identity in 2015 – 2016 were our new Crofton Falcons logo and colourful fan wear , a hit with students , parents and staff alike .
Finally , being real last year included our supportive parents and the 2016 Crofton House School Gala — a wonderful evening of celebration that will be fondly remembered in the school ’ s history . The gala ’ s purpose was to celebrate the near-completion of the rebuilding of our campus over the past decade . A project of this size and scale would simply not have been possible without the courageous leadership of the Board of Governors and the unprecedented generosity of the entire Crofton House community .
Without exception , visitors to the campus are awed by what we ’ ve created together . As our architect Simon Richard describes it , we have buildings in a garden that reflect the school ’ s rich heritage , with the Old Residence at its very centre — the ideal setting for our Crofton House girls to reach for the stars while always being real .
Servabo fidem , Dr . Patricia Dawson , Head , Crofton House School