Lindisfarne is a community for all of us

At Lindisfarne, we want every boy to be known, valued and supported. A strong sense of belonging is central to the Lindisfarne Way and helps our young men thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Belonging means feeling accepted, respected, safe and included. It is knowing that you matter, that your contribution is valued and that you have a meaningful place within our College community.

A strong sense of belonging grows through:

• Positive and respectful relationships between students, staff and families
• Feeling safe and comfortable in the classroom, boarding house and wider College environment
• Knowing that your voice is heard and your contribution matters
• Having opportunities to participate in the academic, sporting, cultural and service life of the College
• Being treated fairly and with respect
• Showing manaakitanga through care, kindness and consideration for others

Belonging can be challenged when people are excluded, treated unfairly or made to feel different. It can also be weakened when we do not take the time to understand and value individual or cultural differences, or when someone feels unable to participate fully in College life. An over-reliance on digital environments can also reduce the face-to-face connections that help relationships and community flourish.

At Lindisfarne, we build belonging by:

• Developing positive relationships across our College community
• Maintaining small class and tutor groups so that every boy can be known and supported
• Encouraging all students and staff to participate in sport, culture, service and the wider life of the College
• Creating meaningful opportunities for student voice
• Serving others within the College and our wider community
• Recognising and valuing the different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives within our community
• Encouraging our young men to show the character and courage to include others, speak up when something is not right and ask for help when they need it

Belonging is not something created by one programme or one person. It is built through the everyday choices each of us makes. The way we welcome others, listen, offer support and treat people with dignity all contribute to a community in which everyone can feel they belong.

If you or your son feels he is struggling to find his place within the Lindisfarne community, please reach out to me, his tutor, Dean, Housemaster, the Chaplain, Counsellor or one of his teachers. Students can also use their fortnightly Pulse check-in to ask for help or support.

No boy should feel that he has to face a difficult time alone. As a community, we all have a part to play in ensuring every boy feels connected, valued and supported. This is the Lindisfarne Way, and an important part of what it means to be Driven by Character.

David Cournane (Assistant Rector, Pastoral Care & Wellbeing)