by Daniel Reynolds
Schools are typically mission-driven, which is undeniably important. However, in my experience, it is the school’s values that play a more pivotal role in creating, building, and sustaining a positive school culture.
When I arrived at Tokyo International School (TIS), we had a strong mission and vision but lacked a set of agreed-upon values. My former colleague and good friend, James Dalziel, was developing a course called “Maximising Your Mission, Vision, and Values,” so I invited him to TIS to pilot the course for the Japan Council of International School (JCIS) senior leaders. After three days, it became even more clear to me that having a set of school values was crucial, setting us on a course to create our own.
While the AISH course was a good start, any new initiative needs buy-in from the community. Including many voices was the next step. We dedicated several faculty meetings to discuss which values best suited TIS. From there, we surveyed the students and had them come up with a list of their own. The final step was to work with our oldest grade of students and have them decide which three words they felt best encapsulated us as a school. I was doing a mini-unit on leadership with them, so I incorporated this work into that unit. I loved the students’ practical approach. They said it was obvious the words needed to be memorable and what better way to do so than to start with TIS. They went through all of the words staff and students had chosen for “T” and decided on TRUST. They did the same for “I” and “S,” and TRUST, INSPIRE, SUPPORT was born. From our website, “The TIS values are the result of student empowerment, collaboration, and decision-making.”
After four years, these values are now woven into everything we do and are visible in all areas of the school. During the hiring process, our first three screening questions are: How do you build trust? How do you inspire students? How do you support your colleagues? Our appraisal process begins with a self-reflection divided into three sections: TRUST, INSPIRE, and SUPPORT. Similarly, our staff exit survey includes questions on TRUST, INSPIRE, and SUPPORT, aiming to find ways to enhance these values further. Along with our mission statement, our values are on the first slide of every presentation we use. They form the foundation for class agreements and are woven into several of our policies, including student behavior, which has had a powerful effect on the culture of the school.
Introducing values at a young age is crucial. I read to each grade level in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) under a theme tied to one of our values. For instance, in kindergarten, the theme is “Kindness” linked to “Support”; in grade one, “Honesty” linked to “Trust”; and in grade two, “Teamwork” linked to “Inspire.” This continues throughout our lower school.
Articulating your school values is essential for fostering a positive school culture. If your school lacks a set of values, make it your mission to create them. If you already have values, ensure they are more than just words on a wall—they should be lived and breathed every day.
Daniel (Dan) Reynolds is Head of School, Tokyo International School, Japan
To connect with Dan on LinkedIn, click here
Next week’s Principal’s Blog is written by Simon Jacobs, Primary Principal, ICS London
LYIS is proud to partner with TIC Recruitment
