Amelia Were, Chair of the Bryanston Parents’ Association, shares insights into the BPA’s role, ongoing initiatives, upcoming events and her personal reflections on supporting teenagers today.
Firstly, welcome to the Bryanston Parents’ Association (BPA). I am absolutely thrilled to step into the role of Chair, following in the footsteps of Valencia Haynes, who led the committee with dedication and care for the past two years. As the proud parent of two girls, one in Year 10 (C) and one in Year 12 (A3) and a full-time GP, I feel honoured to contribute to the BPA and play a part in strengthening our school community. My main goal is to ensure that all Bryanston parents feel welcome, supported and connected.
The BPA has two primary objectives: to support school initiatives and to build stronger connections between parents, families and the school.
Each term, we fund various projects and activities that enrich pupils’ experience, made possible through the generous contributions from parents. These initiatives often cover areas that go beyond the school’s budget enhancing both the learning and extracurricular environment at Bryanston.
Funding requests come to us through the House Parents and staff who oversee Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs). Additionally, every year, we allocate a larger amount towards a specific project that directly benefits the school community. Last year, we provided initial funding for the Green Power Race Team, purchased new paddle boards and sailing equipment for Outdoor Education, acquired new Equestrian Jumps and invested in a very exciting Caving Centre which plans to launch soon.
Our support for Bryanston goes beyond funding projects – it’s about nurturing an inclusive and supportive community to help our children thrive in today’s complex world. From navigating global conflicts and technology use, to addressing environmental issues and social inequalities, alongside rising anxiety and mental health issues, our teenagers face significant challenges.
Through the BPA, we aim to create an environment where parents can support each other, share ideas and feel empowered to help their children develop resilience, empathy, and a strong sense of belonging. By strengthening parent connections, we build a more unified community, helping us better navigate the challenges our children face.
A good example of our work connected to this, is our ongoing relationship with Alicia Drummond who has visited the school over a number of years for workshops on ‘Parenting Teens’. Organised and hosted by the BPA, these “thought-provoking” and “inspiring” workshops are designed to provide information and advice to help parents support their teenagers and create a healthy and happy home.
Alongside this, we organise various social events to bring parents together, offering opportunities to connect and build friendships. For example, this term we hosted a Boathouse Party for parents with children starting in Year 9 (D), which provided a wonderful opportunity to meet new families. We are currently putting the finishing touches to our first drinks social event of the term alongside the annual Charities Fair and we warmly welcome you to join us.
Our children are fortunate to be part of such a vibrant, creative, and diverse school community, and as parents, it’s important that we champion this diversity of thought and experience. Recently, I came across the term ‘Freudenfreude’, which describes the joy we feel in others’ successes. It struck me as a powerful mindset that we should model and promote to our children. By celebrating each other’s achievements, we encourage a spirit of positivity and collaboration that will serve them well as they grow into compassionate, well-rounded individuals.
If we as parents are able to model this mindset to our children, we can all help impact the culture of the school with every interaction. My primary goal is not to encourage more parents to join the BPA, rather to encourage every single parent to consider how they can support the culture and mindset of the school rather than feeling that they cannot influence it. You don’t have to join the BPA committee and put in a lot of time to contribute – even turning up to an event that you wouldn’t normally support, can make a huge impact.
House Athletics in the Summer term, is a great example of pupils (and parents!) coming together to enhance our connected and purposeful environment. It’s not just about supporting the individual – it’s about strengthening our team first culture and sense of belonging.
Please do get involved and join us at the BPA. We are a small group of parents representing different year groups, and we warmly welcome new members. Please email [email protected] to learn more about joining us in making a difference in our school community. Together, we can help our children feel supported, understood, and ready to face the challenges ahead.
