FROM THE HEADMASTER Pulling together on Good Ship Saltus In the days of cannon, the second and sixth member of the gun crew were responsible for heavy pulling. When the cannon was pulled in for reloading or pushed out for firing, the cry would be “2…6 Heave!” This practice spread to anywhere on board that required a concerted team effort. A SPLENDID example of teamwork at its best occurred aboard Spirit of Bermuda last fall. (see Page 17) Some 21 Saltus boys and girls spent five life-altering days aboard the training sloop, acquiring new skills, learning how to live together harmoniously in cramped quarters, and how to work together effectively. It was Spirit’s first co-educational school voyage and it was considered by all an unqualified success. What other valuable lessons were learned? The discovery that with proper teamwork, it is possible to reduce the amount of work of one person; the realisation that creating a bond among team members goes a long way towards increasing productivity, and the recognition that camaraderie sustains every member of the team, in good—and difficult—times. No one knows better than the people of this maritime nation that survival at sea has always required exquisite teamwork. From the captain to the cabin boy, everyone knew their job thoroughly, obeyed directions immediately, and trusted implicitly in their crewmates. Even today, with UPBs, satellites, computers, and tracking devices, teamwork is still essential. Many nautical analogies derive from the mariner’s life at sea, such as: “She runs a tight ship”; “He has a firm hand on the tiller”; “They know the ropes”—even “We’re in the doldrums”! Permit me to apply similar analogies to our good ship Saltus using the teamwork lessons learned by our students on Spirit. Our School is comprised of as many constituencies as a ship: students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, trustees and numerous other categories, such as school divisions, grade levels, classes, departments and committees. Each of these groups has a purpose and each member plays a key role. If they don’t work together on common goals, however, all the individual talent in the world goes to waste. S A LT U S M A G A Z I N E CHARLES ANDERSON As the seventh Headmaster of Saltus Grammar School, I spent my first year assessing and evaluating the School’s situation/performance with the valuable input of many parents, faculty, teachers, alumni and trustees. The result was the establishment of a mission statement for the entire School community and the setting of strategic priorities, which we are now carrying out. They include the push for academic excellence, the imparting of values such as pride, respect for one another, good behaviour and honesty, and a commitment to community service—recognising that everyone is not as fortunate as those who have the privilege of attending our School. We at Saltus recognise the high expectations of our parent community and the need for improved performance. To achieve our vision, however, teamwork, respect and trust are critical. The path will not always be an easy one, particularly amid these turbulent economic times. But with a unified, determined and supportive set of constituents, Saltus can be at the forefront of education in Bermuda. To do that, we as a group need to work closely together and support each other, so the School can deliver effective governance, innovative and dynamic programmes, and highly inspired teaching to bring out the very best in all our students —a goal, I know, which is shared by every one of us. TEd STAUNTON, HEAdMASTER ‘To achieve our vision, teamwork, respect and trust are critical’ 5