Head’s Blog: Safety and Care

Keeping the Matthews Hall community safe is a core responsibility of our school and one that we practise several times a year. We follow clear safety procedures that support student well-being, preparedness, and calm responses, and fire drills and lockdown drills are key parts of this commitment. While drills can sometimes create some discomfort, their purpose is not to frighten, but instead, they are designed to help our students feel confident, reassured, and protected knowing that adults around them are prepared to take care of them in these situations. 

 We practise fire drills six times a year and lockdown drills twice a year because preparation reduces confusion and anxiety if an unexpected situation occurs. Just as children practice routines like lining up for recess or safely crossing a street, safety drills help build familiarity and a type of muscle memory. When the procedures seem easy and practised, our students will be more at east in the moment making it can be easier for them to manage. 

As an outcome of these drills, students know where to go, who to listen to, and the expectations. Knowing this increases the likelihood that they will stay calm and feel secure in a real event. These drills are not about focusing on danger; they are about reinforcing that adults have plans in place and that students are never facing these situations alone. Teachers kindly explain drills and frame them as practice. For our youngest students, discussions focus on listening to their teacher, staying together as a class, and knowing that the drill is part of keeping everyone safe. 

This spring, we have three more drills to conduct and one more lockdown drill. This past fall, our students did a brilliant job with the process and I am confident they know the routines we will continue to reinforce, quite well. 

Mr. White, Head of School