How to be a Golden Tie

One of the most revered positions in the school is that of the Golden Ties, pupils who have proven themselves to be the perfect role models for our school. Towards the end of Term 6, a boy and a girl will be chosen from each Year 5 class and awarded their golden tie by Mr Kendall in an assembly in front of the whole school. It is a highlight of the Year 5 calendar and everyone will be keeping their fingers crossed to be the one of the initial chosen 8. They will be able to wear their coveted golden ties instead of the uniform green striped one to school. The ties stand out amongst the school and act as a constant reminder to pupils of how children at Riverview Junior School are expected to act.

Don’t despair if you don’t get selected the first time as at the end of every term in the new school year, two more children are selected from each class in Year 6 and join the Golden tie club. That’s another 8 children every term!

The Golden Ties are called upon for various tasks, one is to show newcomers around the school, another is to help the Year 3 children settle into the school and you can be sure that Mr Kendall and the office staff will look to them for any assistance they may need during the school year.

Blog Club decided to find out a little bit more about how golden ties are selected, read on and find out what Mr Kendall is looking for so you can be amongst the chosen few.

How to be a Golden Tie

What kind of personality or traits do you look for when you are choosing somebody to be a Golden Tie?

We look for the children who show they use and understand all five core values. We aren’t looking for children who are particularly good at maths or English but those who understand respect and resilience, those who try to be great team members and are the best they can possibly be in everything they do.

Do you struggle when choosing a Golden Tie?

We do struggle. We can only choose 8 per term and we have 120 children in Year 6. It is a very difficult decision and it’s getting more and more difficult as the behaviour overall has vastly improved, many children are ready and therefore our job is harder.

What does Excellence look like for you?

Excellence is children and adults being the best they possibly can be. Some children find reading difficult or playing with others, excellence is being the best YOU can be.

How can a child model resilience?

I think it’s what happens when you don’t know what to do. When you’re stuck you have two choices
Give up – I can’t do that, I’ll never be able to do that. It’s too hard for me.
Resilience – I can’t do that yet, what can I do now to help me achieve it, who can I ask to help me? How can I get better?

How can a child model respect?

By doing as they are asked when they are asked, by being polite and well mannered at all times.

How can a child model responsibility?

By setting the best example to others.

How can a child model teamwork?

Teamwork is helping others, it’s going out of your way to make somebody feel better. It’s letting someone else have a turn in the game, letting somebody else have a throw of the ball when you’re all playing together.

Good luck to all the current Year 5 pupils, remember our core values and maybe you will be chosen to wear a Golden Tie this year.

Khhushali 5C