Having been purchased from the Lovells at the end of the summer, it has now been guided into the capable hands of the JFK Foundation whose commitment will ensure that it builds upon its good name, continues to develop and provides the best in education. I recently spoke with Mr Gareth Davies, the new headmaster.

Was it a big challenge to move from Singapore to Gstaad?
Coming to Gstaad is a dream come true. As former Head of the Elementary School at the United World College in Singapore, I worked with some very dedicated teachers, one of whom was married to a member of a Gstaad family, who still own a chalet here today. We spent time with them on vacation here, skiing and enjoying all that the Saanenland offers. We fell in love with the region then.

Which kind of school did you expect to find, and what about the legacy that Mr. Bill Lovell leaves behind?
At an international school directors’ conference, many years ago, I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Bill and during that time, learned a little about JFK and its history. I can remember very clearly thinking how wonderful a school he was describing and what a wonderful position he held. Roll on a few years and I find myself in this very special and responsible role. Preserving the strengths and moving the school carefully forward, are my tasks now. The family-feel is clearly a great strength!

What model of school will you adopt going forward?
I believe a school should be part of its community and that both should support one another. I believe that as a school, we should hold the highest expectations of our students and through doing so, encourage them to expect highly of themselves. Our school should provide every opportunity possible for our students, in order that they can discover something within themselves where they might enjoy success.  Kurt Hahn the German educator, famously said, “There is more in you than you think.”  It is our job to help youngsters to ensure that they discover what this talent is.

I have heard that JFK International School will make available some scholarships for local children from 2012. How many will you accept?
Nothing has been formally decided, but as the local community is held in high regard, the school will be looking to see how we can best serve the youngsters of the Saanenland. Scholarships will surely be considered.

Do you consider yourself as a strict headmaster? And if so, do you believe it’s a necessary quality to have disciplined students?
I would prefer to use the description “firm but fair”. Discipline is not only necessary, but essential. Students need to know exactly what is expected of them and to know that this is consistently required. For optimum learning to take place, the atmosphere of the classroom must enable and facilitate this. Boundaries must be known, to ensure that all are secure. Without doubt, the happiest classes are those where all members are clear of rules and consequences. It is no coincidence that these are the ones in which the best teaching and learning take place.

You have so far had a long career as headmaster.
This is my 21st year as a headmaster out of a career in teaching spanning 31 years! My time in Singapore started 15 years ago when I was asked to set up the first primary school of the United World College. This had originally been set up as a high school by Lord Mountbatten and Prince Charles. We opened our doors to 135 students between the ages of 9 and 11 years of age. The campus now has over 2’900 students from 4 - 18 years of age and is one of the most dynamic international schools in the world.

Are you going to add more grades?
From next September we are opening our doors to Year 10 students, that is, those who are 14 and 15 years of age.  We begin the IGCSE program with the Cambridge University Board as our examining body. This is a very positive move for the school and will enable our students to gain top qualifications whilst staying with us here in Saanen until they are 16 years old.

Are you in competition with the college “Le Rosey”?
We offer something very special and unique. We are small enough for every pupil to be known by every other person at the school. We are very much a family school and are happy to build on the wonderful work established by the Lovell family over the former 41 years. I look forward to working with Le Rosey and making professional and personal links.

What do you like about Saanenland? 
Everything so far! As a family, we discover something new each daywhich gives us something to be thankful for. I thank ‘the locals’ who have done so much already to make our family feel so much at home here. 

Good luck, Mr. Davies!

by Januaria Piromallo