What an eventful week; with two whole school events, five trips, special visitors, and a drama performance in a professional theatre! I began the week with a Remembrance Assembly for Middle and Upper School, talking about who, what, and why we remember at this time of the year. Our older children are aware that world conflict is ongoing, and the need for peace and unity in the world is as great as it ever has been. This gave the children the context for our very moving observance of the Two Minutes’ Silence on Tuesday at 11am.
Thursday saw two major events, one in school and one at The Old Market Theatre. Odd Socks Day is part of national Anti-Bullying Week, a simple way to represent the important idea that we are “all different but all equal”, a bit like a pair of odd socks! Mr Carter’s Assembly focused on this year’s theme, “The Power of Good”. Coincidentally, it was also World Kindness Day yesterday, and he gave the children a selection of good deeds to try and tick off before the end of the week. Finally, he read a short story to them about the South African concept of ubuntu, where acts of kindness are like ripples on water, and radiate out to the entire community.
Kindness is at the heart of our school, and the thing I value above all else in our children and indeed our staff. There are too many examples for me to list here, but I think immediately of our older children taking wonderful care of the little ones; the readiness our children show to help teachers when something needs to be carried or a bit of lost property needs returning; the sportsmanship shown by teammates when a penalty is missed; the sharing of a playtime snack with someone who forgot theirs, and many, many more. A culture of kindness is promoted throughout the school; one of the many advantages of a school our size is that we really can all get to know each other and look out for each other.
Thursday evening saw a day full of kindness conclude with a tale of treacherous deeds and murder! Year 5 presented their abridged version of Macbeth as part of the Shakespeare Live! event at The Old Market. I was there to see them, and they did a splendid job presenting Shakespeare’s “Scottish Play”. Thanks to all who made this event possible.
Finally, our wonderful Parents’ Association met today for their AGM. We have so many reasons to thank them for what they do; they are currently looking at the “Wish List” put together by staff and children for things they would like to make our school an even more exciting place than it already is. Their most recent venture has been the redecoration of the Library, which has seen much use this week. The new comfy carpet to sit on whilst reading is a big hit!
Ms Elizabeth Lyle, Head