Fostering a sense of community and teamwork
Prince Philip has left an indelible mark on British history and the articles about his remarkable life have been fascinating to read. I was interested to learn of the stabilising influence of his prep school during a turbulent childhood, and then the strengthening of his fortitude and resilience during his senior school years in Scotland. It was here that he learned the value of giving service to others, something that marked his own life of course and which is at the heart of his Duke of Edinburgh Awards. In many articles, I have read that these awards have ‘changed lives’.
Reading The Prince’s obituary, I was reminded of the distinguished scientist Alfred Nobel who once observed a newspaper headline which proclaimed, ‘Dynamite King Dies’. He then read with horror as his own premature obituary described how he had made it possible to kill more people more quickly than any previous time in history. He did not invent dynamite for this purpose of course and he was shocked into the realisation that this was how he was going to be remembered. Fortunately, he had not yet died and so he set about changing the narrative, dedicating the rest of his life to philanthropic causes. He channelled millions into the creation of the Nobel Awards with perhaps the most celebrated being the Nobel Peace Prize.
Prince Philip did not need to read his own obituary before creating the D of E and he knew the importance of securing values and attitudes in young people from an early age. His eponymous award aims to build self-belief, confidence and friendship, encourages initiative and ambition and, most importantly, it fosters a sense of community and team-work. What a legacy he has left and how satisfying to observe that these ideals are shared with the Androvian way of life too! In fact the St Andrew’s Prep Community Award for pupils in Years 6 to 8, which we launched in 2016, is unashamedly a junior version of the D of E.
As we contemplate the summer term ahead of us, we can do so with a sense of optimism following a turbulent year of challenge. The beginning of this term feels like a new opportunity – a chance to make a fresh start and change our own narrative. That’s as true for those embarking on their St Andrew’s journey – and we have been joined by 11 new pupils this week – as it is for those in Year 8. Indeed, as Alfred Nobel learnt, knowing how we are going to be remembered can motivate us into being more purposeful both for ourselves as well as those around us. So I hope those leaving the school in 11 weeks’ time have a wonderful final term full of enjoyment, encouragement, laughter and success. Wear your distinctive blazers with pride everyone!
Another life marked by fortitude and perseverance was that of Captain Sir Tom Moore. As we approach the anniversary of his memorable feat which raised millions of pounds, his Foundation is launching a new challenge. Captain Tom 100 invites everyone of all ages and abilities to dream up a challenge based around the number 100 and complete it on Friday 30 April or over Captain Tom’s birthday weekend through to Bank Holiday Monday 3 May. Funds raised can go to The Captain Tom Foundation or a charity of one’s choice. Take a look at the Captain Tom 100 video to find out more.
From one Tom to another, and I was delighted to welcome Tom Gregory to the school on Wednesday. This was primarily a chance for his family to see the school properly and they were all impressed with the vibrancy and dynamism of the pupils in action. I shall be meeting with Tom regularly over the term, both remotely and in person, to ensure a smooth and thorough handover.
I am delighted that we now have The Snug up and running as our new well-being hub. Prioritising the welfare of the pupils has long been central to our education and it is done in many subtle and unseen ways but the addition of a physical space enhances our provision yet further at a time of great importance. On Monday Sarah Piper will be talking to the children about the launch of the Listening Lounge and I look forward to seeing the provision evolve and develop.
May I remind you to put this date in your diaries: on Wednesday 28 April at 7.30pm to 8.45pm mental health expert, Alicia Drummond, will be giving an online talk entitled, ‘How to Protect Your Child’s Mental Health’. More details will follow in a separate letter.
With many things back up and running, albeit still with restrictions and bubble arrangements in place, I am delighted that sporting fixtures will be returning next week too. The sporting National Governing Bodies have encouraged a return to competitive sport but we are treading very cautiously with things like match teas and spectators; initially these will not happen. A separate communication about fixtures has been sent out this afternoon.
Our drop-off and collection arrangements during these COVID times have generally been successful so thank you for your adherence to these. However, please may I remind parents again about the hazards of stopping on Darley Road near the zebra crossing. The white lines either side of the crossing clearly indicate that no cars should ever stop or park there and this is to protect the safety of all pedestrians and other road users. Pulling into the staff car park to unload in the driveways is also not acceptable as children, staff and parents could be walking through. I appreciate that, at busy times, it is difficult to park but we have to place safety above all else.
Congratulations to our Summer term Head Boy and Head Girl, Isaac and Poppy, and to Daria, Ciara and Billy, the new additions to our Prefect team. The full team for the Summer term are pictured.
And finally… Saturday activities resume tomorrow and we cannot wait. Have a good weekend everyone!